TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY REFERENCE
TRT Reference LibraryBranded esters · Compound forms · HCG · AI · SERM
Independent dose schedules, half-life data, monitoring panels, and reconstitution math for the testosterone formulations and endocrine adjuncts used in TRT protocols. Every page links the matching ASCEND research calculator.
Branded testosterone products
Depo-Testosterone
Testosterone Cypionate
Delatestryl
Testosterone Enanthate
Aveed
Testosterone Undecanoate
Xyosted
Testosterone Enanthate (subcutaneous auto-injector)
AndroGel
Testosterone (transdermal gel)
Testopel
Testosterone (subcutaneous pellet)
Compound ester forms
Compound Testosterone Cypionate
Testosterone Cypionate
Compound Testosterone Enanthate
Testosterone Enanthate
Compound Testosterone Propionate
Testosterone Propionate
Endocrine adjuncts
HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
Anastrozole (Arimidex)
Anastrozole
Enclomiphene
Enclomiphene Citrate
Frequently asked
What is testosterone replacement therapy?
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the administration of exogenous testosterone (or, less commonly, a testosterone-stimulating agent) to restore physiological levels of androgen in men with documented hypogonadism. FDA-approved indications require both biochemical confirmation (low serum total testosterone on a morning fasting draw) and clinical symptoms consistent with androgen deficiency.
Which testosterone ester is most commonly prescribed in the US?
Testosterone cypionate (brand name Depo-Testosterone) is the most prescribed testosterone ester in the US. Testosterone enanthate (Delatestryl, Xyosted) is functionally interchangeable at equivalent doses. Testosterone undecanoate (Aveed) and testosterone pellets (Testopel) provide longer dosing intervals at the cost of either REMS-administered injection (Aveed) or in-office implantation (Testopel).
How often is testosterone cypionate injected for TRT?
Typical clinical schedules range from 50 to 200 mg IM every 7 to 14 days. Many modern protocols split the weekly dose into twice-weekly or every-other-day subcutaneous administration to achieve steadier serum levels with smaller swings in trough and peak.
Is HCG needed during testosterone therapy?
HCG is not required for TRT but is commonly added at 250 to 500 IU SC two or three times weekly to preserve intratesticular testosterone production, maintain testicular volume, and reduce fertility impact during exogenous testosterone administration. Whether HCG is included depends on the protocol and the patient's priorities.
When is an aromatase inhibitor used during TRT?
Aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole are reserved for documented symptomatic estradiol elevation during TRT (gynecomastia onset, water retention, mood symptoms with measurably high E2). Routine preventive use is controversial and may suppress E2 below physiologic levels, which is harmful to bone and lipid health.
What is enclomiphene and how does it differ from TRT?
Enclomiphene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator that blocks negative feedback at the hypothalamus, increasing LH and FSH and stimulating endogenous testicular testosterone production. It is a restoration approach rather than a replacement approach. It works for men with functional secondary hypogonadism whose testes can still respond to LH.
Controlled substance. Testosterone and its esters are Schedule III in the United States. This reference is research informational only. A valid prescription from a DEA-registered prescriber is required for clinical use. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for any clinical decision.
For research informational use only. Not medical advice. All brand names referenced are trademarks of their respective owners and are used for editorial identification only.