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The Truth On Sustanon Injections And Side Effects

The Truth On Sustanon Injections And Side Effects

By Mike Kocsis | 7 minutes read | Last updated: January 31, 2025   Categories:   Hormone imbalance Medication Testosterone TRT

Medically Reviewed by Dr. George Touliatos

Evidence Based Research

What is Sustanon 250?

Sustanon 250 one of many options of injectable testosterone in the UK, also known as Sustanon 250, is an oil-based injectable consisting of four different testosterone esters: testosterone propionate (30mg), testosterone phenylpropionate (60mg), testosterone isocaproate (60mg) and testosterone decanoate (100mg). It helps to maintain stable testosterone levels in the body over time.

Sustanon 250 injections were originally developed for patients to receive the fast-acting benefits of testosterone over an extended period. The idea of using a combination of short and long-duration esters was for people to be able to inject every 2-3 weeks.

More recently, Sustanon 250 has become popular in bodybuilding circles for its androgenic properties and sustained release of testosterone. However, Sustanon 250 is not available for prescription in the United States and is only available on the black market there. However, In the UK and Europe, Sustanon 250 is available by prescription.

Almost all TRT literature from the US (the biggest market for TRT) focuses on testosterone enanthate, cypionate and propionate. As such, patients diagnosed with low testosterone in the UK may be wary of treatment with Sustanon because of its reputation as a ‘designer steroid.’

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What is Sustanon 250 Used For?

Sustanon 250 is primarily used to treat conditions related to testosterone deficiency, including:

  • Primary Hypogonadism: Where the testicles do not produce sufficient testosterone due to damage or developmental issues.
  • Secondary Hypogonadism: Where the hypothalamus or pituitary gland fails to signal the testicles to produce testosterone.
  • Delayed Puberty: In adolescents who have not developed secondary sexual characteristics at the expected time.
  • Hormone Therapy: In certain cases, it may be used as part of hormone therapy in transgender men or men who are testosterone deficient.

Before starting treatment with Sustanon 250, it is important to exclude benign prostate hyperplasia through appropriate screening methods.

 

Dosage and Administration

Sustanon 250 is administered through an intramuscular injection, most commonly into the gluteal muscle (the large muscle in the buttocks). This method ensures that the medication is absorbed slowly and steadily into the bloodstream, providing a sustained release of testosterone over time.

The standard dosage for Sustanon 250 is typically one injection every three to four weeks, depending on the individual’s testosterone levels and specific medical needs. However, your healthcare provider may tailor the dosage and frequency of injections based on factors such as your age, weight, and the severity of your testosterone deficiency. Regular monitoring of testosterone levels through blood tests is crucial to ensure that the treatment is both safe and effective, allowing your doctor to make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. This personalized approach helps to optimize the benefits of Sustanon 250 while minimizing potential side effects.

 

The Truth About Sustanon 250 Injections

The combination of four different esters in Sustanon gives it a higher perceived value in the eyes of many people. In truth, however, Sustanon has the same effects and benefits as other testosterone preparations. Sustanon is a type of anabolic androgenic steroid used in testosterone replacement therapy. It contains several testosterone esters derived from the natural hormone testosterone.

As mentioned, the intention of Sustanon was for people to inject every 2-3 weeks. This sounds great in practice – fewer needles means less hassle right? Sadly not. This type of injection frequency inevitably produces what Sustanon was meant to prevent: Peaks and valleys in blood T-levels.

This is because the half-life, i.e. the time period required for the concentration of a drug in the body be reduced to one-half, of the testosterone esters in Sustanon vary from 2 days to 2 weeks. So over 2-3 weeks, blood T-levels will drop.

Therefore, the recommendation is to inject Sustanon every 5 days. This ensures you maintain stable blood T-levels and avoid the peaks and valleys of low-frequency Sustanon injections.

The manufacturer of Sustanon produces it in glass ampoules. Therefore, they are not as easy to use as the reusable vials seen in the US. It does take some practice, however, once you know how to do it the process is straightforward.

 

While you’re using Sustanon 250

While taking Sustanon 250, a doctor will typically order regular blood tests to monitor your hormone levels, liver function, cholesterol, and overall health. These tests help ensure that your testosterone levels remain within a safe and effective range but also serve to minimise potential side effects.

Testosterone blood test

Depending on your response to the treatment, your doctor may adjust your dosage if necessary. You may start noticing improvements in symptoms such as low energy, reduced muscle mass, low libido, and low mood within a few weeks, though full benefits can take a few months. Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider will also help track your progress and address any side effects, ensuring that your treatment is both safe and effective.

 

After using Sustanon 250

After stopping Sustanon 250, your body will gradually experience a decline in testosterone levels. This can lead to the gradual return of symptoms that were previously managed by the treatment. Over weeks to months, you might notice the following symptoms return:

Increased body fat

How Does Sustanon 250 Work with Testosterone Propionate?

Sustanon 250 is a blend of four different testosterone esters, including testosterone propionate. Testosterone propionate is a fast-acting ester in the mix, which means it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream after injection, providing an initial boost in T-levels. This rapid action helps to alleviate symptoms of low testosterone more quickly, while the other esters in Sustanon 250, with longer half-lives, sustain the hormone’s levels over time. The inclusion of testosterone propionate in Sustanon 250 ensures a more immediate therapeutic effect, making it an essential component for maintaining stable and balanced hormone levels in the body.

Sustanon 250 as a testosterone treatment

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone responsible for developing male characteristics and maintaining overall health. Sustanon 250 works by supplementing the body with bioidentical testosterone, helping to restore normal T-levels and alleviate testosterone deficiency symptoms such as fatigue, reduced libido and low mood.

Regular blood tests are crucial to monitor the patient’s response to the therapy and check for potential side effects, such as changes in haemoglobin and hematocrit levels.

 

Sustanon 250 Side Effects in Testosterone Therapy

As a direct testosterone product, Sustanon 250 has the same side effects as other testosterone preparations.

There are two types of side effects that you should consider with testosterone replacement therapy. The first are estrogenic side effects, these include:

  • Water retention / puffiness
  • Bloating
  • Sensitive nipples
  • Mood swings
  • Gynecomastia

it may be necessary for some patients undergoing TRT to take an anti-estrogen such as a Arimidex or Aromasin to curtail estrogenic side effects.

You must also consider the androgenic side effects of Sustanon 250/TRT, they include:

  • Acne
  • Oily skin and acne
  • Body and facial hair growth
  • Male pattern baldness (for those predisposed to baldness)

Testosterone and hair loss

These androgen-associated adverse reactions require careful monitoring and adjustment of therapy to manage potential side effects effectively.

Rare Side Effects include Liver dysfunction, blood clots, and prostate cancer. If you experience any severe or unusual symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. Misuse of testosterone can lead to serious adverse reactions, including cardiovascular and psychiatric events.

Sustanon 250, as with any other form of testosterone, will produce negative side effects when taken in non-clinical/supraphysiological doses. However, proper dosage and regular injection frequency will mitigate virtually all side effects. Therefore, it is of critical importance to always seek treatment from a reputable doctor.

Remember, testosterone is a fundamental hormone in the human body. And so the body readily accommodates it:

Bio-identical testosterone is NOT the same as a synthetic steroid that is a derivative of the testosterone molecule. Monitoring testosterone levels is crucial to prevent testosterone abuse and its associated health risks.

 

Who Should Not Use Sustanon 250?

Sustanon 250 should not be used by individuals who:

  • Have a known or suspected history of prostate or breast cancer.
  • Are allergic to any of the ingredients in Sustanon 250.
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have serious heart, liver, or kidney conditions.
  • Those who have cardiac or hepatic disease

 

Precautions and Interactions

Before starting Sustanon 250, inform your healthcare provider of any other medical conditions you have or any other medications you are taking, as there may be potential interactions. Regular monitoring of blood testosterone levels, liver function, and blood counts is recommended to ensure safe and effective use of this medication. Treatment with Sustanon 250, like other anabolic androgenic steroids, carries potential health risks that require regular monitoring and supervision by a healthcare provider.

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Final Thoughts

When used properly, Sustanon 250 is an option for testosterone replacement therapy.

Some NHS doctors in the UK avoid Sustanon 250 due to concerns with peaks and valleys when injecting every 2-3 weeks.  However, they miss the point entirely.

Unfortunately, the lack a basic understanding of pharmacology and ester half lives. Therefore, they prefer to prescribe Nebido under the false impression it’s more stable than Sustanon 250. Or perhaps they like the fact that patients need to inject less with it, either way it’s the patient that suffers.

The experience of Sustanon 250 both personally and with patients has been very positive.  Almost like clockwork, the combination of esters means you can accurately predict blood levels of testosterone. This makes it a very reliable method for testosterone replacement.

It must be noted that individuals with a peanut allergy should not consider Sustanon 250 because it contains peanut oil.

If you want to discuss the potential options for testosterone replacement therapy, get in contact with us today.

 

Please note the information on this page is not intended to promote prescription only medications. We are not providing medical advice and are not a provider of medical care nor do we make any claims. The information on this page is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice provided by your healthcare practioner. Please consult with your doctor should you have any questions or contact us to arrange a proper consulation with an independent doctor provider. The informaiton on this page may not necessarily reflect the views of all doctors in our network.

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Evidence Based Research

This article has been researched and written based on scientific evidence and fact sheets that have then been crossed checked by our team of doctors and subject matter experts.

References, sources and studies used alongside our own in-house research have been cited below, most of which contain external clickable links to reviewed scientific paper that contain date stamped evidence.

Our team of healthcare experts and GMC registered doctors are licensed to UK GMC standards. We strive to provide you with the latest evidence based, researched articles that are unbiased, honest and provide you with accurate insights, statistics and helpful information on the discussed topic to ensure you gain a better understanding of the subject. You can read more about our Editorial Process by clicking here.

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About the Author: Mike Kocsis

Mike KocsisMike Kocsis has an MBA with a focus on healthcare administration and is an entrepreneur and medical case manager for Balance My Hormones Ltd which offers medical services in the UK and Europe. Mike has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector, much of that working with people who have hormone imbalances. Mike has appeared on podcasts and radio and is an expert speaker on the subject of hormone imbalance. He specialises in Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and has helped thousands of people suffering from hormone imbalances recover and regain control of their lives. You can follow him on LinkedIn and on the Balance My Hormones YouTube Channel.

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Last update: January 31st, 2025

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