Testosterone Cypionate: Full Instructions

If you are a man suffering from the symptoms of Low T (low testosterone, hypogonadism), then testosterone cypionate (TC) is likely going to be the best choice for your treatment. Testosterone deficiency can have significant ramifications if left untreated. Androgen hormones such as testosterone play many roles in the body beyond influencing sexual desire and functions. Heart health, muscle and bone structure, metabolism, cognitive performance, and even emotional well-being require an abundant supply of testosterone each day.

Hormone replacement is a complex therapy undertaken by medical specialists. The balancing of hormone levels must be done by highly trained hormone doctors who understand how increasing one hormone level may impact and influence others.

Here at our clinic, we engage in the balancing of hormone levels for men and women. Our medical staff provides free consultations by phone to answer questions, discuss symptoms, and determine if advancing to the next step of testing is advisable. Although the most recommended forms of testosterone therapy are inexpensive, we also check pharmaceutical company assistance programs to determine any savings we can pass on to our clients.

Can men and women use testosterone cypionate?

No, only men should use testosterone cypionate injections to treat Low T. For women, the best form of treatment is testosterone cream – compounded by a special pharmacy to their precise strength and dosage requirements. Women have much lower levels of testosterone in their bodies, so they do not need the higher strength found in testosterone injections. The only change to this is when an oncologist prescribes injectable testosterone for the treatment of female metastatic breast cancer.

Does it come in any other form than an injectable?

No, testosterone cypionate is the name for the testosterone medication that uses a cottonseed ester for injecting into the body. Other forms of testosterone, such as patches, implantable pellets, gels, and transbuccal tablets, are not the same type of preparation.

Description

Testosterone cypionate is an odorless, white or creamy white crystalline powder designed for intramuscular and not subcutaneous or intravenous use. Each vial contains testosterone cypionate, USP – an oil-soluble ester with a molecular formula of C27H40O3, and a molecular weight of 412.61.

Because this injection is insoluble in water, it requires binding to a protein for its movement through the bloodstream to the body’s vast array of androgen receptors. Receptor cells (RCs) bind with their precise hormone to initiate their actions. Without enough testosterone, the androgen RCs sit dormant. As with naturally produced testosterone, supplemental TC enters the RCs to stimulate their activities.

Most of the testosterone in the bloodstream binds to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) for transport and must separate before becoming bioavailable for the RCs to use. A small portion of testosterone binds loosely to albumin, allowing for its use when arriving at the receptors.

Instructions

Testosterone cypionate has a half-life of approximately eight days. It is available as a generically compounded medication prepared by compounding pharmacies. Depo-Testosterone by Pfizer is the most well-known brand name version of TC. Perrigo is one of the generic name brands. In the sections below, we discuss crucial facts about using this medication:

Indications

Men with Low T typically exhibit at least a few of the symptoms below. A diagnosis of low testosterone requires both symptoms and clinically low blood T levels. The absence of symptoms, even with very low blood test results, does not require treatment. The list below shows the most common signs of low testosterone:

• Muscle loss
• Fatigue, low endurance
• Weight gain (especially abdominal)
• Joint pains and stiffness
• Bone loss (height shrinkage is a good sign)
• Memory loss or slow recall
• Brain fog or impaired cognitive functions
• Poor focus
• Insomnia
• Mood swings
• Depression and anxiety
• High LDL and total cholesterol
• Balding or thinning hair
• Low libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Elevated blood pressure
• Anemia

Dosage & Administration

Most men inject testosterone cypionate once every two weeks to either their thigh or gluteal muscles. The thigh is best for those doing self-administration. However, some men experience highs and lows – especially towards the end of their cycle. If that occurs, the doctor may switch to weekly, half-dosage injections. Never change your dosage or injection frequency without doctor authorization.

Dosage determination takes into consideration a man’s age, health, level of deficiency, and body compensation. Dosage may change as the treatment progresses, depending on how the body responds to the testosterone, the results, and whether any side effects occur.

Missed dosages should be taken as soon as possible, although never with a regular dose as doubling up could lead to other problems.

Storage and Use

Testosterone cypionate requires room temperature storage away from humidity, heat, and light. It is best to maintain a temperature of 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not freeze or refrigerate the medication. Remember to check the vial for particles or crystals before each use, as well as ensuring the expiration date has not passed.

Drug Interactions

• Anticoagulants – TC may increase oral anticoagulant sensitivity requiring dosage reduction by a doctor.
• Corticosteroids – use of testosterone cypionate with corticosteroids may increase edema. Individuals with hepatic, renal, or cardiac disease require extra monitoring.
• Insulin – TC use may decrease blood sugar and insulin requirements.
• Propranolol – testosterone cypionate may increase the clearance of propranolol.

Warnings & Precautions

Testosterone cypionate is contraindicated in men with prostate or breast cancer. It should not be used by individuals with allergies to any of the ingredients in testosterone. Men with an allergy to soy must alert their doctor to this information. Report all past and current health concerns, medications, and even over-the-counter supplements in use. Some supplements, such as St. John’s wort, may interfere with the metabolism of TC and decrease testosterone levels. Women who are pregnant should not use this medication.

Effects

The positive effects of testosterone cypionate therapy include the following:

• Better body composition (muscle mass gain, fat loss)
• Enhanced metabolic functions
• Increased energy and endurance
• Deeper, more restful sleep
• Improved bone mineral density
• Reduced joint pain and stiffness
• Happier mood, less depression
• Sharper cognitive functions, focus, and memory
• Enhanced libido and sexual performance
• Better hair growth

For most men, the only adverse reaction may be some minor pain, irritation, itching, redness, or swelling at the injection site. In some instances, the following side effects of TC could occur. Let your doctor know if these issues persist or worsen.

• Adult acne
• Headache
• Mood changes
• Weight gain
• Fluid retention (edema)
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Oily skin
• Depression
• Male breast enlargement (gynecomastia)
• Changes in hair growth
• Nausea
• Changes in libido
• Prolonged or more frequent erections

Overdose

Acute overdose is rare, and reactions are unknown. Chronic overdose, through illegal usage or abuse, can increase the risk of cardiac arrest, psychosis, infertility, aggressive behavior, gynecomastia, convulsions, hostility, hallucinations, testicular shrinkage, hepatotoxicity, risky actions, depression, and other serious issues. Testosterone cypionate should only be used as directed to treat hypogonadism.

How Supplied

The vial sizes for testosterone cypionate are 100 mg/mL in 10 mL multidose vials. Each mL contains the following:

• Testosterone cypionate 100 mg
• Benzyl benzoate 112 mg
• Cottonseed oil 736 mg
• Benzyl alcohol 9.45 mg

Testosterone cypionate may also be available in 200 mg/mL vials. Please speak with one of our medical advisors to determine the best option for your needs.

Clinical Pharmacology

The purpose of this medication is to restore low testosterone levels to those of healthy younger men. Ongoing testosterone deficiency can increase the risk of developing the following:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Atherosclerosis
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity
• Osteoporosis
• Dementia
• High blood pressure
• Anemia
• High cholesterol
• Depression
• Impotence

Before receiving a prescription for testosterone cypionate, men who contact our clinic will receive a free consultation by phone, low-cost blood testing at nearby laboratories, and will also complete a physical exam and health history intake questionnaire. Please contact us today for further information.

Clinical Pharmacology

Testosterone is an androgen hormone that is crucial for male sex organ development, as well as male and female fertility, muscle mass and bone density preservation, metabolism, brain functions, and heart health. Depo-Testosterone is an exogenous version of testosterone, provided to the body via intramuscular injection, to make up for what the male testes no longer produce.

Men who suffer from ongoing and untreated Low T are at an increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, dementia, and other health concerns. Testosterone therapy is crucial for maintaining good health, emotional well-being, and vitality.

A hormone specialist requires the following steps for diagnosing and treating male hypogonadism:

• Consultation
• Examination
• Blood analysis
• Medical history review

Our hormone clinic offers consultations by phone to save our clients time and money over the course of their treatment. We also review various pharmaceutical company assistance programs to get the best possible price for treatment.

To learn more about hypogonadism, Depo-Testosterone, and other treatment options, please contact our clinic for a free, confidential consultation today.