Injection Frequency: Why More Often Is Often Better

Last Updated: July 26, 20257 min read

You've started your protocol, but something feels off. Maybe you feel great for a day or two after your injection, followed by a few days of feeling anxious or bloated, and then you end the week feeling tired and irritable. This is an incredibly common experience, and it's a core challenge in protocol optimization.

The solution, in most cases, is surprisingly simple. It's not about changing your dose; it's about changing your injection frequency. This guide will explain why this is one of the most impactful adjustments you can make to your TRT protocol.

The Problem: The Hormonal Rollercoaster of Infrequent Injections

The old-school approach to TRT often involved a large injection of testosterone once every 2-4 weeks. This method is now widely considered suboptimal because it creates a "peak and trough" effect—a hormonal rollercoaster.

  • The Peak (1-3 days after injection): Your testosterone levels surge to a very high, supraphysiological level. This can lead to increased aromatization (conversion to estrogen), causing side effects like water retention, anxiety, and moodiness.
  • The Trough (Days leading up to the next injection): Your testosterone levels crash down, often to a point lower than before you started TRT. This brings back all the symptoms of low T: fatigue, brain fog, low libido, and poor mood.
The goal of TRT is not to feel amazing for two days and then miserable for five. The goal is to feel consistently great, every single day. Getting off the hormonal rollercoaster is the key.

The Solution: Stability Through More Frequent Dosing

Your body naturally produces testosterone in a steady, continuous manner throughout the day. A well-designed TRT protocol aims to mimic this natural rhythm as closely as possible. By splitting your total weekly dose into smaller, more frequent injections, you create far more stable blood serum levels.

This stability is the single most powerful tool for managing side effects. Stable levels mean less aromatization into estrogen and a more consistent feeling of well-being. Don't justtake our word for it—see it for yourself.

Visualize Your Protocol's Stability

This is what our Peak & Trough Calculator was built for. See the dramatic difference in stability between a weekly injection and a twice-weekly or EOD protocol.

Go to the Ester Calculator

Common Modern Protocols: Finding Your Rhythm

The "best" frequency is individual, but modern, evidence-based protocols almost always involve at least two injections per week.

Key Takeaway

Important: When changing frequency, your total weekly dose remains the same. If your dose is 100mg/week, you simply split it into two 50mg injections, or seven ~14mg injections.

  • Twice a Week (e.g., Monday AM / Thursday PM): This is the gold standard starting point for most modern clinics. It dramatically smooths out peaks and troughs compared to weekly injections and is a massive upgrade for most users.
  • Every Other Day (EOD): For those who are particularly sensitive to hormonal fluctuations or E2 conversion, EOD injections provide an even greater level of stability. This is often considered an ideal frequency.
  • Daily: This provides the ultimate level of stability, mimicking the body's natural release almost perfectly. This is most practical when doing Subcutaneous (SubQ) injections with a tiny insulin syringe.

How to Discuss and Implement a Change with Your Doctor

If you're on a weekly or bi-weekly protocol and experiencing the rollercoaster, it's time to have a conversation with your doctor. Present your case calmly, explaining your symptoms and your understanding of hormonal stability. A good, modern doctor will be receptive.

When you make the change, do it methodically. Don't change your dose and your frequency at the same time. Switch from weekly to twice-weekly, keep your total dose the same, and then give your body at least 4-6 weeks to adapt before assessing how you feel and re-checking your bloodwork.