Testosterone cypionate and enanthate are used in men who no longer make enough of the natural testosterone to support health. This substance is needed for healthy muscles and bones and genital health in men. Testosterone needs to be at the proper levels in the bloodstream to protect sexual and physical health, but it can also have a link to mental well-being for many people. In terms of chemical structure, they are very similar except testosterone cypionate has an additional carbon atom.
This is a common area that needs attention for those struggling with low energy, low libido, and low sex drive. When low testosterone is found to be the cause for these issues, testosterone enanthate or cypionate are added to a person’s regimen for their overall health. These substances can also be used to treat delayed puberty and treat some kinds of breast cancer in women.
How are Testosterone Enanthate and Cypionate Taken?
In most cases, this medication is delivered through the use of an injection that is given in the muscle. You should never inject this substance into a vein. It is meant to be taken intramuscularly.
Those who deliver this medication themselves at home will be given small vials of the medication and needles and syringes to take it. The doses are quite small and are not taken daily in most cases. The particulars of the dosing frequency can depend on why a person is taking the medication.
People who need to dose themselves with these medications at home will be shown how by medical professionals before it is dispensed to them. Good needle safety practices and disinfection practices must be followed to be sure that you are not going to cause harm to yourself when you give yourself these injections.
Testosterone Enanthate and Cypionate Uses
These two medications are both used for various health purposes besides replacing testosterone for men who need it due to age or other health conditions. There are reasons that you might need these medications besides taking care of low testosterone levels.
Hormone Therapy
These medications are used to increase testosterone in those who are undergoing a sex change or who wish to engage in hormone therapy related to transgender or gender dysphoria.
Anti-Aging
While controversial, this is a standard treatment for anti-aging in men older than 40. The testosterone might contribute to other adjacent health benefits, but this may not be an outcome that should be counted upon from taking this medication.
Radiation and Chemotherapy
Testosterone can be given to those undergoing chemotherapy treatments for hypogonadism or Klinefelter Syndrome. This process stimulates the pituitary gland.
Breast Cancer
These medications are sometimes used to treat metastatic breast cancer and other breast cancer types. It is not always the correct answer, but it can be used in this way for specific cancer types with great success.
Side Effects of Testosterone Enanthate
- Injection site pain
- Headaches
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Increased libido
- Decreased libido
- Dizziness
- Acne and oily skin
- Thinning hair
- Weight gain
- Tingling in the body
- Weight gain or loss
The severity of the symptoms is mainly dosage-dependent, but some people experience these symptoms even on low doses of the medication.
Side Effects of Testosterone Cypionate
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Skin color changes
- Increased or decreased libido
- Oily skin
- Hair loss
- Acnes
- Injection site pain
- Headache
These are also dosage-dependent but can be an issue for some people, even at low doses of the medication.
Both medications warn that you should get medical help right away if you have shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest or jaw pain, left arm pain, fainting, swelling at the injection site, dizziness, severe headache, trouble speaking, or weakness and vision changes.
Benefits of Testosterone Enanthate and Cypionate
Both medications are used for most of the same purposes, so you will get most of the same benefits from taking either of these forms of the same type of medication.
- Increased muscle mass
- Increased libido
- Improved hair and muscle and skin tone
- Loss of weight
- Increased energy
- Delay of disease processes when used for these treatment purposes
- Decreased depression
- Increased quality of life, especially in the case of use for dysphoria
For many people, testosterone therapy is used for severe medical conditions, so the primary benefit is treating their disease. For those using testosterone therapy to treat dysphoria and depression, the effects of the improvements related to this therapy can be life-changing.
There are often some side effects that are experienced along with these benefits. Still, for those who need the support of this medication therapy, these are often worth tolerating for the sake of the other benefits conveyed by testosterone therapies in all their forms.
Do Testosterone Medications Reduce Fertility?
This medication can impact your fertility, and it can be related to shrunken testicles in men as well. Low sperm counts have been associated with this medication therapy, and women often cease to cycle or have their periods. This can be a difficult compromise for those who need to take the medication but wish to have children.
Always discuss your plans related to having children with your doctor before you take this medication. While it may not be a choice that can be made, if you can elect not to take this therapy regimen, you might want to if you are planning to have kids.
Testosterone Enanthate and Cypionate Offer Many Health Benefits
You will find that there are many benefits common to both of these testosterone medications that you cannot gain access to when using other therapies. For many people, the benefits to their quality of life that these medications offer are well worth any side effects experienced when taking them.
Get Started with Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
You can begin testosterone therapy by consulting with a licensed hormone specialist. A testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) telemedicine provider like EVOLVE can help make your journey to living an optimal lifestyle hassle-free. Our team of qualified experts can schedule your physician consultation and male hormone panel test today. Blood lab tests will be completed in person, and your results will then be reviewed by an EVOLVE physician who creates your personalized treatment plan.
Studies have shown that TRT can improve the symptoms of sufferers treated for low testosterone levels. Patients found that TRT:
- increased their sex drive.
- restored erectile function.
- improved their mood.
- increased their bone density.
- increased their muscle mass.
- maintained beard growth.
Are you ready to see and feel the benefits of having optimal testosterone levels? Contact EVOLVE patient care to get started!
Helpful Resources
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32068334/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31928918/
