Testosterone

What it is

Testosterone is a steroid hormone your own body makes. It is not a peptide, but it is grouped here because people buy it alongside peptides. Every product puts the same molecule into the blood, usually with a fatty chain (an ester) bolted on so it releases slowly after injection. In the US it is a controlled substance.

How it works

Testosterone tells cells to build more protein, which is why it adds muscle. Plain testosterone is destroyed quickly in the liver, so it is rarely taken by mouth. Esters hold it in solution and release it gradually until tissue enzymes snip off the chain, leaving plain testosterone to circulate.

What people report

• ✦In men with low levels, it restores the hormone into a normal range
• ✦At supraphysiological doses, adds muscle and strength even without training
• ✦Multiple FDA-approved products across injection, gel, oral, patch, and implanted routes
• ✦The standard against which every androgen conversation is measured

Typical use

Dosing depends heavily on the ester because each release speed differs. Common regimens are weekly or every-few-weeks injections, or daily gel.

Dosing reference

Reference doses vary by ester and by indication. This is a prescription controlled substance; the dose is set by a clinician based on blood levels. Verify before any use.

Reference only — not a recommendation. Verify via primary sources.

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