Depo-Testosterone: Side Effects and Risks

Depo-Testosterone is the brand name for the medication testosterone cypionate manufactured by Pfizer. It has been safely used for decades by doctors treating male hypogonadism (low testosterone, Low T). Although it has extensive documentation to its effectiveness and safety, there are still Depo-Testosterone risks and side effects that every male should understand before starting treatment. We will explain all potential adverse reactions and concerns in this report.

The purpose of Depo-Testosterone is to replenish dwindling supplies of testosterone as a man gets older. From the mid-twenties onward, testosterone production decreases at a rate of about one to two percent each year. Testosterone replacement is a complex therapy that is personalized for each male’s specific needs. It is not a one-size-fits-all type of treatment.

To help avoid Depo-Testosterone side effects, it is imperative to use this medication only as prescribed. Do not alter the dosage or change the frequency of injection without doctor authorization. Those who need to worry most about risks are men who buy this medication illegally. We will discuss those concerns in the next section.

The safe usage of Depo-Testosterone depends on the following factors:

• Clinically low serum levels of testosterone as shown by blood test results
• Symptoms associated with low testosterone
• No underlying health issues or contraindications for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)

A hormone doctor requires a medical consultation, blood analysis, physical examination, and completion of a health history report before prescribing testosterone therapy. Some men may have blood test results that show them to be in the lower end of the normal range. However, if they have accompanying symptoms of Low T, they would still be candidates for treatment. Those individuals who do not have any signs of a deficiency would not require TRT, even if their testosterone levels are very low. The absence of symptoms means that the body is adjusting to the change in hormone production.

Unexpected Risks of Usage

As we mentioned, those individuals most at risk for Depo-Testosterone side effects are the ones who engage in the illegal usage of steroids. Depo-Testosterone is considered a “steroid” when it is used without a prescription for any type of enhancement purpose – most commonly in sports or bodybuilding practices. Aside from being illegal in all professional sports, not to mention for purchase, it can also lead to dangerous health issues, such as:

• Hepatic adenomas (liver tumor)
• Peliosis hepatis (blood-filled cavities in the liver)
• Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer)
• Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)
• Pulmonary embolism (blood clot lodges in an artery in the lung)
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Prostate cancer
• Enlarged prostate

Are these conditions common in men who abuse testosterone?

No, although they are rare, they can occur. More likely concerns when using testosterone illegally or in too high a dosage include:

• Aggressive behavior
• Infertility
• Polycythemia (increased red blood cell count)
• Risk-taking actions

Other unexpected Depo-Testosterone risks that may occur when buying testosterone cypionate illegally in a 100 mg or 200 mg vial include:

• Buying from a fraudulent website that takes money and ships nothing
• Identity theft and monetary loss
• Receipt of counterfeit and potentially dangerous medications
• Confiscation of shipped drugs coming in from outside the US

Steroid use is a problem as it can lead to the body shutting down its natural production of testosterone. When that occurs, a man may become dependent on supplemental testosterone for the rest of his life. Infertility becomes a significant issue as only naturally produced testosterone can promote spermatogenesis.

Common Side Effects of Depo-Testosterone

When prescribed to treat Low T, most men will have no concern over Depo-Testosterone risks. Using testosterone cypionate injections under a doctor’s care is a safe form of hormone replacement therapy. Testosterone cypionate has been in use since the 1950s and has extensive research backing up its safety.

Previous concerns over increased risks of cancer, heart attack, and prostate problems have mainly been laid to rest. The majority of studies support the safe use of TRT for those who need it.

Depo-Testosterone is administered as an intramuscular injection, most often to the thigh by those giving themselves shots at home. The most common side effects consist of injection site reactions such as pain, swelling, redness, or irritation.

Other possible Depo-Testosterone side effects include:

• Adult acne
• Oily skin
• Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts)
• Longer-lasting or more frequent erections
• Headache
• Low sperm count
• Mood swings
• Hair growth on face and body

In many cases, these changes may be short-term and go away on their own. Please contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Low sperm count may be a problem for men trying to conceive. If you fall into this category, please discuss the possibility of other medications to improve testosterone levels and sperm count. Supplemental testosterone does not enter the testes, so it has no impact on spermatogenesis. HCG or clomid may be necessary to improve natural testosterone production and sperm cell maturation.

Rare Side Effects

Any medication may cause other reactions in some people. Although the Depo-Testosterone side effects listed below are rare, it is essential to know what they are. That way, if they occur, you know to contact the prescribing doctor to discuss the situation.

Please report the following side effects of Depo-Testosterone to your physician:

• Trouble breathing
• Redness, swelling, or pain in the arm or leg – may be a sign of a blood clot
• Blurred or changes in vision
• Seizures
• Severe or long-lasting headache
• Slurred or difficult speech
• Sudden and severe weakness on one side of the body
• Painful or tender breasts
• Hair loss
• Weight gain
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Oily stools
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Injection site abscess
• Rapid or slow heartbeat
• Urinary changes
• Impotence
• Fatigue
• Worsening of sleep apnea
• Insomnia or other sleep disturbances
• Fluid retention (swelling due to edema)
• Increased or decreased appetite or thirst
• Elevated blood sugar levels
• Muscle, joint, or nerve pain
• Muscle spasms
• Back pain
• Vertigo
• Dizziness
• Chills
• Fever
• Sudden hearing loss or tinnitus
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Hostility
• Anxiety
• Changes in skin color, jaundice (yellowing of the skin)

It is also critical to seek immediate medical assistance if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, a rash or hives, or swelling of the tongue, lips, face, or throat.

For additional information about Depo-Testosterone risks, diagnostic testing, low testosterone treatment options, or hormonal imbalance in general, please contact our hormone clinic for a free consultation.