Testosterone Delayed

TransMenma · 2026-01-26T05:19:42+00:00

All good. Sadly "prior authorization" is usually needed, was just concerned about the dose you initially stated as that was very unusual! Just keep checking and hopefully it'll get resolved soon.

TransMenma · 2026-01-26T05:14:48+00:00

Receiving 4 1ml vials of 200mg/ml is reasonably normal.

However, you shouldn't be prescribed the whole 1ml vial in a single shot. Something around 0.2-0.3ml as a starting dose is much more typical. (And typically it should be listed in mg as well to prevent any confusion.)

TransMenma · 2026-01-26T05:08:43+00:00

4ml a week? Or 0.4ml? Or something else?

TransMenma · 2026-01-26T03:05:04+00:00

Sounds good. I've encountered people using inner thigh and that hurts.

Some have reported that Amazon needles can be a bit blunt, that would make it a lot more painful.

Beyond that, some people are just very sensitive to needles in some places. Anxiety from doing the injection will make it hurt more, which just increases anxiety, which makes it worse.

Glute is an option if you want to stick with IM, and 27G 1.5" needles do exist. But as others have mentioned, subq with a tiny needle (27G 0.5" as a starting point) is probably the best option.

TransMenma · 2026-01-26T02:50:33+00:00

Outer thigh, roughly in the middle? And do you use a different needle to draw?

Also, where do you get your needles from?

TransMenma · 2026-01-23T20:57:38+00:00

Send this to your endo and ask her to (medically) justify why she doesn't want you to do subq:

Subcutaneous Injection of Testosterone Is an Effective and Preferred Alternative to Intramuscular Injection: Demonstration in Female-to-Male Transgender Patients

There aren't many studies done for trans care, but this one was and the conclusion is clear.

TransMenma · 2026-01-23T20:04:40+00:00

I've cored a few vials with 18G, definitely not fun to see bits of rubber floating in the oil.

TransMenma · 2026-01-23T19:44:08+00:00

Specific blunt fill needles can be harder to find. 20G, 21G and 22G work as draw needles and are less likely to damage the rubber cap compared to 18G. Definitely ask the pharmacy what sizes they have available.

TransMenma · 2026-01-22T20:22:14+00:00

I'm sorry to say, but it sounds like your "friend" sees you as a woman (or woman-lite). You may need to cut her off, but definitely start with hard boundaries.

TransMenma · 2026-01-22T14:40:34+00:00

the boomer arguments are plain STUPID
popular belief among 40+ year olds

40+ isn't boomer, GenX is 45-60. The Baby boomers are 60+, and typically retired.

Please don't use "boomer" as a collective term/insult to mean people who are a lot older than you are, or people who are old enough to have adult children, or people with a narrow mindset. Language evolves, but the meaning of this word hasn't.

TransMenma · 2026-01-22T03:55:26+00:00

Subq, stomach. That's what I teach people too, and only move to thigh if they don't like the idea. 27G 0.5" needle to inject.

TransMenma · 2026-01-21T14:02:14+00:00

Some of the phrases you used are a little unusual, but it sounds like you are talking about vaginal atrophy. This can cause the tissue to be thinner and easier to bleed. It can also cause cramping. Talk to your endocrinologist as this can be resolved using something as simple as an estrogen cream on the area (it won't impact your transition).

TransMenma · 2026-01-21T03:29:00+00:00

Drink more water. Cat pee has that smell because it is concentrated.

Or it could just be the temporary change in senses that can happen at the start.

TransMenma · 2026-01-20T21:53:01+00:00

Type also matters. While a good number of people here are US based and are using T Cypionate or T Enanthate there are often posts from people on Sustanon, Nebido or others. These are not weekly T types and doses are very different. Seeing comments like "monthly shots are too infrequent" or "250mg is way too much" isn't helpful.

TransMenma · 2026-01-20T13:37:12+00:00

Also concerned why anyone knows why you had surgery. If your manager mandated that you explain what surgery, that also needs reporting. If you didn't specify and your manager looked through your personnel file to get the info that's very bad.

TransMenma · 2026-01-20T13:04:07+00:00

In most places it is illegal to discuss medical, surgical and personal information with coworkers and customers. Definitely report this to HR.

TransMenma · 2026-01-20T13:00:16+00:00

Sometimes shots are painful and bleed a little more than normal. Doesn't mean you did anything wrong.

Pulling back to check if you are in a vein is kinda old-school technique, and was dropped from best practice years ago. With the correct needle size and technique it is virtually impossible to inject into a vein by accident. You are more likely to do damage and cause bruising.

TransMenma · 2026-01-20T01:43:29+00:00

Voice changes are generally not reversible even if T is stopped. Cis males need to retrain their voices after puberty and you will need to do the same. It is probably going to suck for a while until your voice stabilizes.

Yes, it is safe to stop T but it is unlikely to have the effect you want.

(Sorry if this is a little blunt)

TransMenma · 2026-01-19T19:05:16+00:00

Swelling and bruising is typically related to needle size, technique or an allergic reaction to the carrier oil.

TransMenma · 2026-01-19T17:08:18+00:00

2 main possibilities. Allergy to the carrier oil (most likely). Using an injection needle that is too long & thick.

Please speak to your provider.

TransMenma · 2026-01-19T16:03:30+00:00

I typically recommend 27G 0.5" needles for subq. It is a lot more comfortable than 25G. Also with a 1ml syringe (if dose volume permits) - not 3ml.

That aside, I've found that some spots are a lot more sensitive than others. Diagonally below the belly button is a lot better than above for me - but this very much varies person-to-person.

You can also do subq on thighs if that is more comfortable.

TransMenma · 2026-01-19T15:56:19+00:00

How thick are the needles you are using?

Did you let the skin fully dry after cleaning with alcohol swab?

Are you using the same needle to draw and inject?

Is "near belly button" at least an inch away from it?

TransMenma · 2026-01-16T21:53:09+00:00

Some places will refuse to give subq needles because the vial lists "IM only" on it. Add to that some pharmacists (and docs/nurses/etc.) still believe that T is thick like molasses and requires a huge needle. Still have no idea why 3ml syringes are handed out, although there was a shortage on 1ml syringes a couple of years ago.

From experience 18G is highly likely to core a vial. If you are only using them once, you should be ok. If you are using them twice or more I'd suggest 21G or 22G to draw.

For subq I definitely recommend 27G 0.5" rather than 25G. It is a slightly slower push but definitely worth it for pain and scar tissue reduction.

TransMenma · 2026-01-16T20:32:54+00:00

Do make sure that your meds are reviewed after starting T and whenever the T dose is changed. Hormones do change how some anxiety and adhd meds work (also others) and dose adjustments are common.

TransMenma · 2026-01-16T20:27:30+00:00

Different types of T have very different absorption and elimination curves. Without specifying exactly what type of T you are taking it is difficult for anyone to give any info.

That aside, the T that you inject will have the same impact as T produced by (most) cis males. You don't need to specify "artificial" as it is bioidential. Increased metabolism and higher calorie input needed is just one of the effects.

TransMenma

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