Yes, Testosterone has a very short half-life. Sources differ but here is one where they actually castrated men and measured the rate of T reduction:
So Testosterone without ester should basically be the same. The problem is that it takes time to absorb it, whether IM or topical. So it doesn't just suddenly all go in at once. Haven't seen any actual data. Too bad someone isn't rich enough to take a T blood test every hour for a few hours so we could know.
Transdermal formulas (like AndroGel) are probably longer than just DSMO. However according to this study of one topical, half-life is still short:
"
Transdermal administration allows testosterone to be continuously absorbed for 24 hours with no dose accumulations, mimicking normal circadian pattern when applied nightly. The approximate half-life is 1.3 hours and hypogonadal concentrations are achieved within 24 hours of patch removal" [
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5182226/pdf/tau-05-06-834.pdf ]
So the question comes down to the effectiveness of topical verses IM. No studies show superiority of either ... even though it would seem logical to mimic the natural circadian rhythm.
One problem is that studies focus only on the genomic effects of T (the consequence of binding the ARs). For bodybuilders, that would be the most important as well. The stimulation of ARs causes effects that can go on for hours and days afterward. So perhaps a short half-life doesn't matter. But there are also non-genomic effects where androgens alter the nervous system, vascular, etc. - these effects have nothing whatsoever to do with ARs.
In the end, for this forum and yourself, is how effective it is in reaching your goals. Does a half-dose take twice a day work better than a full-dose taken just once? Thus I ask members how they 'feel'? or how does it affect their strength/growth? Was hoping you had some feedback regarding actual use either way rather than a logical but theoretical concern to spread out the influx of T.