Testosterone Cypionate: Tried and True
If you are here, chances are that you have an interest in building or enhancing your physique. Therefore, there is a chance that you have heard of Testosterone, specifically Testosterone Cypionate (Test C, or Test Cyp). So what is Testosterone Cypionate? Test Cypionate is the most common anabolic hormone out there. It is an injectable steroid, and a prescription medication that treats hypogonadism (low testosterone production). Test Cypionate is one of the best mass building anabolic known to man and is highly recommended as the basis of nearly any mass building cycle.
Testosterone was first synthesized in 1935 after the testosterone was isolated from bull testes. By 1951, Testosterone Cypionate was introduced as a prescription drug known as Depo-Testosterone, which was prescribed to treat low bone density, osteoporosis, and muscular atrophy. It was later restricted in its use only to treat hypogonadism and andropause (severely low levels of testosterone. Today, most major pharmaceutical houses as well as underground labs manufacture testosterone cypionate. It is available online in select pharmacies, specifically steroid pharmacies.
Testosterone Cypionate is a long-acting version of testosterone that is slowly released over a short period of time. It peaks within 1-2 days after injection and then is steadily released over the next 12 days. By 3 weeks, it will have tapered out completely.
For use in men, effective dosage is 200-2000mg per week. Some say the optimal does of 600mg per week tends to yield the best results in terms of strength and size while keeping harmful side effects moderate. Most people do injections twice a week to maintain steady blood levels of this hormone. Cycles usually last anywhere from 6-20 weeks. For a 20-week cycle at 600 mg per week, there is an estimated 15% gain in lean body mass. Testosterone Cypionate is not recommended for women who want to retain their femininity or even remain a woman, as it is popular for female to male transitions in Masculinizing Hormone Therapy. But for women who are persistent to use this hormone, a dose of 50-100 mg per week would yield considerable results.
Testosterone aromatizes (converts androgens into estrogens) very easily, so to combat estrogen buildup and other side effects, some choose to use anti-estrogens such as Anastrozole, Proviron, Tamoxifen. For more sensitive users or those who are on a higher dose (800-1200 mg), stronger anti-estrogens such as Letrozole or Exemestane can be used.
Desirable side effects include:
• Gains in strength
• Changes in size, shape, and appearance of muscle
• Enhanced libido
• Increased energy
• Boosted immunity
• Increased fat loss
• Gain and maintain lean muscle mass
• Prevent loss of bone density
• Some say there is possible protection against heart disease
• Normal growth and development of male sex organs
• Maintenance of secondary sex characteristics like facial or chest hair, a more distinguished jaw line, broad shoulders
• Fat loss
• Accelerated muscle gain
Risks and negative side effects include:
• High level of aromatization into estrogen (the female sex hormone), which can cause the risk of gynecomastia (the formation of breast tissue in males)
• Water retention
• Can convert to DHT (dihydrotestosterone) which can cause male pattern baldness
• Acne
• After using supplemented testosterone, the body will turn off its natural testosterone production
The severity of side effects depends on levels and duration of circulating free testosterone. The anabolic and androgenic effects are dependent on dosage, therefore higher dosage yields a higher muscle building effect, but also a higher severity of side effects.
Testosterone Cypionate is the most common form of testosterone prescribed in the United States. Outside of the United States, Testosterone Cypionate is somewhat rare to find, because Testosterone Enanthate (Test E) is more commonly prescribed and readily available. Test E and Test C are very similar, and users who have tried both have said they find no differences. Many career bodybuilders and athletes were built with long term use of Testosterone Cypionate.
- Login to post comments