IM Testosterone More Effective than Transdermal in Increasing Mass and Strength

[Bababoss]

A meta-analysis looks at the studies on fat free mass and strength gains from TRT and finds a difference in results depending on how it is administered. Intramuscular injection was 3-5 times more effective than transdermal application in increasing fat free mass (FFM) and strength.

When administration routes were collectively assessed, TRT was associated with increases in FFM, total body strength, lower-extremity strength, and upper-extremity strength. When administration routes were evaluated separately, the magnitudes were larger and the per cent changes were 3–5 times greater for intramuscular TRT than for transdermal formulations vs. respective placebos, for all outcomes evaluated.

Specifically, intramuscular TRT was associated with a 5.7% increase in FFM and 10–13% increases in total body strength, lower-extremity strength, and upper-extremity strength. In comparison, transdermal TRT was associated with only a 1.7% increase in FFM, and only 2–5% increases in total body and upper-extremity strength. Interestingly, transdermal TRT produced no change in lower-extremity strength vs. placebo.

Source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jcsm.12291

Question: what can explain the difference? Was the transdermal group given less testosterone if taking into account the absorption rate?

 

[vapor77]

The big issue with transdermal is not knowing how much is actually being absorbed plus the potential for transference to others.

 

[Mongo966]

Question: what can explain the difference? Was the transdermal group given less testosterone if taking into account the absorption rate?

There's just a more consistent, predictable absorption through the muscle. More consistent, higher peak levels lead to better results. There are studies that compare the blood serum levels of both methods as well, not just the results on performance and body composition. Lots of graphs etc. You could likely find some good information about it in this forum if you put it into the search bar.
Cheers

 

[Jabroni_Meathead]

Subq > IM (depending on amount your injecting of course).

Consistent studies have shown that subq releases slower into the blood and thus you dont get the E2 spikes you would get with IM. I have been doing subq for 5 years now with TRT, primo, NPP, and HCG.

 

[xrayphoton13]

"intramuscular TRT elevates circulating testosterone to a greater magnitude than transdermal formulations."

This isn't a study, it's just some idiots that read some other studies and compared them and wrote about it. It lacks so many details that are important and the statement above tells me that they are stuck in the past when transdermal was garbage. The statement above tells you why they saw more improvement in the IM group than transdermal. Because total t was higher in the IM group. the old school transdermal gels are messy and make it very difficult to get high levels of testosterone.

The new school transdermal scrotal creams are the shit. I have cream (atrevis) and a ton of test enth. But I only use injectable on blast and I still use the cream with it. Cream gives more energy and alertness to me. I use a tiny 0.5ml of cream and get the lab results below. It's awesome stuff

 

[qadsan]

I agree with xrayphoton13. I’ve been on my homemade test cream for ~6+ months and I’m very happy with it. I’ve been injecting test since 2010 (prop, cyp, blends, etc) and never thought a cream could yield great results, but todays creams with the right base applied to a clean, shaved and exfoliated area can yield very impressive numbers and physical results. I’m very happy with my energy, libido, mental clarity, focus, physical performance and overall improvement in quality of life.

 

[lukiss96]

Maybe I'm a bit old school but injections are effective and most importantly reliable way of administering Testosterone.

Sq or Im, both work fine for me. I can't say there is some big difference, rather I think individual response is more at play here.

But hey, to each their own and if something works well for you, then don't change what ain't broke. As always gotta find out by yourself.