What is testosterone cypionate?
Testosterone cypionate is an injectable form of the hormone testosterone. It is often prescribed to treat low testosterone levels in men.
Some key things to know about testosterone cypionate:
- It is a synthetic, long-acting version of the naturally occurring male hormone testosterone. When injected, it slowly releases testosterone into the bloodstream over the course of 1-2 weeks.
- It is used to treat testosterone deficiency (low T) in men. Symptoms of low T include low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, decreased energy, and loss of muscle mass.
- It comes in an injectable oil that is typically injected into the buttocks or thigh muscle. Doses range from 100-200 mg every 7-14 days.
- Potential side effects include acne, oily skin, hair loss, breast enlargement, testicular shrinkage, mood changes, and increased red blood cell count.
- It requires a prescription and should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
How does testosterone cypionate work?
When injected into muscle tissue, testosterone cypionate is absorbed into the bloodstream where it binds to and activates androgen receptors to initiate changes in gene expression. This increases protein synthesis which can lead to increased muscle mass and strength.
What are the uses of testosterone cypionate?
The main uses of testosterone cypionate are to:
- Treat low testosterone (low T) in men
- Treat delayed puberty in boys
- Promote muscle growth in conditions like AIDS or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Help manage metastatic breast cancer in women along with other treatments
Is testosterone cypionate safe?
When used properly under medical supervision, testosterone cypionate is generally safe. However, abuse or overuse can cause side effects. It also requires regular blood work to monitor health markers like red blood cell count, liver enzymes, and prostate markers.
For more information, consult with the professionals at Harmonize Care.