Testosterone Cypionate
Testosterone Cypionate is a variation of Testosterone injection that is an androgen and anabolic–androgenic steroid (AAS) and agonist of the androgen receptor (AR). The half-life of testosterone cypionate when injected intramuscularly is approximately eight days.[1]
It requires frequent administration of approximately once per week, and significant fluctuations in testosterone levels result from it, with levels initially being elevated and supraphysiological.[1] Testosterone Cypionate is sold under the brand name Depo-testosterone. [1]
Dosage
The typical dosage of Testosterone Cypionate is 200 – 600 mg per week, depending on your goal and background. It highly aromatizes and should be used carefully. It can easily cause high estrogen, thus unwanted permanent side effects such as gynecomastia. You have to consider using aromatase inhibitors based on the dose you use. However, using an aromatase inhibitor doesn’t mean you won’t experience side effects.
Beginners
The beginner’s dose of Testosterone Cypionate is no more than 250 mg per week. For those who never used Testosterone Cypionate for performance-enhancing purposes, 250 mg is more than enough. And should not be used for more than 12 weeks. Strength gains usually start within 3 weeks. 6 – 12 weeks is considered common for a beginner cycle.
Dosage for muscle growth and bodybuilding for advanced users
The common dosage for bodybuilding and muscle growth in advanced athletes is 500-750 mg. Side effects can be harmful at these dosages if proper PCT and medical advice are not followed. These dosages don’t beneficial for beginners. Even for advanced bodybuilders, it’s known for water retention, which will easily destroy muscle definition and aerobic performance.
When Testosterone Cypionate kick in?
You may start feeling Testosterone is the first week. Saturation time in the blood is between weeks 2 and 3. After this timeframe, muscle size and strength drastically change. You usually look noticeably fuller by week 6.
Dedection Time of Testosterone Cypionate
The detection time may vary from 4-5 days to 3 months, depending on the method used in the test.
Side Effects
Headache, increased or decreased sexual interest, oily skin, hair loss, and acne may occur. Pain and redness at the injection site may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, you should see your doctor promptly. Testosterone Cypionate and Hair Loss. There is a link between plasma testosterone levels in blood and hair loss. Hairloss usually depends on your genetics. But like all other testosterones, Testosterone Cypionate also converts to DHT as Testosterone Enanthate did. And DHT accelerates hair loss and may cause balding. To preventing from hair loss, dosage and injection frequency should be arranged properly. Also, DHT blockers can be used to inhibit the related enzyme (5α-reductase).
Injection
Testosterone Cypionate is an oily solution and is commonly used as an intramuscular injection. Usually, gluteal injections are advised.
Testosterone Propionate vs. Testosterone Cypionate
Testosterone propionate is injected more frequent. -every day or every other day- because of its shorter-acting nature. For the same reason, your testosterone levels will be more stable. That means less estrogen conversion, fewer unwanted side effects, and less water retention. The water retention also causes testosterone cypionate to drastically increase strength, which doesn’t happen in testosterone propionate.
Also, Testosterone propionate injections are painful, while Testosterone Cypionate injections are smoother. Due to the water retention natures of these two substances, Testosterone propionate is usually preferred at cutting cycles while Testosterone Cypionate is used in the mass cycles.
Testosterone Enanthate vs. Testosterone Cypionate
They are very similar in terms of the chemical structure, except Testosterone Enanthate has an missing carbon atom, making its half-life a bit shorter. [3] In terms of pharmacokinetics, this two substances almost identical. Testosterone Cypionate is usually comes in 200mg/ml while Testosterone Enanthate is availible 250mg/mL.
PCT
Once you’ve finished the testosterone cypionate cycle, your body won’t be getting the supply of hormones anymore by injections. That’s when your own production needs to take over again with the assistance of a PCT. A proper PCT will help your body start up testosterone production again in a matter of weeks. Usually, Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate) and Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate) is used in cycle and post cycle. Also, HCG is used 2-3 weeks after the cycle end.
References
[1] Depo Testosterone Clinical Pharmagology - Pfizer Medical Information
[2] Testosterone Enanthate Wikipedia
[3] Depo®-Testosterone testosterone cypionate injection, USP CII - Pfizer