Though its name is long, testosterone cypionate actually works pretty simply. In short, it's a man-made form of testosterone.
From aging men with receding hormone levels to young boys with delayed puberty, bodybuilders looking to build muscle, and even women battling breast cancer, its uses are wide and varied.
When used within prescription guidelines, it can lead to a more balanced and level hormonal system.
Yet, like many performance-enhancing drugs, it's not without its side effects.
If you're considering starting a cycle of testosterone cypionate, read on. Today, we're sharing everything you need to know about the drug and its related reactions so you can make an informed decision before jumping in.
Ready to get started? Let's start with the basics:
Testosterone 101
Before we get into the synthetic form of testosterone, let's talk about what it is in the first place, and why your body might need more of it.
Without getting too deep into the biochemistry of its make-up, testosterone is a male sex hormone. It's included in a hormone class called androgens.
Produced by the body, it's a key player in the development of male reproductive tissues, including the prostate. It's also responsible for sex drive and sperm production, as well as the growth of facial and body hair.
Yet, while these are some of the first functions that come to mind, testosterone also contributes to a set of secondary sexual characteristics that are super important. These include bone density, muscle mass, muscle strength, and distribution of fat.
Men with a testosterone deficit can experience a lag in any or all of these characteristics. As such, anabolic steroids such as testosterone cypionate designed to boost these levels can often be an appropriate substitute.
So what exactly is it, and how is it administered?
In a nutshell, it's an injectable form of testosterone, which means that it's made in a lab, not in your body. Medical professionals typically inject it in a muscle (not a vein) in your buttocks, though some people are granted clearance to perform the procedure themselves.
While the window of time for administration is usually once every 1-4 weeks, the exact dosage and time frame that's best for you will depend on your current medical condition (and history), your initial response to the drug, and your existing testosterone levels.
While the expected outcome of this regime is upped hormonal levels that replace what your body can't naturally produce, the drug may have other, unintended outcomes that aren't as welcome.
So before you begin, it's important to know what the all the possible side effects are.
The first step starts with simply examining the medicine. Check and make sure there are no particles floating around, and that it is not discolored.
If you can eliminate that hazard, great! The first part is done, but there's still plenty to discuss. Let's take a look at some common symptoms that can occur in people taking testosterone cypionate.
Physical Effects You Might Expect: Starting on the Outside
When taking testosterone cypionate, you can expect slight redness and discomfort at the site of injection. In addition, you might notice a change in your outward appearance, primarily in your skin and hair.
Acne, hair loss, oily skin, and changes in your skin pigmentation are all reported side effects. The drug can also lead to increased water retention, making you look and feel puffy, bloated, or tight.
These changes are primarily cosmetic and for the most part, they can be attributed to a shift in your body's natural hormonal balance.
Yet, there are also some more serious side effects that warrant discussion.
Internally Speaking: Mild to Moderate Side Effects
Introducing testosterone cypionate into your system can also result in the following mild to moderate side effects. Keep in mind you're changing your body's natural cycles and hormone production, and as such, physical signs such as these may occur, especially in new users:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Gum/mouth irritation and pain
There are also more serious and long-term side effects that can occur. These require medical attention — sometimes immediately. Take a look at some main ones to be cautious of:
Serious Consequences: The Pain Points to Watch
In more severe cases, testosterone cypionate injections can cause the following:
- Changes in your mood (e.g. more easily angered)
- Mental shifts (e.g. anxiety, depression)
- Difficulty sleeping
- Heart failure
- Liver disease (symptoms include persistent abdominal pain, prolonged nausea, yellowish skin and eyes, and difficulty urinating/dark urine)
- Breast tenderness and enlargement
- Sustained erections
Take Caution: Tips on Taking Testosterone Cypionate
While the lists above should cause reflection and consideration, keep in mind that while medications come with side effects, you may not experience all — or any — of them.
To help avoid the negative side effects of testosterone cypionate, it's important to follow some best practices before and while using the drug. Here are some handy tips:
- Talk to your doctor before beginning a steroid regime to make sure it's right for your body type, and to get started on the right dosage
- If you're administering at home, be sure to store the medicine in a cool, dry place
- If you've been using the drug for a prolonged period of time and decide to stop, taper off gradually rather than going cold turkey. Stopping suddenly may cause your body to totally stop making the hormone, putting you through a pretty serious and painful withdrawal.
- Be sure to consult your doctor if you want to increase your dose, or change how often you take it. Tampering with the frequency and amount can negatively affect your internal process.
- Don't take testosterone cypionate if you're diabetic, or if you currently have, or have had: breast or prostate cancer; cardiac disease; liver disease or failure; kidney disease.
The Next Steps: Before You Start
If you're thinking about starting a safe, legal regime, we know it can be tricky. With so many options on the market and information to digest, it's hard to know where to even start.
That's where we come in. We're experts on performance-enhancing supplements and have checked out almost every product out there.
Feel free to leave a comment below, check out our Top 3 Testo Boosters or contact us if you have any questions or would like more information and let us be your guide to a stronger tomorrow!
