Depo-Testosterone, also known by its generic name testosterone cypionate, is an injectable form of testosterone approved by the FDA for treating low testosterone in men.
It’s also prescribed for other medical conditions. It is called a “depot” injection because its longer action requires only one biweekly or weekly dose.
What is Depo-Testosterone (testosterone cypionate)?
Depo-Testosterone is a Pfizer-manufactured injectable testosterone preparation available only through a prescription. Depo-Testosterone is also available as a generic medicine under the name testosterone cypionate.
Depo-Testosterone is an FDA-approved testosterone therapy suitable for individuals with low T, among other conditions. It brings up testosterone levels to normal ranges for adult men.
Depo-Testosterone is called a “depot” testosterone injectable due to its longer half-life compared to other testosterone therapies of its ilk (e.g., testosterone propionate). The longer a drug’s half-life, the longer its window of effect is on the body. Half-life is a measure of time, denoting the time it takes for a chemical to be metabolized and expelled from the body.
Testosterone is the male sex hormone responsible for the development of male sexual and physical characteristics typically associated with puberty. However, testosterone is a crucial hormone for both men and women throughout their lives.
Low testosterone levels may lead to the following health risks:
- Mood disorders like anxiety or depression
- Changes in body fat, muscle, and bone composition/distribution
- Potential hematological conditions like anemia and changes in hemoglobin levels
- Diminished bone strength and density
- Low sex drive, erectile dysfunction (ED), and other sexual dysfunctions
Who needs testosterone therapy?
Testosterone therapy is primarily beneficial in treating low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) and gender dysphoria.
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Hypogonadism (low testosterone levels)
Hypogonadism, which means having low T, may cause symptoms that can drastically affect the quality of your life. Low testosterone can be genetic or otherwise acquired as a result of lifestyle and health factors. These include aging, obesity, chronic diseases like HIV or certain types of cancer, and taking certain medicines.
Moreover, low testosterone can cause a loss of body hair, gynecomastia (or the development of breast tissue in men), and low libido. Testosterone therapy is prescribed to individuals with low T and is unlikely to experience side effects.
Based on a 2018 trial involving 700 men with low testosterone, those that received testosterone injections showed improvements in sexual function, mood, and bone density compared to those that received a placebo.
Moreover, the same researchers reported risks in older patients predisposed to cardiovascular disease. This is why testosterone therapy isn’t approved by the FDA as a treatment for men with low T due to aging – but that doesn’t stop off-label prescription and use.
Gender dysphoria
Testosterone replacement therapy is also beneficial in treating depression and anxiety-causing gender dysphoria in trans individuals. In general, TRT is prescribed for trans men who wish to develop more masculine characteristics. However, it can also help control anxiety and mood disorders.
Moreover, TRT can help promote gender-affirming physiological changes in trans men. Such changes are referred to in scientific literature as “virilization,” or the development of “masculine” characteristics as follows:
- Increased body and facial hair growth
- A deepening of the voice
- Increased physical development and distribution of fat and lean muscle
Individuals undergoing testosterone therapy usually notice changes taking effect after one month. However, the most significant results come at around 90 days of taking TRT.
How is testosterone cypionate different from other available forms of testosterone?
Depo-Testosterone (testosterone cypionate) is a long-action testosterone preparation. However, there are other preparations of prescription testosterone therapies, such as the following:
- Testosterone undecanoate (Jatenzo®), taken orally
- Testosterone enanthate (Delasteryl®), injectable
- Testosterone nasal gel (Natesto®), applied through the nasal cavity with a pump
- Testosterone topical gel (Androgel®, Testim®, and Fortesta®), applied to the skin
Different forms of testosterone have different ways of administration. Make sure to follow the directions on your prescription and take only the prescribed amount based on your healthcare provider’s advice. It must be noted that these are FDA-approved treatments that are safe and effective.
Testosterone cypionate needs to be stored at room temperature to prevent solids from crystallizing in the bottle. In case you notice solids forming, roll the bottle in your palms to warm it until the crystals vanish.
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Who should refrain from undergoing testosterone therapy?
Older patients with underlying medical conditions like hypertension or cardiovascular disease may be more likely to develop serious side effects from testosterone therapy. The FDA instructed drug manufacturers in 2015 to emphasize the increased risk of developing heart problems or experiencing heart attacks on the labels of testosterone products.
Additionally, individuals with severe liver or kidney ailments should avoid taking testosterone for long-term use due to increased risks of developing potentially dangerous side effects. Patients with prostate cancer, breast cancer, and polycythemia (a blood condition) have testosterone as a contraindication.
Does injectable testosterone have side effects?
There have been reports of patients developing severe allergic reactions to testosterone cypionate and its contents. If you experience allergic symptoms such as swelling, rashes, or troubled breathing, stop taking it immediately and seek immediate medical attention.
Testosterone is a schedule III controlled substance with the potential for abuse. Taking higher than the prescribed dose of testosterone or mixing it with a cocktail of anabolic steroids can lead to potentially fatal consequences.
Testosterone has the following reported side effects:
- Acne and skin irritation
- Itchiness or pain at the injection site
- Enlargement of breast tissue in men (gynecomastia)
- Headaches
- Benign prostate enlargement
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Increased calcium levels in the body
- Fluid retention (edema)
- Increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and increased red blood cells
If you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any other medicines and planning on going on testosterone therapy, give your healthcare provider a list of all the medicines and supplements you take. This is because testosterone may interact adversely with other medications you’re currently taking, particularly anabolic steroids or blood thinning (anticoagulant) medication.
Taking testosterone with blood thinning medication can lead to an increased risk of bleeding. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice if you’re planning to take T with a blood thinner.
