Dealing with low testosterone or hypogonadism and the subsequent side effects can be a real struggle. That’s why there are testosterone medications, like testosterone cypionate, that can be prescribed by your doctor to help increase your testosterone levels when they are abnormally low.
This testosterone injection is FDA-approved. An impressive 49% of male users have rated this replacement as worthwhile and have seen significant results.
In this article, we’ll look closer at testosterone cypionate, also referred to by the brand name Depo-Testosterone, its use, and potential side effects.
Key Takeaways
- Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, can affect any male.
- Injuries, certain conditions or chemotherapy, can put you at a higher risk of developing hypogonadism.
- Low testosterone can lead to sudden mood changes, struggles with concentration, erectile dysfunction, and decreased libido.
- Testosterone cypionate is available in a branded and a generic version.
- Testosterone cypionate is only available as an injection every one to four weeks.
- Testosterone cypionate is a controlled substance and should be used with a doctor’s guidance.
- Testosterone cypionate is not recommended as a muscle-building supplement.
What Is Testosterone Cypionate?
Testosterone cypionate is an injectable testosterone medication that can be prescribed to treat hypogonadism in men and transgender individuals. The injection consists of testosterone esters and is used to treat low testosterone or hypogondism in men.
Men who suffer from low testosterone cannot produce testosterone and rely on medications such as anabolic steroids to raise their hormone levels. The drug replaces the natural sex hormone in men who cannot naturally make it themselves.
Testosterone cypionate injections are a controlled substance that can only be prescribed by a doctor and should only be used as directed.
This injection and the brand version, Depo-Testosterone, can also be used to bring on puberty in boys who suffer from delayed puberty. Moreover, it can also treat certain types of breast cancer in women.
Testosterone cypionate injection should be administered via the buttock every one to four weeks depending on your individual needs. Your doctor will be able to teach you how to inject yourself so that you can do it from home.
It’s important to adhere to the dosing guideline for your unique case. In the case that you miss an injection; speak to your doctor to adjust the schedule. Avoid taking a double dose.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy is a process of replacing testosterone levels in men who suffer from conditions where they are unable to produce enough testosterone.
Men who have abnormally low testosterone levels, as confirmed by a doctor, can benefit from testosterone replacement therapy. It is normal for testosterone levels to decrease due to aging. However, this doesn’t mean a man has low testosterone levels.
In cases where testosterone release levels decline naturally due to age, androgen therapy may not be necessary. There are too many potential side effects of long-term use that have not yet been determined. If you are looking for ways to increase your testosterone, you can discuss lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise with your doctor.
If you start experiencing hypogonadism symptoms, then you can discuss the possibility of testosterone therapy with your doctor.
The following are symptoms of hypogonadism:
- Low libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Increased fatigue and low energy
- Decreased muscle mass
- Body and facial hair loss
- Difficulty concentrating and focusing
- Depression
- Irritability
- Low sense of wellbeing
Side Effects of Testosterone Cypionate
There are three common side effects that users of Depo-Testosterone may experience:
- Acne
- Pain at the injection site
- Enlargement/sensitivity of breasts
Acne
By using a testosterone medication and increasing your testosterone levels, your skin will produce more sebum than it’s used to, which can lead to an increase in breakouts and acne.
These symptoms should decrease within a few weeks of using the drug as your body adjusts to the increased testosterone.
Pain at the Injection Site
Pain at the injection site is a normal experience of any injections, and should clear up within a few days.
Enlargement / Sensitivity of Breasts
Adding exogenous testosterone such as Depo-Testosterone can lead to men’s breasts’ enlargement and even sensitivity.
The extra testosterone is converted to estradiol from the enzyme aromatase. The estradiol is responsible for breast growth. If this symptom bothers you, discuss options such as lowering your testosterone dose or using aromatase inhibitors, with your doctor.
Other Common Side Effects
Here are a few other adverse reactions that can be experienced when using testosterone cypionate:
- Increased hair on the face and body
- Increased number of erections
- Erections lasting much longer than usual
- Changes in sex drive
- Low sperm count
- Nausea
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Feeling a tingling sensation
- Swelling in arms and legs
- High red blood count
Increased Hair on the Face and Body
Hair growth, in particular facial hair, is propelled by the testosterone hormone. As such, when you increase your testosterone levels, you can also expect to notice an increase in body and facial hair.
Increased Number of Erections
Testosterone is a sex drug that stimulates and develops the sexual organs in men. Therefore, an increase in testosterone levels due to the medication will lead to more erections in men.
Erections Lasting Much Longer Than Usual
Once you start using testosterone injections to increase your naturally occurring hormone levels, you may notice erections that last longer than usual. However, if your erections last an abnormally long time or if the erections become painful, contact your doctor immediately.
Changes in Sex Drive
A variety of factors can cause changes in sex drive; including lack of sleep, stress, depression and even certain chronic medications. However, many men have reported an increase in their libido after using testosterone cypionate.
About 47.2% of men over the age of 40 saw great improvements in libido after undergoing testosterone therapy
Low Sperm Count
Any testosterone treatment can lower your sperm count as testosterone decreases the levels of pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), required to make sperm. If you and your partner want to try becoming pregnant, make sure to discuss this with your doctor before starting testosterone medication.
Nausea
Any hormonal medication can cause nausea while your body adjusts to the new levels. The same is true for testosterone injections. This side-effect should be mild and go away within a few days after the injection. If your nausea worsens, or you start vomiting, contact your doctor immediately.
Headache
Headaches are another common side effect of any hormonal medication. This side effect should go away a few days after the injection. However, contact your doctor if the headache doesn’t go away or if you develop other symptoms such as blurred vision, slurred speech, and confusion.
Anxiety
Increased testosterone from using a medication like testosterone cypionate can make users feel anxious after an injection. This can be attributed to changes in hormone levels and should go away after a few days.
Depression
Increasing testosterone levels can cause depression, especially a few days after the injection while your body processes the new testosterone. These feelings should subside after a few days. However, if they persist or your thoughts become suicidal, contact your doctor immediately.
Feeling a Tingling Sensation
Feeling a slight tingling sensation at the injection site or down the legs is normal and should subside within a few days of the injections. If the injection area becomes warm, extremely painful and numb along with the tingling, contact your doctor.
Swelling in Arms and Legs
While your body adjusts to the increase in testosterone from the injection, you may experience some adverse reactions such as water retention and swelling in the arms and legs. This swelling should subside within a few days as your body adjusts.
High Red Blood Count
Testosterone has an erythrogenic effect that can increase red blood cell development. Due to this effect, when you use testosterone injections, it can increase hemoglobin and hematocrit.
Severe Side Effects
While severe side effects are uncommon, all medications have the potential risk. Allergic reactions are also possible, but rare. Be aware of the following severe side effects and their symptoms:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Blood clots
- Liver damage
- Withdrawal
Heart Attack
If you experience chest pain, cold sweats, left arm pain or any difficulties breathing, you could be experiencing a heart attack due to the use of testosterone cypionate. Immediately contact emergency health services if you experience any of these symptoms.
Stroke
This side effect can be accompanied by face drooping, weakness on one side of the body, trouble seeing, walking, or speaking. If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately contact emergency health services.
Blood Clots
Blood clots due to testosterone cypionate use can occur in the legs or the chest. Blood clots in the legs can be accompanied by pain and swelling. Your legs may also be warm to the touch, and there may also be redness.
Blood clots in the lungs may also be accompanied by trouble breathing, chest pain and a cough. If you experience these symptoms, contact your emergency health services.
Liver Damage
You may experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin and eyes, light-colored stools, dark urine, and sudden weight loss. This can indicate liver damage due to the use of testosterone cypionate.
Withdrawal
Testosterone cypionate can be habit-forming when not used with the guidance of your doctor. This can lead to symptoms of withdrawal whenever dosages are adjusted or stopped completely. Symptoms of withdrawal can include depression, fatigue, cravings, restlessness, irritability, lack of appetite, decreased libido, insomnia, and even low testosterone.
Who Should Not Take Testosterone Cypionate?
Testosterone cypionate is not recommended for those with a history of major adverse cardiovascular events, liver or kidney problems, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, polycythemia, diabetes, blood clots, or if you’ve suffered from prostate or breast cancer. Make sure that you discuss these conditions with your doctor before starting on testosterone replacement therapy.
Drug Interactions
Testosterone cypionate may interact with certain medications. Ensure your doctor knows about any medications or supplements you are already taking.
These include other prescription drugs or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and dietary or herbal supplements. Your doctor will assess if any medications or dosages need to change for medication and supplements to work together and not cause any harm.
Precautions
Here are some of the precautions to be aware of before taking testosterone cypionate:
- Only take testosterone cypionate for medical reasons and with your doctor’s direction.
- Avoid testosterone cypionate if you suffer from heart, liver or kidney conditions.
- If you have diabetes, make sure to monitor your blood sugar levels closely.
- Avoid testosterone cypionate if you’re undergoing cancer treatment.
- Don’t use testosterone cypionate for age-related testosterone loss.
- Children under the age of 12 should not use testosterone cypionate.
- Children above the age of 12 should only use testosterone cypionate under the supervision of a doctor.
Testosterone Cypionate For Bodybuilding: Is It Safe?
Testosterone cypionate is only approved for treating low testosterone in men. It shouldn’t be used to build muscles or enhance sporting performance as side effects can be very risky when used in performance-enhancing doses. However, testosterone cypionate is manageable when reasonable doses are taken to treat hypogonadism.
There are natural ways to increase testosterone without having to risk the side effects of using a medication. Exercise and dietary changes can increase your testosterone levels without negative side effects.
How does working out increase testosterone? Exercise, especially muscle-building exercise, can increase your testosterone levels as the hormone increases muscle development. In short, the more muscle you have, the higher your testosterone levels will be.
If you’re thinking of using testosterone injections to enhance your performance or build muscles, discuss your options with your doctor first. There may be safer and healthier alternatives available.
How To Take Testosterone Cypionate
Testosterone is only available as an intramuscular injection that needs to be injected into the buttock muscle. It is important that the medication is injected into the muscle, as it won’t be absorbed properly when injected into a vein.
Depending on your needs, the injection happens every one to four weeks. Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when using testosterone cypionate.
Methods
You can visit your doctor for the injection if you prefer not to administer the injection yourself. Alternatively, your doctor can teach you to administer the injection into your buttock muscle yourself.
This would mean you can administer the doses yourself from home when needed. Be careful not to miss doses and if you do, let your doctor know to adjust your schedule. Never take a double dose if you missed one, as this can have adverse health effects.
Dosage
Dosages can vary depending on your individual needs. Your doctor can work with you and the results from your testosterone level tests to calculate your dosage. Your dosage depends on your age, gender, the condition being treated, and current testosterone levels.
Normal therapeutic doses vary from 50 mg to 400 mg injected deeply and slowly into the buttock. Your doctor might adjust your dose depending on how you respond to the injection. Never use more than the prescribed dosage, leading to serious side effects.
Testosterone Cypionate Alternatives
If you have a bad experience with testosterone cypionate, there are alternative medications that you can try instead. These alternatives include Testosterone Enanthate injection and Aveed. Both of these can be used to treat hypogonadism. Enanthate can also treat delayed puberty and breast cancer in women where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Natural Testosterone Boosters
There are natural ways that you can increase your testosterone levels. These include testosterone boosting supplements, foods, lifestyle changes, and exercise.
Despite its other health benefits, exercise has been proven to increase testosterone levels. The best exercises to raise your testosterone levels are weights and other muscle-building exercises.
Regarding your lifestyle, ensuring that you get enough quality sleep can also help increase testosterone levels. When combined with stress-reducing techniques such as mindful thinking and meditation, you can actively lower stress levels, improve sleep, and raise your testosterone levels.
There are also foods that increase testosterone levels that you can include in your diet. A diet that boosts testosterone levels includes healthy proteins such as chicken and fish and whole-grain carbs such as barley, buckwheat, and oats. Finally, a testosterone-raising diet should consist of healthy fats such as those found in fatty fish and avocados.
Some additional vitamins and supplements can also help to raise your testosterone levels. The most prominent two that have been proven are zinc and vitamin D.
What Kills Testosterone?
Certain testosterone killing foods should be avoided if you want to raise your levels naturally. Here are four different foods that should be avoided if you’re increasing your testosterone levels.
- Soy products
- Dairy
- Alcohol
- Flaxseed
Soy Products
Soy products such as soybeans and tofu contain phytoestrogens similar to estrogen in the body, and they act similarly.
Dairy
Cow’s milk often contains synthetic and natural hormones that, once consumed, can affect a person’s hormone levels and testosterone production.
Alcohol
A recent study has shown that frequent or heavy drinking can decrease testosterone levels in men. However, in women, alcohol can raise testosterone levels significantly [1]. Depending on your biological sec, it may be wise to reduce and limit your alcohol intake as needed to help regulate your testosterone levels.
Flaxseed
If you’re looking for how to lower testosterone levels, research has shown that flaxseed can lower T levels in certain populations. When it comes to flaxseed effects on testosterone, it is high in lignans. These are plant-based proteins that attach to testosterone. Once connected, the body can no longer use the testosterone and excretes it, thereby lowering testosterone levels.
FAQ
Here we answer a few of the most frequently asked questions.
What Does Testosterone Cypionate Do to Your Body?
Testosterone cypionate is a testosterone replacement medication used to provide your body with more of the testosterone hormone. It is used to treat men with clinically low testosterone or hypogondism.
Will Testosterone Cypionate Build Muscle?
Testosterone cypionate can build muscles as a side effect, but it’s not intended for muscle building or performance enhancement. Using the drug for these reasons can cause major side effects. It’s better to stick to legal steroid alternatives and natural supplements, along with regular exercise and healthy eating.
How Long Does Testosterone Cypionate Take To Kick In?
Once you’ve started using testosterone cypionate, you should see significant results within four to six weeks. However, some changes may be seen or felt earlier.
How Often Do You Inject Testosterone Cypionate?
Testosterone cypionate is injected every one to four weeks as directed by your doctor. Your doctor has calculated the dosage and frequency you require based on your age, sex, health condition, and testosterone levels.
Conclusion
Testosterone cypionate is a controlled substance that has been very effective in treating men with low testosterone or hypogondism. It is only available as an injection, and your doctor can teach you how to administer it at home.
It is not recommended to be used as a performance enhancer as it can have serious adverse health effects when not used according to your doctor’s instructions. If you suspect that you may be suffering from low testosterone, consult your doctor and discuss the option of starting hormone replacement therapy using testosterone cypionate.
References
- Vatsalya, Vatsalya, et al. “A Review on the Sex Differences in Organ and System Pathology with Alcohol Drinking.” Current Drug Abuse Reviews, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5894513/.
