What Is Testosterone?

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It plays a critical role in developing and maintaining male sexual characteristics, building muscle and bone, regulating mood, and supporting overall health. Your body produces it naturally — mostly in the testes — but production can decline due to age, medical conditions, or injury.

When your body doesn't produce enough Testosterone on its own, it's called hypogonadism (commonly referred to as "low T"). Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) uses prescription Testosterone to bring your levels back to a normal range.

Testosterone is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance by the DEA, which means it requires a prescription and is regulated more tightly than most medications. For a deeper look at how it works in the body, see our guide on how Testosterone works.

What Is Testosterone Used For?

The FDA has approved Testosterone for:

• Primary hypogonadism — When the testes don't produce enough Testosterone due to genetic conditions, injury, infection, or other causes.
• Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism — When the brain (pituitary gland or hypothalamus) doesn't signal the testes to produce Testosterone properly.
• Delayed puberty — In select cases where adolescent males have significantly delayed development.

Testosterone is also used off-label for:

• Gender-affirming hormone therapy (female-to-male)
• Low libido in postmenopausal women (not FDA-approved for this use)
• Muscle wasting associated with chronic illness like HIV/AIDS
• Age-related Testosterone decline (a controversial area — the FDA does not approve TRT solely for age-related low T)

Testosterone Dosage Forms

One of the unique things about Testosterone is how many ways you can take it. Here's a breakdown of every available formulation:

Injections

• Testosterone Cypionate (generic, Depo-Testosterone) — 100 mg/mL or 200 mg/mL. Given intramuscularly every 1–4 weeks. The most commonly prescribed and most affordable form.
• Testosterone Enanthate — 200 mg/mL. Similar to Cypionate, given IM every 1–4 weeks.
• Xyosted — Subcutaneous autoinjector (50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg) given weekly. Easier to self-administer than IM injections.
• Aveed (Testosterone Undecanoate) — 750 mg given every 10 weeks after a loading period. Must be administered in a healthcare setting due to the risk of pulmonary oil microembolism. Has a REMS requirement.

Topical Gels

• AndroGel (1%, 1.62%), Testim (1%), Fortesta (2%), Vogelxo (1%) — Applied daily to shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen. Must dry before contact with others.

Patches

• Androderm — 2 mg/24hr or 4 mg/24hr patch applied nightly to clean skin on the back, abdomen, or thigh.

Oral Capsules

• Jatenzo (158 mg, 198 mg, 237 mg), Tlando (112.5 mg), Kyzatrex (100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg) — Taken twice daily with food. These carry a boxed warning about increased blood pressure risk.

Nasal Gel

• Natesto — 5.5 mg per pump, applied inside the nostrils three times daily.

Pellet Implants

• Testopel — 75 mg pellets implanted under the skin every 3–6 months in a minor outpatient procedure.

Typical Dosing

Dosing depends on the formulation and your individual blood levels. Here are typical ranges:

• Testosterone Cypionate injection: 50–400 mg intramuscularly every 2–4 weeks
• Topical gel (AndroGel 1.62%): 20.25–81 mg applied daily
• Oral (Jatenzo): 158–396 mg twice daily with food
• Patch (Androderm): 2–4 mg/day
• Nasal (Natesto): 11 mg three times daily

Your doctor will start at a moderate dose and adjust based on follow-up blood work, usually checking levels 4–6 weeks after starting.

How to Take Testosterone

How you take Testosterone depends on your formulation:

• Injections: Given into the thigh or gluteal muscle (IM) or subcutaneously. Many patients learn to self-inject at home.
• Gels: Apply to clean, dry skin on the shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen each morning. Let it dry completely. Wash hands immediately. Avoid skin-to-skin contact with women and children — transferred Testosterone can cause serious effects.
• Patches: Apply at bedtime to a clean area on your back, abdomen, or thigh. Rotate sites to avoid irritation.
• Oral capsules: Take with food twice daily. Swallow whole — don't crush or chew.
• Nasal gel: Apply inside each nostril three times daily using the metered pump.

How Much Does Testosterone Cost?

Cost varies dramatically by formulation:

• Testosterone Cypionate (generic injection): $30–$110 for a vial without insurance. As low as $14–$30 with a GoodRx or SingleCare coupon.
• Generic Testosterone gel: $40–$150/month with a coupon.
• AndroGel (brand): $400–$900/month without insurance.
• Jatenzo (oral): $500–$900/month.
• Androderm (patch): $200–$500/month.

For most patients, generic Testosterone Cypionate injections are by far the most affordable option. See our full guide on how to save money on Testosterone for coupons, patient assistance programs, and other savings strategies.

Important Safety Information

Before starting Testosterone, you should know:

• Contraindications: Testosterone should not be used by anyone with known or suspected prostate cancer, male breast cancer, or by women who are or may become pregnant (Category X).
• Cardiovascular risk: Oral Testosterone formulations carry a boxed warning about increased blood pressure and cardiovascular events. The TRAVERSE trial showed no significant increase in major events with injectable Testosterone, but monitoring is still essential.
• Polycythemia: Testosterone increases red blood cell production. Regular blood work is needed to monitor hematocrit levels.
• Fertility: TRT suppresses sperm production. If you want children, discuss this with your doctor first.
• Drug interactions: Testosterone interacts with blood thinners (Warfarin), diabetes medications, and corticosteroids. See our full drug interactions guide.

For a complete breakdown of side effects, read Testosterone side effects: what to expect.

The Testosterone Shortage in 2026

Testosterone Cypionate has been in intermittent shortage since 2023 due to increased demand, manufacturing delays, and DEA production quotas. If you're having trouble finding it at your pharmacy, use MedFinder to check stock or ask your doctor about alternative formulations.

The Bottom Line

Testosterone replacement therapy is a well-established treatment for men with clinically low Testosterone. With multiple formulations available — from affordable injections to convenient gels and newer oral options — there's likely an option that fits your lifestyle and budget. The key is working with a knowledgeable doctor, getting regular blood work, and staying on top of your prescription during the ongoing shortage.

Need to find a prescriber? Check out our guide on how to find a doctor who prescribes Testosterone.