What is testosterone cypionate?
Testosterone cypionate is an injectable form of the hormone testosterone. It is often prescribed to treat low testosterone levels in men and rarely for hormone therapy in transgender men.
Some key points about testosterone cypionate:
- It is a long-acting testosterone ester injected into muscle tissue. The cypionate ester slows the release of testosterone from the injection site over a period of days or weeks.
- It is used to treat symptoms of low testosterone including low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, decreased energy, and loss of muscle mass.
- Dosages are typically 200-400 mg injected every 2-4 weeks. The dosage may be adjusted based on blood work and response to treatment.
- Side effects may include acne, hair loss, aggressiveness, mood changes, liver damage, increased red blood cell count, sleep apnea, enlargement of the prostate, and lowered "good" cholesterol levels.
Why is testosterone cypionate prescribed?
Testosterone cypionate is commonly prescribed to transgender men as part of masculinizing hormone therapy. It is also prescribed for cisgender men with clinically low testosterone levels to help alleviate symptoms.
Some reasons a doctor may prescribe testosterone cypionate injections rather than testosterone gels/patches include:
- Inability to maintain normal testosterone levels with gels/patches
- Preference for less frequent injections over daily gels/patches
- Better insurance coverage for injections
- Severe symptoms that warrant larger testosterone doses
As with any medication, the benefits and potential side effects should always be discussed with a doctor before starting.