At a glance
Effects
- Muscle growth & strength: Androgen receptor activation drives nitrogen retention and protein synthesis, supporting skeletal muscle hypertrophy and strength gains [1][4].
- Bone density: Testosterone supports bone mineralisation; replacement therapy helps preserve bone density in hypogonadal males [2].
- Libido & sexual function: Restoring physiological testosterone levels improves sex drive, erectile function, and overall well-being in hypogonadal males [2].
- Red blood cell production: Androgens stimulate erythropoiesis; this raises haemoglobin and haematocrit, which can be beneficial (anaemia of hypogonadism) but must be monitored [5].
- Mood & energy: Correcting androgen deficiency often improves fatigue, depressive symptoms, and cognitive sharpness [2].
Anabolic-androgenic steroid (Schedule III controlled substance) [1]
~8 days (intramuscular) [1]
Intramuscular injection only — NOT for IV use [5]
Every 1–4 weeks (clinical); typically weekly or twice-weekly in TRT practice [1][8]
Up to ~3 months (anti-doping urine tests) [1]
About Testosterone Cypionate
Every point here is drawn from public medical and harm-reduction sources. A bracketed number after a claim — like [1]— is a reference: tap it to open the exact source it's based on (numbered list at the bottom). It is not a rating or score. Educational information, not medical advice.
Product specifics
- Est. delivery
- 3–7 business days · EU tracked
Product details as stated by the vendor (claims, not independently verified). Delivery is our standard EU estimate.
What it is
How it works
Testosterone Cypionate is esterified at the 17β position, making it oil-soluble and enabling slow release from an intramuscular depot [3]. Once absorbed, the ester is cleaved to yield free testosterone, which crosses cell membranes and binds androgen receptors in the nucleus, initiating transcription of genes governing muscle growth, bone density, red blood cell production, and secondary sex characteristics [1][4]. In many tissues, testosterone is further reduced to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which binds cytosol receptor proteins for additional androgenic effects [1]. Endogenous secretion is suppressed via negative feedback on LH and FSH from the anterior pituitary gland [3].
Risks & side effects
Most important: The most clinically significant risk is cardiovascular: Testosterone Cypionate may increase the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including heart attack and stroke, and long-term safety trials on cardiovascular outcomes have not been conclusively established [1][6]. Blood clots (DVT and pulmonary embolism) have also been reported post-marketing [5].
Common
- Erythrocytosis (raised haematocrit / polycythaemia) [5]
- Acne and oily skin [5]
- Injection-site pain and local inflammation [3]
- Water retention / oedema (ankle/foot swelling) [6]
- Reduced sperm production and testicular atrophy [5]
- Raised serum cholesterol [5]
- Increased blood pressure [1]
- Sleep apnoea (or worsening of existing) [5]
Serious
- Major adverse cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke) [1][6]
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) [5]
- Gynaecomastia (enlarged breast tissue, from aromatisation to oestrogen) [5]
- Suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis; secondary hypogonadism on cessation [4]
- Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) / urinary retention — especially in older males [5]
- Stimulation of existing (undiagnosed) prostate cancer [7]
Safety & harm reduction
- Known or suspected prostate carcinoma or breast carcinoma in males [1]
- Female patients, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding [2]
- Hypersensitivity to testosterone or to cottonseed oil (the injection vehicle) [3]
- Paediatric patients (virilisation risk; bone-age advancement) [1]
- Intravenous administration — oil vehicle is not IV-safe [5]
- Serum testosterone (trough and peak) to confirm therapeutic range [8]
- Haemoglobin and haematocrit periodically to detect polycythaemia [5]
- PSA (prostate-specific antigen) and digital rectal exam in older males [5]
- Blood pressure at every visit [1]
- Lipid panel (LDL/HDL) — androgens may raise LDL and lower HDL [5]
- LFTs if using at high doses or for extended periods [7]
- Bone age (X-ray) in adolescent patients [1]
- Anticoagulants (warfarin / coumarin): androgens potentiate anticoagulant effect — INR must be monitored closely [5]
- Corticosteroids / ACTH: concurrent use increases risk of oedema [6]
- Insulin and oral antidiabetic agents: androgens may improve insulin sensitivity, requiring dose adjustment [6]
- Oxyphenbutazone: may elevate oxyphenbutazone levels [6]
- Aromatisation management: testosterone converts to oestradiol via aromatase; if oestrogen-related side effects (gynaecomastia, water retention) arise, discuss an aromatase inhibitor with a prescribing physician [5]
- Post-cycle / HPG-axis recovery: exogenous testosterone suppresses endogenous production; supervised PCT (e.g. SERMs such as clomiphene or tamoxifen) may be needed after non-medical use — consult a physician [4]
- Haematocrit management: if haematocrit rises above ~54 %, dose reduction, injection-frequency adjustment, or therapeutic phlebotomy may be required [5]
- Injection technique: administer deep intramuscular (e.g. gluteal); rotate sites to reduce local inflammation and fibrosis [3]
Dosage context
FDA-approved prescribing label: 50–400 mg intramuscularly every 2–4 weeks for hypogonadism in adult males [1]. In current clinical TRT practice, many physicians use smaller, more frequent doses (commonly 75–200 mg per week, split into once- or twice-weekly injections) to maintain more stable serum levels and reduce peak-to-trough swings [8][9]. Dosing is always individualised to bloodwork and clinical response — these figures are commonly reported ranges, NOT a prescription. Do not self-dose without medical supervision.
Sources
- 1.Pfizer Medical — Testosterone Cypionate Clinical Pharmacology (Depo-Testosterone)
- 2.Mayo Clinic — Testosterone Cypionate (Intramuscular Route)
- 3.ChemicalBook — Testosterone Cypionate Pharmacokinetics and Mechanism of Action
- 4.Pfizer Medical — Testosterone Cypionate Dosage & Administration
- 5.RxList — Depo-Testosterone (Testosterone Cypionate Injection): Side Effects, Warnings
- 6.FDA Label — Testosterone Cypionate Injection (accessdata.fda.gov, 2022)
- 7.GoodRx — Testosterone Cypionate Side Effects
- 8.Healthline — Testosterone Cypionate: Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and Risks
- 9.Highland Longevity — Testosterone Injection Dosage Chart 2026
- 10.DailyMed — Testosterone Cypionate Injection, USP (NLM)
This information is provided for educational and harm-reduction purposes only. It is not medical advice. These substances can carry serious health risks; effects and safe use vary by individual. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Legal status varies by country — it is your responsibility to know your local law. We do not encourage misuse.
Other options for Testosterone Cypionate· 15 offers
Same compound from different labs/brands and pack sizes. Tap a row to switch brand — the price and buy button update instantly.
This compound comes in different forms (e.g. injectable vs oral vs topical). Cost per mg is only comparable within the same form.
| Brand | Form | Strength | Pack | Price | Per mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Driada | vial | 250 mg/ml | 10 ml | 46,90 € | €0.019/mg |
Generic | — | — | 48,90 € | — | |
Generic | vial | 300 mg/ml | 10 ml | 64,90 € | €0.022/mg |
Generic | vial | 250 mg/ml | 10 ml | 64,90 € | €0.026/mg |
Meta | vial | 250 mg/ml | 10 ml | 74,90 € | €0.030/mg |
Generic | vial | 250 mg/ml | 10 ml | 74,90 € | €0.030/mg |
GenericSelected | vial | 250 mg/ml | 10 ml | 74,90 € | €0.030/mg |
Generic | ampoule | 250 mg/ml | 10 ampoule | 79,90 € | — |
Generic | vial | 250 mg/ml | 10 ml | 79,90 € | €0.032/mg |
Generic | vial | 250 mg/ml | 10 ml | 84,90 € | €0.034/mg |
Generic | vial | 250 mg/ml | 10 vial | 89,90 € | ★€0.004/mg |
Intex Pharma | vial | 200 mg/ml | 10 ml | 99,99 € | €0.050/mg |
Hemi Pharma | vial | 200 mg/ml | 10 ml | 104,99 € | €0.052/mg |
Generic | — | — | 279,99 € | — | |
Generic | — | — | 489,99 € | — |