(Testosterone cypionate is medically approved testosterone replacement therapy.)
Testosterone replacement therapy is legal and medically approved in certain cases. In cases of hypgonadism which may be congenital in origin, in testicular failure due to a variety of reasons, in cases of pituitary or hypothalamic problems, testosterone replacement therapy may be required. It can also be used in cases of surgical gender changes. Testosterone cypionate (also called depo-testosterone) is not used for boys under twelve, though it may be used in certain cases around adolescence if pubertal changes are not normal.
When testosterone replacement therapy is called for, one of types of testosterone to be considered for medical use is testosterone cypionate. Available as oil based injection, testosterone cypionate is absorbed slowly, so the person needs fewer injections. It has a half life of eight days in the body and can be given at intervals of two to four weeks, depending on the dosage required and the testosterone levels in the blood. That is because testosterone cypionate is a long estered version of testosterone.
Testosterone cypionate goes straight into the muscles and so works faster than oral testosterones. As it bypasses the liver, there is less risk of liver damage which can occur with oral testosterone supplements.
How does testosterone cypionate work?
Testosterone cypionate should be given only to those patients who have been confirmed to have testosterone deficiency. This androgenic anabolic steroid has many other effects as well. Testosterone cypionate increases the number of red cells in the body. This reverses any signs of anemia, besides enabling more oxygenated blood to circulate in the body, improve energy levels and reducing fatigue.
It increases nitrogen retention and nitrogen is important for protein synthesis. This helps in muscle building. It also helps in healing of muscle tissue, scar tissue and reduces muscle wasting.
As it is slow acting, the person needs to take only one 200 mg. injection intramuscularly twice a month – the maximum dosage should not exceed 400 mg. in a month. If there is good response, the injections can be given even once a month. The injection is ideally taken in a doctor’s office.
Precautions with the use of testosterone cypionate
Medications containing testosterone from outside sources (as opposed to what the body naturally makes) have certain side effects which range from mild to severe. However, when taken under medical supervision and for low testosterone disorders, the patient is monitored and if side effects do occur, the dosage can be modified. At the lower end of the dosage, side effects may be minor and the benefits of the therapy may outweigh the risks.
Patients on testosterone cypionate therapy are well advised to report all side effects to their health care provider. Among the symptoms which may occur are
- Frequent erections
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Swelling of the ankles
- Oligospermia after long use
- Gynecomastia
- Edema
- Prostatic hypertrophy
- Hypercalcemia
- Acne
- Hair loss
Testosterone cypionate is also contraindicated with certain medicines and also some medical conditions, so it is important to tell your health care practitioner your complete medical history. You will need to be monitored regularly to avoid any unpleasant side effects, especially with long term use of testosterone cypionate therapy.
How long does testosterone cypionate therapy take?
Testosterone cypionate therapy will start working probably from the very first injection. After that, the patient has to be regularly monitored and, if he experiences any side effects, may have to take other medications to neutralize the effects. For instance testosterone may turn into estrogen in the body, so you may need to take an estrogen blocker.
Once testosterone levels are higher, then the dosage can be tapered and reduced gradually. However, it may take a few months to show many positive effects. You may need to take a ‘holiday’ from hormonal injections and then see how your blood work sustains and other benefits sustain. Then your doctor may want to put you on an even lower dose or change the delivery method.
There are numerous brand names under which testosterone cypionate is available, among them being Andro LA 200, Cypionax, Delatestryl, Depandro 100, Depo-Testosterone, Testro and others. If you are on a tight budget, you may consider getting a generic kind and if you learn how to do it yourself, you can even inject yourself, though initially you may want to get it done by your health care provider.
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