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Testosterone cypionate is a generic pharmaceutical form of testosterone, often used for treating males with low testosterone (low T). It is often marketed under brand names such as Duratest, Depo-Testosterone, and Testoject LA.
In the context of restoring testosterone levels to a healthy range, testosterone cypionate is a highly beneficial form of hormone replacement therapy and well-tolerated by most patients. Like any drug, though, testosterone cypionate has benefits and possible side effects that you should be aware of before using it.
It’s also important to note that testosterone cypionate is a schedule-III controlled substance in the United States, meaning U.S. citizens can’t legally use it without a prescription and the guidance of a licensed physician trained in treating Low T.
Moving forward, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about testosterone cypionate, including what it is, benefits of using it, and the possible side effects you might experience (as well as how to control them).
Testosterone cypionate is an ester of testosterone – the primary male sex hormone (androgen) in humans. In chemical terms, esters are organic (carbon-based) compounds derived from acids in which at least one -OH (hydroxyl) substituent is replaced by an -OR (alkoxy) substituent.
WHAT IS TESTOSTERONE CYPIONATE?
Esters are highly important in biology, often serving as lipids (fats). Per example, cholesterol is the most common steroid hormone (and technically a lipid) that serves as a precursor to many biologically important hormones, including testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, and progesterone. As such, it might help to think of testosterone cypionate as a modified form of the natural testosterone your body produces, containing an ester bond with cyclopentylpropionate at the carbon-17β position. The image below compares the structures of testosterone to testosterone cypionate.
This alteration to the chemical structure of testosterone turns it into a “prodrug,” meaning your body converts it into a biologically active form after you administer it. Even though testosterone cypionate is a synthetic androgenic anabolic steroid, it is still considered a natural hormone since your body metabolizes it into the bioidentical form of testosterone.
The use of testosterone esters – like testosterone cypionate – is advantageous in clinical applications for a variety of reasons, including:
• The effective half-life and duration of action of testosterone can be controlled
• It improves the bioavailability of testosterone
• The dosage is easier to manipulate
• The time between administrations is significantly increased
There are several other testosterone esters used in medicine for treating low T, such as testosterone undecanoate, testosterone propionate, and testosterone enanthate. Testosterone cypionate, however, is the most common ester used for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in the U.S **
** Santoro N, Braunstein GD, Butts CL, Martin KA, McDermott M, Pinkerton JV (April 2016). “Compounded Bioidentical Hormones in Endocrinology Practice: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement”. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 101 (4): 1318–43.
TESTOSTERONE CYPIONATE USE AS A PERFORMANCE – ENHANCING DRUG
Since testosterone cypionate is an anabolic androgenic steroid, athletes, bodybuilders, and gym-goers alike might use it illicitly for performance-enhancing purposes and to encourage better recovery and muscle growth.
Excessive anabolic androgenic steroid use can cause priapism, testicular atrophy/shrinkage, impotence, premature coronary heart disease, increased LDL cholesterol, decreased spermatogenesis, and gynecomastia (“man boobs”). Androgens can also stimulate the growth of the prostate and fluid retention, leading to edema.
Anabolic steroids taken at a young age (25 years old) can cause premature closing of the epiphysis of the long bones, which stunts growth and interrupts development. High doses taken by young athletes may result in liver abnormalities and even death.
In females, androgenic steroids like testosterone cypionate can promote masculinization of the body, enlarge the clitoris, and induce menopause.
Again, the keyword is “excessive,” and remembering the adage “the difference between medicine and poison is in the dose.” Using testosterone cypionate for performance enhancement is vastly different than using it for therapeutic purposes under the guidance of our team at Thrive Men’s Clinic Men’s Health.
TESTOSTERONE CYPIONATE KEY TAKEAWAYS
Testosterone cypionate is one of the most desirable options for restoring testosterone levels to a healthy range. In most cases, the side effects of testosterone cypionate are benign and manageable (especially if the dose is within reason). In excessive (performance-enhancing) doses, testosterone cypionate can be a dangerous drug to use, just like any other drug.
When used properly, however, males can expect testosterone cypionate to increase libido, promote better erectile function, boost vitality, enhance energy, support muscle growth and fat loss, and provide cognitive benefits. Quite simply, testosterone cypionate use as part of TRT can help men feel happier, healthier, and more motivated.
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