Based on the provided research, here is a summary of the key information regarding hormone replacement therapy (HRT) dosages, safety, and guidelines.

Calculating Testosterone Dosage

To determine the actual dose of testosterone in milligrams (mg), you multiply the volume you inject (in milliliters, mL) by the concentration of the solution (which is listed on the vial as mg/mL). For example, an injection of 0.25 mL of a 200 mg/mL solution results in a 50 mg dose. As one user explains, "you just have to multiply the 200 mg/mL by the dose volume (mL) to get the dose in mass" – colinprovolone source [citation:c80b1fb1-5ae9-47f7-af65-6497ae7ae506]. It's important to be aware of the concentration, as it dictates the volume needed for your prescribed dose.

Typical Dosages and Target Levels

There isn't one single "standard" monthly dosage, as it varies by individual. The research mentions examples like 240 mg per month being "pretty standard" – ShtenkiOldMan source [citation:2e4c0366-5101-4eba-ae90-510eddce5208]. Target blood levels are also individual, but one user's doctor aimed for a "200 range for testosterone" – c608ee13-79df-4c23-aed5-1c4cd386135a source [citation:c608ee13-79df-4c23-aed5-1c4cd386135a]. For feminizing HRT, the WPATH 8 guideline states that suppressed testosterone should be "lower then 50 ng/dl" to facilitate feminization – ianm1797 source [citation:9b33f490-1fa5-4bd2-b65a-0427320b4eab].

Medication Safety and Potential Errors

Personal experiences highlight the importance of medication safety. A key piece of advice is to "carefully read your prescription directions with every medication. They're there for a reason" – rorschach-penguin source [citation:f7f32e3f-b0f5-4891-bbc7-c3ba66db6381]. This helps prevent dosing errors. Another safety concern is contamination from transdermal gels, which can significantly skew blood test results. One user reported their estrogen levels were wildly high due to contact with a partner's estrogen gel – No_Sandwich_2560 source [citation:23ae521e-b47a-487e-89a8-d350a1f40a9].

The Importance of Professional Guidance

The research consistently shows that HRT is highly individualized. Dosages should be determined and monitored by a healthcare professional through blood tests. Levels that are too high or too low can be adjusted with a doctor's guidance. For practical administration, it is advised to "get[] more detailed instructions from your Dr. Or a nurse on how to actually give yourself the injection" – ghostboi26 source [citation:3e32ea17-ea10-4651-95c7-edbe2c0c1281].

In summary, managing HRT involves understanding how to calculate your dose, recognizing that target levels are personal and guided by medical standards like WPATH, and prioritizing safety by carefully following instructions and working closely with your healthcare provider to ensure your regimen is both effective and safe.