What is testosterone cypionate?
Testosterone cypionate is an injectable form of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. It is often prescribed to treat low testosterone levels in men and rarely for other medical conditions.
Some key points about testosterone cypionate:
- It is a synthetic, long-acting testosterone ester injected into muscle tissue. The cypionate ester slows the release of testosterone into the bloodstream.
- It is more slowly absorbed than other testosterone esters like propionate, allowing less frequent injections. Cypionate is typically injected once every 1-2 weeks.
- Testosterone cypionate was first produced in the 1950s under the brand name Depo-Testosterone. It remains one of the most commonly used forms of testosterone in hormone therapy.
- It is often used to treat testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) in men. Symptoms treated may include low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, depleted energy, and loss of muscle mass.
- While it has legitimate medical uses, testosterone cypionate is sometimes misused by athletes or bodybuilders to boost muscle mass, strength, and endurance. However, the practice carries significant health risks.
When injected, testosterone cypionate is absorbed into the bloodstream through the muscle tissue. From the bloodstream, it binds to and activates androgen receptors to exert its effects on organs and tissues throughout the body.
The positive effects desired from appropriate testosterone replacement include:
- Increased libido and sexual function
- Improved mood, mental clarity, energy
- Increase in muscle size and strength
- Potential weight loss by increasing fat metabolism
However, when misused or abused, supratherapeutic doses can negatively impact health:
- May suppress natural testosterone production
- Can cause heart disease, strokes, liver damage when misused chronically
- Contributes to uncontrolled aggression and mood swings
In the U.S., testosterone cypionate is a Schedule III controlled medication requiring a prescription. It should only be obtained after complete medical evaluation and continued monitoring by a licensed physician.
While tremendously beneficial for men with clinically low testosterone, inappropriate use of testosterone cypionate can endanger health. When used judiciously under medical supervision, however, it can dramatically improve quality of life.