Testosterone Cypionate: Side Effects and Risks

When considering treatment for testosterone deficiency, the doctor must weigh the testosterone cypionate risks and side effects to the benefits. In most instances, the positive attributes of treatment far outweigh the negatives. This review looks at testosterone cypionate (TC) usage and answers questions about unexpected risks, as well as common and rare side effects.

What is the most common cause of testosterone cypionate side effects and risks?

Without question, the most likely reason for any man to experience adverse reactions from testosterone cypionate is abuse. That can take the form of using testosterone treatment when it is not necessary, such as to increase muscle size for bodybuilding or athletic abilities for sports. Another type of testosterone abuse is injecting more than prescribed by the doctor. Increasing the dosage will not bring faster or better results. Hormones require balance, and too much is just as bad as too little.

The other primary cause of adverse events is an illegal purchase, and we will discuss that further in the next section.

Are testosterone cypionate side effects permanent?

In some situations, the side effects of testosterone cypionate abuse can be permanent. Long-term, high dosage use can lead to liver problems, including hepatitis and cancer, which can have a lasting impact on a person’s life. Heart attacks and strokes could permanently damage one’s health. Again, these issues are more often associated with testosterone abuse than legitimate use.

Are there side effects of going off of testosterone cypionate?

Testosterone, as with other types of hormone treatment, is a complex therapy. It must be regulated and supervised by an experienced hormone specialist. Stopping the use of the medication suddenly can lead to testosterone cypionate risks such as infertility, withdrawal symptoms, fatigue, depression, and low testosterone symptoms. Most men will require medication such as HCG or clomid to stimulate natural testosterone production after treatment.

Unexpected Risks of Usage

It is one thing to talk about testosterone cypionate side effects – minor reactions that could occur from treating Low T. It is an entirely different subject when discussing the risks associated with illegal, unauthorized, or unnecessary usage of testosterone cypionate.

Testosterone therapy is a safe way to increase low testosterone levels. It can also help improve female fertility and treat some forms of metastatic breast cancer in women. Supplemental testosterone should only be used under a doctor’s supervision. Any other use can result in potentially dangerous health risks.

Negative testosterone cypionate risks that come from raising testosterone levels too high include:

• Liver damage
• Decreased sperm count
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Testicular shrinkage
• Damage to the kidneys
• Antisocial, aggressive, hostile, and risky behavior
• Depression
• Changes in libido
• Manic episodes

Illegal testosterone administration sometimes leads to dependence and withdrawal when usage ceases. That can result in major depression, restlessness, cravings, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, decreased libido, anorexia, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. These issues can last for weeks or even months. Without proper treatment, the male body could cease natural testosterone production, putting one’s health at serious risk.

Other testosterone cypionate side effects and risks can occur due to the purchasing location of the medication. Many people who use TC illegally turn to unregulated websites to get their testosterone. That action opens an entirely different set of negative circumstances that could include the following:

• Identity theft
• Monetary loss
• Prosecution due to illegal purchase
• Shipment confiscation
• Expired, switched, or diluted products – rip-offs from the seller to increase their bottom line
• Counterfeit medications (false labels) that could include toxic ingredients

Common Side Effects of Testosterone Cypionate

When a doctor diagnoses testosterone deficiency, he or she uses careful calculations to determine the appropriate dosage of the medication for each person. That reduces the risk of developing any testosterone cypionate side effects. Even so, some injection site reaction is possible, especially for a man who has never self-administered a shot before. Short-term redness, pain, irritation, swelling, or bruising could occur.

There is also an adjustment phase as the body gets used to the increase in testosterone levels. For some men, that can also include some mild reactions. What are the side effects of testosterone cypionate that are most likely to occur in the early stages of treatment?

Here are the most common testosterone cypionate side effects in men:

• Fluid retention (edema)
• Breast enlargement (gynecomastia)
• Acne
• Oily skin
• Changes in hair growth
• Prolonged erections
• Headache
• Changes in libido
• Depression or anxiety
• Tingling and numbness
• Nausea

Women do not typically experience these testosterone cypionate risks because their low testosterone treatment takes the form of a low-dose compounded cream. Those who abuse this medication could experience many of the same side effects. Other adverse reactions for women who have elevated testosterone levels include:

• Clitoral enlargement
• Deepening of the voice
• Breast shrinkage
• Male pattern balding
• Facial and body hair growth

The main way to avoid any testosterone cypionate risks is to follow the instructions prescribed by the doctor. Report any adverse reactions to the hormone clinic to ensure that the treatment is going in the right direction.

Rare Side Effects

Other than the common testosterone cypionate side effects and potential risks mentioned earlier, there are additional adverse reactions that could occur. These effects are rare, but they are still essential to know so that if they do occur, you can let your physician know.

Rare side effects of testosterone cypionate include:

• Worsening of sleep apnea
• Salt and water retention
• Polycythemia (elevated red blood cell count)
• Changes in blood sugar levels
• Blood clots
• High cholesterol or blood pressure
• Allergic reactions (breathing problems, swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat, rash, or hives)
• Chest pain
• Changes in urination or urine color
• Swelling or pain in the leg
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Vision changes
• Shortness of breath
• Unusual pain in the body

Testosterone injections are one of the safest forms of hormone replacement therapy for men. Adverse reactions, such as the ones above, are rare. Mild side effects typically go away on their own within a few days to a few weeks. If they persist or worsen, that is the time to contact the doctor.

Here at our hormone clinic, we advise men and women on the many options for hormone replacement therapy. Beginning with a free consultation by phone, we save our clients time and money throughout the diagnostic and treatment process. We also check the various pharmaceutical assistance programs to see who might qualify for money-saving offers.

To learn more about testosterone cypionate risks and side effects, please contact our clinic for a free consultation by phone.