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Hormone Therapy Self Injection Instructions

Instructions are available in writing and as videos, below

Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon (PPSO) is dedicated to ensuring you have the support and resources you need during your transition.

There are several different medications administered through self-injection, including testosterone cypionate, estradiol cypionate, and estradiol valerate. Your clinician should have spoken with you in depth about your options to select the right one for you, but be sure to contact them if you have any unanswered questions.

Types of Self-Injections

There are two types of self-injections: intramuscular (IM) injections and subcutaneous (SubQ) injections.

Effects and Expected Time Course of Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy

Needle Disposal Information ​​​​​

Videos

We understand that many people are visual learners, so we are sharing the instructional videos below. There is one video for IM injections and one video for SubQ injections. Please make sure you are watching the right video for the medication you have been prescribed.

We are very grateful to our colleagues at Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas for producing and sharing these excellent instructional videos.

Intramuscular (IM) Injection Video - English

Intramuscular (IM) Injection Video - English

This video explains how to perform an IM injection.

An intramuscular injection is a way of injecting medication deep into the muscle tissue. This allows the medication to be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Intramuscular shots are given at a 90° angle with the needle going straight through the skin into the muscle.

Download instructions for IM self-injection (PDF)

Subcutaneous (SubQ) Injection Video - English

Subcutaneous (SubQ) Injection Video - English

This video explains how to perform a subcutaneous (SubQ) injection.

A subcutaneous injection is a way of injecting medication into the subcutaneous tissue that is directly under the skin. Medication given this way absorbs into the bloodstream more slowly than medication injected directly into the muscle. Subcutaneous injections can be given at a 45° or 90° angle.

Download instructions for SubQ self-injection (PDF)

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