All types of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) work by upping your T levels. But they aren’t all the same. They’re each used differently and have their own pros and cons.
Here’s what to know about Sustanon injections.
Key Takeaways
- What it is: Testosterone injection
- How it’s used: Given directly into muscle roughly every 3 weeks
- Who it’s for: Men with confirmed low testosterone
- Pros: Releases T steadily
- Cons: Only available as intramuscular injection
- Availability: NHS or private prescription
What is Sustanon 250?
It’s a type of TRT injection. Sustanon (also called Sustanon 250) is a blend of four different synthetic versions of T, which are called testosterone esters.
Each ester is released into the body at a different rate. By taking all of them together, the idea is that you can combine these timelines to provide a fast initial release of T followed by a steadier release until your next injection (we’ve explained this in more detail below).
However, it doesn’t always pan out that way in practice. Sometimes, T drops off before the next injection is due—meaning men need to take their next dose sooner than the recommended three weeks.
What also sets Sustanon 250 apart is that its formula contains peanut oil. You shouldn’t use it if you’re allergic to peanuts or soy.
Sustanon injection: What it’s used for
Sustanon is a medicine for men with testosterone deficiency. Here, your low T levels need to be confirmed via blood test and a doctor’s assessment.
How does Sustanon work?
Like all types of TRT, Sustanon tops up testosterone and brings it into a healthy range. By combining four different testosterone esters, it provides a steady release of T until your next dose.
Here’s what that looks like. Initially, all four esters are present and releasing T (this is the early peak). Then, testosterone propionate is cleared from the body—it takes about 4-5 days to become undetectable in the blood. Meanwhile, testosterone phenylpropionate and isocaproate hang around for 8-11 days. And testosterone decanoate is detectable for 18 days. So, between injections, there’s at least one ester working to release testosterone.
Sustanon half-life and how long it lasts
The half-life of a medicine is the time it takes for half a dose to leave your system. After that point, its effects will start to dwindle.
On Sustanon 250, you’ll need to have an injection roughly every 21 days to keep your T levels steady.
How long does Sustanon stay in your system?
Generally, it takes four or five half-lives for a medicine to fully clear from your system.
Sustanon 250 has four active ingredients, so we’re dealing with four separate half-lives. Each ester will leave your body at a different rate. Overall, it might take a few months for Sustanon to completely flush out.
Sustanon side effects and safety considerations
Up to one in 10 people may experience:
- Increase in red blood cell count
- Weight gain
Other possible Sustanon side effects include:
- Itching
- Acne
- Nausea
- Muscle pain
- Fluid retention
Get in touch with your provider if your symptoms get worse or don’t go away.
Sustanon vs other TRT treatments
Here’s how Sustanon compares to other types of TRT.
Cypionate vs Sustanon
We usually recommend testosterone cypionate over Sustanon because it’s less painful to use (since you can inject it under the skin vs into muscle). It’s made with cottonseed or olive oil.
Sustanon vs enanthate
Testosterone enanthate is very similar to cypionate. The main difference between enanthate and cypionate is the carrier oil: enanthate is made with sesame oil. That means it may be harder to inject—and therefore might be more likely to cause injection site reactions.
Nebido vs Sustanon
Nebido is injected directly into the muscle, but it takes much longer to leave your system than Sustanon. You take Nebido every 10 to 14 weeks.
With Nebido, there can sometimes be peaks and troughs in T levels between doses.
How to inject Sustanon
Sustanon is injected straight into the muscle, usually in your bottom or thigh.
Once you’ve started Sustanon, a follow-up blood test at the 3, 6, and 12-month mark is recommended to monitor your progress. After that, you’ll get tested every 6 months.
How often to inject Sustanon
The typical dose is one injection of 1ml Sustanon every three weeks.
At Voy, we’ll personalise your dosing schedule depending on how you’re responding to the medicine.
Buying Sustanon in the UK
You need a prescription to get Sustanon in the UK.
If you want to buy Sustanon from a private provider, make sure they’re registered and that you’re working with qualified clinicians. For pharmacies, that means being registered with GPhC, while clinics should be registered with the CQC. This information should be on their website.
Otherwise, there’s no guarantee that the products are safe or genuine.
Good to know: you can get Sustanon online from a registered, qualified provider (like us!).
Alternative to Sustanon
But Sustanon may not always be best for you personally.
For example, it can affect fertility by suppressing your natural T production. So, if you are planning to have kids in the future, treatments like hCG or Clomid may be recommended instead.
If you’re allergic to peanuts or soy, testosterone cypionate is usually suggested as an alternative to Sustanon.
And finally, if needles aren’t your thing, there are testosterone gels and creams you could try.
We can create a personalised treatment plan to get your T back within a healthy range. With Voy, 90% of men have improved symptoms within 3 months.
Take a testosterone blood test to get started.
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