A quick snapshot
Injectables
Effectiveness: High
Benefits: Precise dosing and reliable results
Dosing schedule: Daily to 12-weekly
Cost: £10–60 per month
Creams and gels
Effectiveness: Variable
Benefits: Non-invasive and easy to use
Dosing schedule: Once a day
Cost: £45–70 per month
Capsules
Effectiveness: Moderate
Benefits: Simple and most convenient
Dosing schedule: Twice a day
Cost: £80–180 per month
Everything you need to know
Injectables
Injectables are the most popular TRT option for good reason — they’re highly effective and deliver predictable results. With short, medium, and long-acting preparations available, there’s a solution to fit every lifestyle.
If intramuscular injections aren’t your thing, subcutaneous options offer a more comfortable alternative. These involve injecting into fat rather than muscle, and most men say they hardly feel a thing.
Pros
- Reliable delivery method with predictable results
- Flexible dosing schedules, including long-acting options
- Subcutaneous options offer a virtually painless alternative to intramuscular injections
- Precise dosage control
- Fast results
- Cost-effective compared to some other TRT methods
Cons
- Not ideal for men with a needle phobia
- Less convenient than other TRT methods
- More prone to side effects like polycythaemia (thicker blood)
- Potential for irritation or discomfort at the injection site
- Testosterone levels may trough between injections
Preparations
- Testosterone cypionate
- Testosterone enanthate
- Sustanon® (mixture of 4 esters)
- Nebido® (testosterone undecanoate)
Dosing schedule
Varies by type, ranging from daily to every 12 weeks.
Cost
Varies by type, from £10 to £60 per month.
Injection equipment is usually provided as a starter pack by the TRT supplier, lasting several months and costing around £30. Alternatively, you can source the equipment yourself, and we can provide a list of trusted suppliers.
Everything you need to know
Creams and gels
TRT creams and gels deliver synthesised testosterone through the skin, where it’s gradually absorbed into the bloodstream, mimicking the body’s natural hormone rhythm.
Creams are thicker, oil-based, and best applied to thinner skin areas like the scrotum, while gels are alcohol- or water-based and typically applied to the arms, shoulders, or abdomen.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Easy to adjust dosing
- No injections required
- Well-established form of TRT
- Lower risk of side effects compared to injectables
- Testosterone concentrations peak and trough similar to the body's natural production of testosterone
- Non-invasive
Cons
- Some men don’t respond well (non-responders) and don’t reach adequate testosterone levels
- Risk of transferring testosterone to others through skin contact — must be careful around pregnant women or children (the risk is low but possible)
- Can be messy to apply
- Must avoid washing, swimming or activities that make you sweat for a few hours after application
- Absorption varies based on skin thickness and application site, which can affect dosing consistency
- Possible skin irritation or reaction
Preparations
- Scrotal testosterone creams
- Testosterone gels (e.g. Testogel®, Testavan®, Tostran®)
Find out more about the pros and cons of each treatment type.
Dosing schedule
Daily application.
Cost
Varies by type, from £40 to £70 per month.
Everything you need to know
Oral TRT (Kyzatrex®)
Oral TRT, such as capsules, are probably the most convenient form of TRT. While older oral TRT options posed risks to the liver, newer formulations like Kyzatrex® are much safer. It’s absorbed via the lymphatic system, bypassing the liver to reduce liver side effects.
Kyzatrex® is taken twice a day and is effective for most men.
Pros
- Highly convenient and needle-free
- Ideal for men uncomfortable with injections
- Portable and travel-friendly
- No risk of irritation or mess associated with creams or gels
Cons
- One of the most expensive forms of TRT
- Must be taken with food for proper absorption
- May increase blood pressure which can contribute to cardiovascular risk
- Possible gastrointestinal side effects like nausea or diarrhoea
- May not achieve the same peak testosterone levels as injectables
Dosing schedule
Capsules taken twice daily.
Cost
Approximately £80 to £180 per month.
Ready to get started?
If you've not already, you'll need to check your testosterone level first. Already got two low results? Find out how we do things at Leger.