By Mike Kocsis | 10 minutes read | Last updated: May 27, 2025 Categories: Testosterone
Medically Reviewed by Dr. George Touliatos
What is testosterone enanthate?
Testosterone Enanthate is another option for men being treated for male hypogonadism or testosterone deficiency.
This formulation of testosterone enanthate includes the testosterone molecule attached to a fatty acid ester called enanthate.
Enanthat slows testosterone absorption into the bloodstream. Without it, the bio-identical testosterone would reach very high peak levels and only last in the body for mere hours before dropping down to baseline levels.
Testosterone enanthate is an oil-based injection, meaning the testosterone is combined with oil (typically sesame oil) to form the injectable solution.
The oil helps testosterone enanthate to be released slowly into your body after it is injected, rather than all at once.
Since oil does not dissolve in water, it makes testosterone stay in the injection site longer and be absorbed more gradually.
What are testosterone enanthate injections?
The testosterone enanthate is available in various formulations, containing preservatives like benzyl benzoate or benzyl alcohol.
Testosterone enanthate has been designed to gradually release from the depot of the injection site which is intended to be a deep intramuscular injection with a 1-1.25” needle.
In general, all testosterone injections are equal once they cleave from their ester. The rate of release and the excipients (inactive substance or ingredient) used as a preservative can affect its tolerability by the patient.
Allergies to the excipients, such as arachis oil or castor oil, would preclude a patient from using such a preparation.
In Europe, certain brands of testosterone enanthate do contain arachis oil which is a type of peanut-based oil. So, it’s important to inform your doctor of any allergies should you be prescribed testosterone injections.
The oily solution that is testosterone enanthate should be injected immediately after suction into the syringe (as recommended by Norma – one of the manufacturers of testosterone enanthate).
This means ensuring that you do not store any remaining contents of the ampoule in another syringe or in a separate vial.
What is testosterone enanthate Xyosted®?
A newer testosterone enanthate on the market that does not contain a preservative is called Xyosted®.
This is a recently FDA-approved (Food and Drug Administration approved) testosterone preparation designed for single use only.
It is supplied in an auto-injector in the following doses: 50mg/0.5mL, 75mg/0.5ml, and 100mg/0.5ml without a preservative.
Xyosted® has not been approved or licensed for use in Europe or the UK as the manufacturer has not applied for a license to market it with the appropriate medicines agencies.
Testosterone enanthate Xyosted vs normal testosterone enanthate
Injecting normal testosterone enanthate with a preservative may cause cellular damage to local tissues which could manifest itself in swelling, lumps, bruising, bumps, and itching at the injection site.
Following doses of 50mg to 100mg Xyosted® produce levels from 389 to 1410 ng/dl over a 7-day period.
The subcutaneous rather than intramuscular injection seems to dampen any spikes or peaks with testosterone enanthate. It may have a slower onset as well as irritation at the testosterone injection site.
How does testosterone enanthate work?
Testosterone enanthate 250 is an intramuscular (IM) injection, meaning it is injected into muscles, particularly in the buttock.
Once you inject it, it is slowly released into your bloodstream over time. When it enters the bloodstream, it is converted into active testosterone that your body uses to perform various functions, such as to:
- Increase muscle mass
- Improve bone mineral density (BMD)
- Regulate mood
- Support sexual health
After testosterone is used, it is processed by the liver and eventually excreted through urine.
What is testosterone enanthate used for?
Some men are unable to produce enough testosterone, resulting in problems like low sex drive, lack of energy, low bone density, etc. This can happen naturally (a condition called hypogonadism) or due to medications, injury, or other factors.
Such men need external testosterone, like testosterone enanthate 250, to bring their serum testosterone levels back to normal so their bodies can perform normally.
This medication is FDA-approved for use in conditions such as:
- Primary hypogonadism in men
- Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in men
- Delayed puberty in boys
- Metastatic breast cancer in women
Testosterone enanthate for bodybuilding
Some bodybuilders also use testosterone enanthate due to its ability to improve physique, performance, and recovery.
However, using it for non-medical purposes is considered misuse and can lead to health risks such as heart stroke, liver diseases, hallucinations, etc.
Testosterone enanthate is a Schedule III controlled substance in many countries, meaning it has the potential to cause dependence and abuse.
Because of this, it can only be legally obtained with a doctor’s prescription.
How to inject testosterone enanthate?
Testosterone enanthate is administered solely by injection, which is undoubtedly the most effective way to get testosterone in your bloodstream.
With an injection, you can ensure that your testosterone takes a very fast effect and makes it easier for you to overcome the side effects of low testosterone.
Your doctor or medical professional will show you the details, but you should know that testosterone enanthate is very easily given with just an injection.
Watch our step-by-step guide on how to inject testosterone:
Where to inject testosterone enanthate?
Two common places you can inject testosterone enanthate are the upper arm (deltoid muscle) and the buttock (gluteal), as illustrated below:
Can you inject testosterone enanthate subcutaneously?
Testosterone enanthate is typically administered intramuscularly (IM).
However, there is some evidence suggesting that it can be injected subcutaneously (under the skin), is well-received by patients, and is more convenient for self-administration.
Still, this is not the most common or preferred method. Discuss the injection administration route with your doctor before you begin testosterone therapy.
Testosterone enanthate dosages
Typical dosages of testosterone enanthate range from 50 mg to 400 mg, administered through intramuscular injections every 1 to 4 weeks.
However, the precise testosterone dosage varies depending on factors like age, overall health, and the severity of testosterone deficiency.
For more info on dosages, click testosterone enanthate dosages.
How long does testosterone enanthate stay in your system?
Testosterone enanthate has a 4.5-day half-life and can take 2 to 4 weeks to leave your body. Its metabolism occurs primarily in the liver, where it is broken down before being excreted.
How to store testosterone enanthate?
First and foremost, ensure that the medication is kept out of the reach of children and pets. Store it at a controlled room temperature, typically between 68°F and 77°F (20°C-25°C).
Avoid exposure to excessive heat or cold, and never refrigerate or freeze testosterone enanthate unless explicitly instructed to do so by a healthcare professional or pharmacist.
Keep the medication in its original packaging, protecting it from direct light and moisture.
Always check the expiration date and properly dispose of any expired or unused medication.
If you have any doubts or specific storage instructions, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalised guidance.
How long does it take for testosterone enanthate to work?
Know that hormone replacement therapy or testosterone replacement therapy is not a treatment that always works right away. There are times when this injection can take several weeks to start having an effect on how you feel.
A study showed that men experienced an improvement in their sexual interest after taking TRT for 3 weeks, muscle strength after 3 to 4 months, and bone density after 6 months.
So, the best thing that you can do when you start to take testosterone enanthate injections is to have patience.
Stay in regular communication with your doctor to ensure that your response to the injections is typical and there is nothing out of the ordinary.
Testosterone enanthate before and after
Before starting testosterone, men experience different low T symptoms. However, after starting it, many of them see a significant improvement in their overall health within a few weeks to a few months.
The following table highlights what you may feel before and after starting testosterone enanthate treatment.
Before Testosterone Enanthate 250 | After Testosterone Enanthate 250 |
Muscle Mass: Difficulty gaining muscle or experiencing muscle loss. | Muscle Mass: Increased muscle size and strength, as testosterone aids in protein synthesis and muscle repair. |
Fat Distribution: Higher fat retention, especially around the abdomen and hips. | Fat Distribution: Reduced fat, particularly abdominal fat, due to enhanced fat-burning potential. |
Sexual Health: Decreased interest in sexual activities, low libido and erectile dysfunction. | Sexual Health: Increased libido, improved erectile function, and overall better sexual performance. |
Cognitive Function: Brain fog, poor memory, and lack of focus. | Cognitive Function: Better mental health, improved focus, and sharper memory due to hormonal balance. |
Bone Density: Risk of weakened bones or osteoporosis with prolonged low testosterone levels. | Bone Density: Improved bone density, reducing the risk of fractures and promoting overall bone health. |
Energy Levels: Often experience fatigue, low stamina, and poor recovery times. | Energy Levels: Improved stamina, increased energy, and quicker recovery post-workout. |
What are the benefits of testosterone enanthate?
Here are the top benefits of testosterone enanthate:
- Single ester of testosterone with a very similar half-life to testosterone cypionate allowing stable levels.
- Some testosterone enanthate formulations contain Castor Oil (in UK and European formulations), allowing peanut allergy sufferers to have the option of testosterone enanthate instead of Sustanon (which contains arachis oil).
- In Europe, testosterone enanthate supply is more easily accessible through pharmacies, making better continuity of supply
- Like testosterone cypionate, it does not have to be injected every day or every other day like testosterone propionate, but can be injected at a frequency of 3-7 days.
- In Europe, testosterone enanthate comes in single-use ampoules, which allows for lower infection risk in comparison to multi-dose vials.
Testosterone enanthate side effects and warnings
Testosterone enanthate has some potential side effects that users should be aware of. These include:
Common side effects
Common side effects usually occur initially, and then your body gets used to testosterone shots. As a result, these side effects eventually go away without medication assistance. If they persist, discuss the issue with your doctor.
These include:
- Acne and oily skin
- Pain or irritation at the application site
- Breast tissue growth, which sometimes stays for as long as you are on this testosterone
- Frequent or continuing erection
- Changes in sex drive
Other side effects
- Tingling sensation
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Hair loss
- Nausea, vomiting
- Headache
- Testicular shrinkage
- Low sperm production
Serious side effects
The long-term use of testosterone enanthate sex hormone increases risk of:
- Trouble sleeping (worsening of sleep apnea)
- Liver disease
- Red blood cell count increase
- Cardiovascular disease
- Fluid retention
- Allergic reactions
Know that testosterone is prescribed only after a thorough evaluation.
Since testosterone deficiency also has its own risks, your doctor will weigh the potential benefits and risks to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
What precautions should you take with testosterone enanthate?
Testosterone enanthate can produce adverse effects in people of certain age groups, with specific health conditions or other factors. Keep these precautionary measures in mind before using it:
- The treatment can affect your cholesterol levels. So, if you have a heart disease history, regular cholesterol monitoring will be necessary for you.
- Testosterone enanthate therapy is generally not safe for men with prostate cancer, breast cancer, liver disease, and kidney issues. It can aggravate these conditions.
- These injection formulations mostly have sesame seed oil. So, if you are allergic to this oil, you should avoid using this injection. Consult your doctor for alternative formulations.
- Testosterone can reduce sperm count and affect fertility. If planning for pregnancy, discuss fertility preservation with your doctor.
- It can interact with certain medications such as blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), corticosteroids, insulin, and medications used for high blood pressure. These interactions may affect the effectiveness of either the testosterone treatment or the other medications.
How to optimise your results with testosterone enanthate 250?
One of the most important things when using testosterone is to strictly follow your doctor’s medication prescribed dosage and injection schedule.
Adopt healthy lifestyle habits such as eating balanced foods, exercising regularly, etc. These lifestyle changes can improve the treatment’s outcome by improving overall well-being and reducing the risk of potential side effects.
Have open communication with your doctor about side effects, expectations, etc., so you can set realistic goals for your therapy.
Is testosterone enanthate legal?
One of the most common concerns of those with active lifestyles is whether testosterone enanthate is legal.
From a federal and state legal perspective, enanthate is perfectly legal to use as a treatment method for low testosterone and the related symptoms that come along with it.
However, if you are a competitive athlete, the chances are that you will not be a candidate for testosterone enanthate injections. The reason is that testosterone injections, while meant to be a medical treatment for low testosterone, could also be used for performance enhancement.
Increased testosterone could increase muscle mass and endurance, which could clearly give an athlete a competitive edge in a professional sport.
For this reason, many governing bodies of the largest sports in the world have banned testosterone injections or other anabolic steroids, even when used as a medical treatment for a condition.
Where and how to get testosterone enanthate?
Follow these steps to buy testosterone enanthate in the UK:
- Speak to one of our consultants about your health symptoms.
- Undergo a full testosterone blood test to check for health issues.
- Upon successful diagnosis of low testosterone, we will offer you a variety of personalised treatment options.
- Depending on your preference and what we think will work best for you, we may prescribe you testosterone enanthate.
- Testosterone enanthate prescriptions will be issued.
- Symptoms and prescribed treatment of enanthate will be monitored on an ongoing basis.
What is the testosterone enanthate cost in the UK?
In the UK, the cost of testosterone enanthate can vary depending on several factors, including the specific brand, dosage, and the pharmacy or healthcare provider from which it is obtained.
Generally, enanthate is available as both generic and brand-name medications, with generic versions often being more affordable.
The expense may also be influenced by the frequency of injections required for the prescribed treatment plan.
Does the NHS cover the cost of testosterone enanthate?
It’s important to note that in the UK, the NHS may cover the cost of testosterone replacement therapy for individuals with documented medical need.
However, those who do not qualify for NHS coverage may need to cover the costs themselves. It can range from relatively modest to more significant, depending on individual treatment requirements and preferences.
Typically, private TRT treatment packages for testosterone enanthate cost between £70 and £113 per month, depending on the treatment options you go for.
If you are interested in how to get testosterone enanthate, then contact us.
Does testosterone enanthate expire?
Yes, like any other medication, testosterone enanthate also comes with an expiration date.
Check your medication’s packaging for the printed expiration date. Avoid using it after this date to ensure safety and effectiveness.
What is the difference between testosterone cypionate and testosterone enanthate?
The main difference between these two variations of testosterone lies in their carrier oil or ester chain length. Cypionate has a comparatively longer ester chain, due to which it is released more slowly.
Does testosterone enanthate affect liver?
Long-term, unmonitored use of higher doses of testosterone enanthate may cause liver toxicity.
However, it is less likely to cause liver problems compared to oral forms of testosterone because injectable testosterone (such as enanthate) bypasses the liver during absorption (via the bloodstream).
Wrapping it up
Testosterone enanthate can bring your testosterone levels back to normal and treat symptoms of low testosterone. But it has some potential side effects as well, including acne, weight gain, fluid retention, etc.
Discuss your health goals, medical history, and any current medications with your doctor before starting this treatment.
Balance My Hormones can help take the hassle out of procuring your testosterone enanthate prescription hormones through our one-stop service model.
Get in touch if you need help diagnosing and treating/optimising your testosterone levels.
References
Abdallah, H., Yassin, A., Albudairat, A., Kamkoum, H. and Alzubaidi, R.T., 2025. Testosterone Therapy: Injectable Androgens. J Urol Ren Dis, 10, p.1419.
Figueiredo, M.G., Gagliano-Jucá, T. and Basaria, S., 2022. Testosterone therapy with subcutaneous injections: a safe, practical, and reasonable option. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 107(3), pp.614-626.
Saad, F., Aversa, A., Isidori, A.M., Zafalon, L., Zitzmann, M. and Gooren, L., 2011. Onset of effects of testosterone treatment and time span until maximum effects are achieved. European Journal of Endocrinology, 165(5), pp.675-685.
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