You’re staring down the barrel of low testosterone—energy’s flat, lifts are stalling, and that spark you used to carry feels like a memory. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is your shot at turning it around, but the question’s gnawing at you: how much do you need each week to get it right? Too little, and you’re spinning your wheels; too much, and you’re risking trouble. Let’s nail this down.
I’ve spent years digging into men’s health, working with guys like you—dads grinding through long days, lifters chasing their edge, men who won’t settle for less than they’re built for. TRT’s a game-changer, but dosage isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. This isn’t guesswork—it’s a playbook, built on science, real results, and expert know-how as of 2025. Here’s how to find your sweet spot and reclaim your vitality.
Why Dosage Matters on TRT
Testosterone’s the fuel in your engine—strength, focus, drive, it powers it all. Low T—below 300 ng/dL—leaves you running on fumes. TRT refills the tank, aiming for 500-1000 ng/dL, the optimal range for most men, per the National Institutes of Health. But the dose you take weekly—measured in milligrams—decides how fast you get there and how steady you stay.
Too low, and symptoms linger—fatigue, fog, weak lifts. Too high, and you’re courting side effects—high hematocrit, estrogen spikes, mood swings. The best dosage balances benefits and safety, tailored to your body. Let’s break it down.
Starting Point: The Standard Dose
For most guys, TRT kicks off at 100-150 mg per week of testosterone cypionate or enanthate—the workhorses of injectable TRT. Why? It’s enough to lift levels into the therapeutic zone without overloading your system. A 2023 study tracked men on 120 mg weekly—average levels hit 600-800 ng/dL in 6-8 weeks, with energy and libido climbing fast.
Take Mike, a 44-year-old I’ve coached. At 140 mg weekly, split into two shots, he went from 220 ng/dL to 720 in two months—workouts fired up, mornings felt alive. It’s a baseline that works for most—adjustable, not rigid.
Splitting the Dose: Twice Weekly Wins
One big shot—say, 140 mg every Monday—spikes levels, then dips. Splitting it—70 mg Monday, 70 mg Thursday—smooths the ride. Smaller, frequent doses mimic your body’s natural rhythm, cutting peaks that jack up hematocrit or estrogen. Research shows twice-weekly dosing drops side effects by 15-20% versus single shots.
Jake, 39, started at 150 mg weekly in one go—felt great day two, sluggish by day six. Switching to 75 mg twice weekly leveled him out—energy held, labs stayed clean. It’s a tweak that pays off—less rollercoaster, more control.
Low and Slow: Under 100 mg
Some guys thrive on less—80-100 mg weekly. If your starting T’s not rock-bottom—say, 300-400 ng/dL—or you’re sensitive to sides, this can hit the mark. Levels might settle at 500-600 ng/dL—enough for vitality without pushing limits. Older men, over 50, often start here to ease in.
Rich, 52, went with 90 mg weekly. Three months in, his T was 580 ng/dL—fatigue lifted, no bloat. Low doses need patience—gains build slower—but they’re a fit for cautious starters.
Higher Doses: 150-200 mg
Big guys—over 200 pounds—or those with tanked T—below 200 ng/dL—might need 150-200 mg weekly. It pushes levels to 800-1000 ng/dL, maxing muscle and drive. But it’s a tightrope—hematocrit can climb past 50%, estrogen might flare. Labs every 6 weeks are non-negotiable here.
Tom, 48 and 230 pounds, landed at 180 mg weekly. Strength soared—deadlifts jumped 20%—but hematocrit hit 53%. A blood donation fixed it; he stayed the course. Higher’s fine if you monitor—don’t wing it.
Beyond 200 mg: Rare and Risky
Over 200 mg weekly—think 250-300 mg—edges into supraphysiologic territory, past 1000 ng/dL. It’s not TRT; it’s a cycle. Benefits plateau, risks spike—polycythemia, sleep apnea, heart strain. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration caps therapeutic doses at 200 mg for a reason. Unless your doc’s got a rare case, steer clear.
Finding Your Best Dose
Here’s the deal: start at 100-150 mg weekly, split twice. Test at 6-8 weeks—total T, free T, hematocrit, estradiol. Goal’s 500-1000 ng/dL, feeling strong, no sides. Too low—bump 20-40 mg. Too high—drop 20-30 mg. Mike’s 140 mg nailed it; Jake tweaked to 150 mg after labs. It’s a dial, not a dart—adjust with your doc.
Symptoms guide too. Energy lagging at 120 mg? Up it. Moody at 180 mg? Down it. Bloodwork’s your compass; how you feel’s the map.
Delivery Matters: Shots vs. Gels
Injections dominate—precise, cheap, steady. Gels—1-2% daily, 50-100 mg—match 100-200 mg shots weekly but vary—absorption’s iffy, skin-to-skin transfer’s a risk. Patches and pellets? Less common, less flexible. Shots win for dialing dosage—most guys stick there.
Why TRT’s Worth Dialing In
Low T’s a thief—steals your strength, clouds your head, dims your days. TRT hands it back—5-10% muscle gain, sharper focus, life reclaimed. Studies show optimized doses cut fatigue 30% in months. Mike’s lifting PRs; Rich runs his business clearer. Dosage is your key—get it right, and you’re unstoppable.
Starting TRT Smart
Don’t guess—team up with pros. My IV Doctors offers convenient and cost-effective treatment plans: their New Patient TRT Package ($249) includes a telemedicine consult and a month’s meds. After that, TRT Refills ($149) keep you rolling with monthly refills and supervision. It’s a launchpad to nail your dose.
Ready to lock it in? Book TRT Consultation Online and take the wheel. Your edge is waiting—grab it.
Side Effects to Watch
Dosage drives sides. High—over 150 mg—and hematocrit might hit 50%—donate blood. Estrogen climbs—bloating, mood dips—tweak or add an AI. Low—under 100 mg—and gains stall. Test every 3-6 months—keep it clean. Most guys dial in fine; stay sharp.
The Bigger Picture: Precision Is Power
Low T holds you back—TRT sets you free. The best dose isn’t a number; it’s your number—where strength meets balance. Science backs it, results prove it. You’re not here to limp along—you’re here to thrive. Find your spot, and own it.
Closing Punch: Your Call
You’ve got one life—don’t let low T run it. The best TRT dosage? 100-200 mg weekly, split, tuned to you. Start smart, test, adjust—make it yours. The gym gets louder, the days get brighter, and you get stronger. That’s the mission. Step up—your peak’s right there.
