Microdosing Testosterone for Women: A Step-by-Step Video Guide with Gary
- Gary M. Rudashevsky, NP
- Mar 12
- 8 min read
By Gary Rudashevsky, APRN, CNP | Medical Specialists | Edina, MN | Updated 2026
Key Takeaways
SubQ means under the skin, not in the muscle. The needle is short, and the dose is smaller, making this one of the most tolerable injectable delivery methods for women.
Microdosing testosterone delivers steadier, more consistent hormone levels throughout the week, with fewer peaks and dips than with less weekly dosing.
Three approved injection sites: belly, outer thigh, and buttocks. Rotate every time.
Switch from the drawing needle to the injection needle before injecting, and push the plunger until one small drop appears at the tip.
If you are a patient of ours and notice redness, swelling, or lasting pain at the injection site, call Medical Specialists at 952-225-5400.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always follow the instructions provided by your licensed provider. Individual results and protocols vary
What is testosterone microdosing for women?
Small Dose. Big Difference.
Testosterone microdosing means taking very small, frequent doses of testosterone to keep hormone levels steady throughout the week. Instead of a large, infrequent dose that can cause hormonal spikes, microdosing maintains a more stable, physiological level in your bloodstream.
For women, testosterone is not just a male hormone. It plays a real role in energy, mental clarity, libido, muscle tone, and bone health. When levels drop during perimenopause or menopause, the effects are often felt in ways that go far beyond what a standard lab report may flag as abnormal.
At Medical Specialists in Edina, subcutaneous (SubQ) testosterone injections are one of several delivery options we offer as part of a personalized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) program for women. Your provider will determine the right dose and frequency based on your lab results, symptoms, and health history.
SubQ injections use a smaller needle and a smaller dose than intramuscular injections. That is why many women find it easier and more comfortable.
What are the benefits of subcutaneous testosterone injections for women?
Why Some Women Do Better with Microdosing
Subcutaneous injections deliver testosterone just under the skin, into the fatty tissue layer. This method is especially well-suited for women because:
Smaller needle. The needle used for SubQ injections is shorter and finer than an intramuscular needle, which most patients find much more comfortable.
Smaller dose. Women require far lower testosterone doses than men. SubQ delivery makes precise, low-volume dosing practical and consistent.
Steady absorption. The fatty tissue under the skin absorbs the hormone gradually, which can support more stable hormone levels between doses.
Easy to learn. With proper instruction, most patients feel confident doing this at home within one or two sessions.
Flexible injection sites. The belly, outer thigh, and buttocks all work well, giving you options to rotate and prevent site fatigue.
Most women who are prescribed SubQ testosterone report that the routine becomes simple and quick after a few weeks. Discomfort is typically minimal when technique is correct.
How do I give myself a subcutaneous testosterone injection at home?
What You Need Before You Begin
Before your first injection, your provider will walk you through the process in the office. This guide is a reference to support what you learned during that visit. Always follow your specific prescription instructions from Medical Specialists.
You will need the following supplies for each injection:
Your testosterone vial (as prescribed)
One drawing needle (larger gauge, for filling the syringe)
One injection needle (smaller gauge, for the actual injection)
One syringe
Alcohol wipes (at least two to three)
A Band-Aid (optional)
A sharps disposal container
Ensure your safety! Never reuse needles. Never share supplies. Keep your vial stored as directed by your pharmacy.
How do I prepare my supplies for a testosterone injection?
Setting Up Cleanly and Safely
Start with clean hands. Wash thoroughly with soap and water before handling any supplies. Set everything out on a clean, flat surface in good lighting. A kitchen counter or bathroom counter works well.
Attach the drawing needle to your syringe. This is the larger of your two needles and is used only for drawing the medication out of the vial. You will switch to the smaller injection needle before you actually inject.
Pull the plunger back to draw air into the syringe. The amount of air should equal your prescribed dose. This step creates pressure inside the vial that makes drawing the medication easier and more accurate.
How do I clean the vial before drawing my medication?
Always wipe with alcohol pads
Cleaning the vial before use is not optional. It removes surface contaminants that could introduce bacteria into your medication.
Use a fresh alcohol wipe and clean the rubber stopper on top of the vial. Let it air dry for a few seconds before inserting the needle. Do not blow on it or fan it dry.
This step takes less than 30 seconds, but it matters every time you use the vial.
How do I draw my testosterone dose into the syringe?
Drawing the Right Amount
Once your vial is clean and your syringe has air pulled in, push the drawing needle through the rubber stopper on top of the vial. Turn the bottle and syringe upside down so the vial is above the syringe.
Push the air from the syringe into the vial. This creates positive pressure and makes the medication flow easily.
Pull the plunger back slowly to draw the medication into the syringe.
Draw a little more than your prescribed dose. This gives you room to clear air bubbles without going under your dose.
Check the syringe for air bubbles. If you see bubbles, gently tap the barrel until they rise to the top, then slowly push the plunger to release the air back into the vial.
Adjust until you have exactly your prescribed dose in the syringe.
Take your time on this step. Accuracy with your dose matters. If you are unsure whether you have the right amount, call us before injecting.
Where can I inject subcutaneous testosterone?
Three Suggested Injection Sites
Subcutaneous injections go into the fatty tissue just under the skin. There are three sites that work well for women:
Belly (abdomen): Inject in the fatty tissue at least two inches away from your belly button. Avoid the area directly around the navel.
Outer thigh: The outer side of your upper thigh has good fatty tissue and is easy to access. Avoid the inner thigh.
Buttocks: The upper outer area of the buttocks can also be used, though it is harder to reach on your own.
Rotate your injection site every time. Using the same spot repeatedly can cause irritation, hardening of the tissue, or inconsistent absorption. Keep a simple log if it helps you track where you last injected.
How do I switch to the injection needle and remove remaining air?
The Final Setup Before You Inject
Once your syringe has the correct dose, remove the drawing needle and replace it with the small injection needle. The injection needle is shorter and finer, designed to enter just below the skin surface rather than deep into muscle.
Before injecting, prime the needle. Push the plunger forward very slowly until you see one small drop appear at the tip of the needle. This confirms there is no air remaining in the needle tip and that the medication is ready to flow with the first movement of the plunger.
Do not touch the needle tip after this point. Keep it clean and pointed away from surfaces until you are ready to inject.
How do I perform a subcutaneous injection?
Step-by-Step Injection Technique
Clean your chosen injection site with a fresh alcohol wipe. Let it dry for a moment.
Pinch the skin at your injection site firmly between your thumb and forefinger. This lifts the fatty tissue and helps ensure the needle stays in the subcutaneous layer rather than going too deep.
Push the needle straight in, all the way. The needle is short, so you do not need to angle it. Straight in is correct.
Release the pinch on your skin.
Push the plunger slowly and steadily to inject the medication. Count to five as you push.
Pull the needle straight out.
Apply a Band-Aid if needed.
Dispose of the needle immediately in your sharps container. Never recap, bend, or place a used needle on a surface.
You do not need to go deep. Your needle is short enough to stay in the subcutaneous tissue without you adjusting your angle. Pinch the skin, go straight in, push slowly, and pull out.
After your injection: a small amount of redness at the site is normal and typically fades within a few hours. If you notice significant redness, swelling, warmth, or pain that does not go away, call Medical Specialists at 952-225-5400.
Questions About Your Hormone Therapy Protocol?
The team at Medical Specialists in Edina, has been helping women in the Twin Cities optimize their hormones for 15 years. Whether you are just getting started with testosterone therapy, adjusting your dose, or learning your injection technique for the first time, we are here to make the process clear and comfortable.
Call us at 952-225-5400, visit us at 6550 York Ave S #211, Edina, MN 55435, or fill out our contact form at medicalspecialistsmn.com to schedule a consultation.
Getting started at Medical Specialists MN
The team at Medical Specialists in Edina, has been helping women in the Twin Cities optimize their hormones for 15 years. Gary Rudashevsky, APRN, has performed thousands of hormone optimization procedures over that time. Angela Elliott, APRN, brings more than 20 years of experience specifically in women's hormonal health and leads much of our BHRT work for female patients. Nicolie Houdek, FNP-C, also focuses on women's health and hormone therapy.
Direct Access Lab service requires no doctor's order and no insurance. Most results are available within 24 to 48 hours and can be brought to your consultation.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need any special training to give myself a SubQ testosterone injection?
A: Your provider at Medical Specialists will walk you through the technique in person before you begin. Most women feel comfortable after one or two practice rounds. This guide is a reference to support that training, not a replacement for it.
Q: How often will I need to inject?
A: Frequency depends on your personalized protocol. Some women inject twice a week, others every day or every other day. Your provider will set your schedule based on your lab results and how your body responds.
Q: What if I draw too much medication into the syringe?
A: Push the excess back into the vial before removing the needle. Never inject more than your prescribed dose. If you are unsure, call us before injecting.
Q: Can I inject in the same spot twice in a row?
A: No. Always rotate your injection site. Repeated use of the same spot can cause the fatty tissue to harden, which affects both comfort and how well the medication absorbs.
Q: How should I store my testosterone vial?
A: Follow the storage instructions provided by your pharmacy. In general, testosterone vials should be kept at room temperature, away from direct light and heat. Do not freeze.
Q: What should I do with used needles?
A: Place them directly into your sharps container immediately after use. Never place used needles in regular trash or recycling. Medical Specialists can advise you on sharps disposal options in the Edina and Twin Cities area.
Q: I noticed a small lump at my injection site. Is that normal?
A: A small, temporary lump or firmness right after injection can occur and usually resolves within a few hours. If you notice persistent swelling, redness, warmth, or pain, call Medical Specialists at 952-225-5400.
Q: Can I get testosterone therapy without a prior prescription from another doctor?
A: Yes, if prescribed after testing, Medical Specialists offers comprehensive hormone evaluations for new patients. We will review your labs, symptoms, and health history to determine whether testosterone therapy is appropriate for you. No prior referral is needed.
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Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your Medical Specialists provider. Individual results and protocols vary. Contact us at 952-225-5400 with any questions about your treatment.
Sources
Endocrine Society: Testosterone Therapy in Women
Mayo Clinic: Hormone Therapy Overview
North American Menopause Society (NAMS): Testosterone Use in Menopausal Women
Cleveland Clinic: Subcutaneous Injection Technique
FDA: Guidance on Compounded Hormone Therapy
