In this post, we will address the topic of whether testosterone needs to be stored refrigerated or not. It is a big and important topic, but there are some misconceptions and misconceptions about it. Today, we will clear up various doubts and go through the actual recommendations on how to properly store your testosterone injections .
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is produced naturally in the body of both men and women and is a human sex hormone . But it plays a particularly important role in health in men. The most important functions of testosterone are the following:
- development of penis and testicles
- muscle and bone density
- libido and sperm production
- growth of facial hair and pubic hair
- production of red blood cells
Men with low testosterone levels (low T levels) may experience a variety of symptoms, including lack of energy, decreased libido, depression, mood swings, weak bones, weight gain, and fertility problems.
But testosterone deficiency can also lead to physical problems in women, such as reduced libido and lower bone density. In more serious cases, psychological problems such as depression can also occur.
When these symptoms become extreme and seriously interfere with normal life, testosterone therapy may be considered . This therapy is administered via injections and is a very effective hormone treatment . Transgender men can also be prescribed testosterone as part of masculinizing therapy.
4 Types of Testosterone Injections
There are several different types of testosterone injections . The most common in Germany are the following:
- Testosterone Cypionate (Depo-Testosterone)
- Testosterone enanthate (Xyosted and generics)
- testosterone propionate
- Testosterone undecanoate (Aveed)
- combinations of testosterone
In all of these injections, the testosterone molecules are of course the same, but the difference lies in the ester they contain. The ester controls the release of the hormone and can delay it for different lengths of time to avoid peaks and fluctuations. Only your doctor can tell you exactly which type of testosterone is best for you.
Testosterone injections are given subcutaneously into the muscle. This makes administration much easier and patients can inject the hormone themselves at home with the right equipment (ampoule and syringe). However, there is always the option of asking a doctor or nurse for help. Depending on the doctor's prescription, the injection can be given weekly or monthly .
Does testosterone need to be refrigerated?
Testosterone is a very temperature sensitive medication and must be kept away from heat at all costs , but it does not need to be kept in the refrigerator. If you have been prescribed testosterone , you should take special precautions to store the vials properly and safely.
How should you store testosterone?
According to one of the most famous manufacturers, Pfizer , Testosterone Cypionate ampoules do not require refrigeration. However, they should be stored at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C and protected from light to avoid large temperature fluctuations as well as extreme heat. The same applies to other types of Testosterone , such as Testosterone Enanthate and Nebido .
Testosterone and Heat
As mentioned above, testosterone does not need to be refrigerated, but it should be protected from heat. Especially if you live or travel to a place where the ambient temperature rises above 25°C, you will need to find a cooling solution for your testosterone ampoules .
DIY cooling systems may be simple and inexpensive, but they are not reliable or safe. That's why we recommend using a medical cooler like the ones made by 4AllFamily. They guarantee that your medications will remain safe and effective. Our soft cooling sleeves are specifically designed to keep temperature-sensitive medications like testosterone within a safe temperature range (room temperature) in hot weather.
Never inject testosterone when it is refrigerated
If you do not have a suitable cooling solution and the temperature rises above 25°C, you can store your testosterone injections in the refrigerator.
In this case, however, it is important to allow the testosterone to reach room temperature before use and not to inject it directly from the refrigerator into the muscle.
Especially with testosterone cypionate, the carrier oil contained can crystallize at low temperatures , which can significantly increase the pain and swelling at the injection site.
If you notice cloudiness, small particles or white pieces in your ampoule, let it come to room temperature until everything has dissolved and the liquid is clear again before injecting it.
What happens when testosterone is exposed to heat?
If testosterone is exposed to high heat above 25°C, the hormone can break down and its effectiveness can be severely impaired . This applies to all types of testosterone and should therefore be avoided.
In addition, heat can cause bacteria to form in the ampoule, making the medication unsafe for use.
If your testosterone vial or syringe has been exposed to heat for a long period of time or you are unsure, you should definitely not use it anymore.
What happens when testosterone freezes?
Just like heat, freezing can cause great damage to testosterone . Once frozen, it is no longer safe and should not be used .
The same applies to liquid medications such as insulin.
Similar article: Insulin frozen? Risk & prevention of frozen insulin
How long does testosterone last?
As long as they are stored correctly, testosterone vials or syringes have a shelf life of 24 to 36 months . However, since there are many different manufacturers and types of testosterone , it is important to read the instructions carefully and pay attention to the expiration date indicated on the vial.
After it expires, the hormone does not go "bad," but the chemical structure begins to break down, which can reduce effectiveness and affect the success of your testosterone therapy .
Are you being treated with hormone therapy? What type of testosterone do you use? And how do you store it at home?
