Stability first. Adjust second. Optimise last.
TRT dose planning: what actually works
TRT dosing is not “pick a number and send it.” You want the smallest dose that gives you stable symptom relief with clean bloodwork.
This guide is about sensible decisions: start steady, measure correctly, then adjust slowly.
The real goal of TRT dosing
TRT is replacement: restoring a functional hormonal environment. Your target isn’t “max numbers”— it’s predictable day-to-day function.
- Stable energy and mood
- Improved libido/sexual function (when deficiency was the cause)
- Better training recovery and body composition capacity
- Bloodwork that stays inside safe guardrails long-term
If your protocol needs constant fixes, the protocol is the problem.
Picking a sensible starting dose
A good starting dose is the one you can hold steady long enough to learn how your body responds. The best “first dose” is not the highest dose you can tolerate.
What influences starting dose decisions
- Baseline labs: TT, FT, SHBG, E2, CBC/hematocrit, lipids
- Body composition: higher body fat often increases aromatisation pressure
- SHBG: low SHBG often prefers smaller, more frequent dosing
- Delivery method: injections vs topical changes stability and interpretation
- Consistency: your ability to actually follow the schedule matters
A dose you can execute perfectly beats a dose you “plan” but never run consistently.
Dose vs frequency (most people confuse this)
Weekly dose is only half the story. Injection frequency changes stability, peaks, troughs, and symptoms.
- Less frequent: bigger peaks/troughs, may feel “up/down”
- More frequent: smoother levels, often easier symptom control for some people
Frequency is a stabiliser tool. If you feel swings, consider stability before raising dose.
Related: Weekly vs every N days
How to adjust without overcorrecting
Your body needs time to settle after changes. The fastest way to stay confused is to change dose too often.
Adjustment framework
- Change one variable at a time (dose OR frequency OR compound)
- Hold long enough to get stable signals (typically weeks, not days)
- Re-test consistently (same timing relative to injection)
- Log symptoms so you’re not guessing from memory
Feeling “off” for 3 days and changing dose is how you create chaos, not progress.
Bloodwork timing (how to avoid useless labs)
A lab result is only meaningful if the timing is consistent. Random testing produces random conclusions.
- Repeat your timing: same day relative to injection, same time of day if possible
- Track your protocol: dose, concentration, needle, site, frequency
- Compare to prior results: trend beats single data points
Related: How to read common lab markers
Signs your dose may be too high
Not everyone gets “side effects,” but these are common signals that you may be pushing beyond replacement.
- Persistent water retention / BP creeping up
- Acne, oily skin escalation
- Sleep disruption or feeling “wired”
- Mood volatility / irritability
- Labs drifting: hematocrit, lipids, estradiol balance issues
High dose isn’t “working better” if it creates new problems you then medicate around.
Using tools to execute your plan
Once your prescriber sets a plan, InjectBuddy tools help with accuracy and consistency.
- TRT dosage calculator – convert mg/week into a practical schedule
- How to use the TRT dosage calculator – best practices and common mistakes
Common questions
Should I increase dose if I want “more benefits”?
Not automatically. If you’re unstable, fix stability first. If bloodwork is drifting, more dose usually makes it worse. The goal is durable function, not a short-term “boost.”
How long should I hold a dose before deciding?
Long enough to see stable symptoms and consistent labs. Quick changes lead to quick confusion.
What matters more: dose or frequency?
Both matter. Dose sets the “amount,” frequency sets the “smoothness.” Many issues blamed on dose are actually frequency/stability issues.
Key takeaways
- Start with a sensible dose you can execute consistently.
- Stability comes before optimisation.
- Adjust one variable at a time and hold long enough to learn.
- Use consistent bloodwork timing so results actually mean something.