Everything You Need to Know About Testosterone Cypionate

March 30, 2024

5 mins

Testosterone cypionate – sold under the brand name Depo-Testosterone – is an injectable form of testosterone replacement therapy. It’s a prescription medication used to treat men with symptoms of low testosterone – or hypogonadism. 

Hypogonadism occurs when men do not produce enough or any testosterone. Testosterone cypionate is an effective and convenient treatment route, as it can be self-injected at home.

Just as with other forms of testosterone replacement therapies, testosterone cypionate is a controlled substance. It should not be used for purposes other than to supplement a lack of testosterone to restore the hormone to within a normal range. 

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How Does Testosterone Cypionate Work?

Testosterone cypionate belongs to a class of drugs called androgen and anabolic steroids. Once it’s injected into the body, testosterone cypionate is slowly absorbed into the bloodstream, where it exerts its effects.

In the bloodstream, testosterone cypionate binds to hormone receptors throughout the body. This binding triggers certain biological responses that help regulate metabolism, promote tissue growth and repair, and maintain reproductive function.

Testosterone cypionate works by increasing testosterone levels in the body, which can help alleviate symptoms associated with low testosterone, such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, depression, irritability, decreased muscle mass, and decreased bone density. 

By restoring testosterone levels to within normal ranges, testosterone cypionate can improve overall quality of life and well-being in individuals with hypogonadism.

How Do You Take Testosterone Cypionate?

When it comes to dosing testosterone cypionate, your healthcare provider typically determines the initial dose based on various factors – such as your age, weight, symptoms, and testosterone levels – measured through blood tests. This initial dose serves as a starting point for your treatment.

Testosterone cypionate injections are typically administered intramuscularly into the gluteal muscle in the buttocks or into the thigh muscle. Your healthcare provider will provide detailed instructions on the proper injection technique to ensure safe and effective administration.

The frequency of testosterone cypionate injections varies, usually ranging from every one to four weeks and between 50 mg and 400 mg. However, the specific frequency may be adjusted based on your individual response to treatment and the recommendations of your healthcare provider. It's essential to adhere to the prescribed injection schedule to maintain stable testosterone levels in your body.

Your healthcare provider may periodically adjust your dosage of testosterone cypionate to optimize treatment outcomes. This adjustment is based on changes in your symptoms and testosterone levels measured through periodic blood tests. The goal is to achieve testosterone levels within the normal range and alleviate symptoms associated with low testosterone.

What are the Side Effects of Testosterone Cypionate?

Testosterone cypionate, like any medication, may cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects of testosterone cypionate injections include but are not limited to:

• Acne

• Oily skin

• Hair loss

• Headaches

• Changes in mood or behavior (such as increased aggression or irritability)

• Fluid retention

Some individuals may also experience injection site reactions, such as pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site. These side effects are usually mild and temporary, resolving on their own as the body adjusts to the medication.

Additionally, testosterone cypionate may increase the risk of certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, prostate enlargement, and cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke) – particularly in individuals with preexisting risk factors.

If you experience any unusual or concerning symptoms while taking testosterone cypionate, it's essential to seek medical attention promptly. Your healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms, provide appropriate treatment, and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan to ensure your safety and well-being. Additionally, be sure to inform your healthcare provider of any medications or supplements you are taking, as they may interact with testosterone cypionate and affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.

Does Testosterone Cypionate Interact with Any Other Drugs?

Yes, testosterone cypionate can interact with other drugs, potentially affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. 

Some medications and substances that may interact with testosterone cypionate include:

Blood thinners (anticoagulants): Testosterone cypionate may increase the effects of blood thinners such as warfarin, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. Close monitoring of blood clotting parameters is recommended if these medications are used concomitantly.

Insulin and oral diabetes medications: Testosterone cypionate may decrease glucose tolerance and increase insulin resistance, potentially requiring adjustments to insulin or oral diabetes medication dosages in diabetic patients.

Corticosteroids: Concurrent use of testosterone cypionate with corticosteroids may increase the risk of fluid retention and edema.

Cyclosporine: Testosterone cypionate may increase the risk of cyclosporine toxicity by altering its metabolism. Close monitoring of cyclosporine levels and adjustment of the dosage may be necessary.

Oral anticoagulants: Testosterone cypionate may decrease the efficacy of oral anticoagulants such as warfarin by increasing the production of clotting factors in the liver. Close monitoring of prothrombin time and international normalized ratio (INR) is recommended if these medications are used together.

Oral hypoglycemic agents: Testosterone cypionate may decrease the efficacy of oral hypoglycemic agents such as sulfonylureas by increasing insulin resistance. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended if these medications are used concomitantly.

Thyroid hormones: Testosterone cypionate may increase the clearance of thyroid hormones, potentially reducing their efficacy. Close monitoring of thyroid function tests is recommended if these medications are used together.

Insulin sensitizers: Testosterone cypionate may decrease the efficacy of insulin sensitizers such as metformin by increasing insulin resistance. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended if these medications are used concomitantly.

Who Shouldn’t Take Testosterone Cypionate?

While it may seem like the obvious answer could be women, that’s not entirely true. In women, testosterone contributes to sexual function, bone density, muscle mass, and overall vitality. When women have low testosterone levels, they may encounter symptoms like diminished libido, fatigue, decreased muscle mass, and mood fluctuations.

Low levels of testosterone in women can emerge during menopause, coinciding with natural hormonal shifts characteristic of this stage.

This being said, pregnant women or any women who may become pregnant should not take testosterone cypionate – and the same goes for women who are breastfeeding. 

Others who shouldn’t take testosterone cypionate are those with:

• Prostate cancer

• Breast cancer

• Severe liver disease

• Severe kidney disease

• Cardiovascular disease

• Sleep apnea

• An allergy or sensitivity to cypionate

Testosterone cypionate can exacerbate these conditions and may cause harm to the individual.

How Much Does Testosterone Cypionate Cost?

While testosterone cypionate is available in both a generic and brand name (Depo-Testosterone) form, the generic version is usually more affordable. The average cost of the medication is around $105 for two 200 mg doses.  

Additionally, there may be some hidden costs associated with testosterone cypionate and other T injections.

In some cases, syringes and needles won't be included in your prescription, so you’ll need to purchase them on your own. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider about the correct sized syringes and needles.

For proper disposal of needles, a sharps container is the safest way to throw away used needles. You can purchase these online or at your local pharmacy. 

Sterile alcohol wipes are also an essential part of self-administered testosterone injections as they help protect the injection site from becoming infected. 

Are There Any Alternative Treatments?

While all testosterone injections aim to restore testosterone levels, the medications themselves can be slightly different. Other testosterone injections include:

• Testosterone enanthate: an injectable testosterone medication that can be administered either subcutaneously (under the skin) or intramuscularly (into the gluteal muscle). Xyosted – a brand name version of testosterone enanthate – is given subcutaneously at a recommended dose of 75 mg per week, self-administered.While many generic versions of testosterone enanthate are intramuscular, the dosage varies from person to person, typically ranging from 50 mg to 400 mg every one to four weeks. Testosterone enanthate is metabolized more quickly in the body compared to testosterone cypionate.

• Testosterone undecanoate: an intramuscular injection given into the gluteal muscle by a healthcare provider. The brand name option is called Aveed. Its notable distinction from other testosterone injections lies in its dosage. The recommended dose is 750 mg, with a follow-up injection scheduled after four weeks. Subsequent doses can be administered every 10 weeks, amounting to approximately five shots per year.

• Testosterone propionate: another alternative for testosterone injections. Despite its lower cost compared to other injection options, testosterone propionate is less favored due to its dosage regimen. Propionate requires more frequent injections, potentially up to daily, as it releases testosterone gradually, aiding in maintaining stable testosterone levels.

Other alternatives to testosterone injections include topical gels. Testosterone gel is a convenient and non-invasive mode of administration compared to other forms of TRT. This is because of its topical application in easy-to-reach areas of the body. 

The most popular testosterone replacement gel is called AndroGel® 1.62%. It’s a controlled substance available by prescription only for men. 1.62% refers to the strength of testosterone in each dose (40.5 mg of testosterone).

While testosterone replacement therapies such as the ones discussed are effective in treating hypogonadism, other medications exist that do just the same. While medications like testosterone cypionate use synthetic testosterone to restore T levels, a medication like clomiphene (Clomid) works by stimulating the production of testosterone and blocking the production of estrogen.

Clomid is typically prescribed off-label for men with infertility issues related to low testosterone levels or abnormal sperm parameters. It is usually taken orally in pill form for a specified duration under the supervision of a healthcare provider. 

How Can Rex MD Help?

Balanced testosterone levels are a key factor in men’s health, and fortunately, Rex MD has got what you need to help boost your testosterone. 

With the Rex MD TestoRx program, you’ll have access to quality care from a team of licensed clinicians and testosterone solutions, if appropriate.

To find out if the program is right for you, just answer some about your symptoms and medical history. Your provider will order lab work for you to help determine if you’re eligible for testosterone injections or another treatment option.

Then, you’ll be able to schedule a virtual call with the Rex MD care team to further discuss your results, eligibility, and which treatment option would be most suitable for you, if any.

Get started today.