The androgen hormone testosterone plays an important role in physical and sexual development. When testosterone levels are normal, males pass through puberty and into adulthood with the capacity for normal sexual functioning and fertility. If testosterone levels are too low, men may lose muscle mass, develop medical conditions such as anemia and bone thinning, and experience sexual dysfunction or infertility. Testosterone replacements products like testosterone cypionate can help regulate blood levels of the hormone.
Basics
Testosterone cypionate comes in a clear, oil-based solution that's injected deep into the gluteal muscles in a doctor's office or at home, according to DailyMed. The physician will prescribe the amount of the drug to be administered, as well as the frequency of injections. Since the oil-based product is absorbed slowly into the body, most men need injections every two to four weeks.
Indications
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved testosterone cypionate for men with testicular conditions that limit their ability to produce testosterone, according to DailyMed. These include birth defects, trauma and infection. It's also indicated for disorders of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus that interfere with the testosterone production cycle, as well as damage from cancer, radiation or trauma.
Contraindications
Men with breast cancer, prostate cancer, or significant kidney, liver or heart disease should not receive testosterone cypionate, according to Drugs.com. Because testosterone interacts with some medications, including seizure drugs, diabetes medications, steroids and blood thinners, it's important to discuss potential problems with a physician. For example, testosterone cypionate can increase bleeding in patients who take blood thinners like Coumadin.
Benefits
Testosterone cypionate raises blood levels of the hormone and can help build stronger bones and muscles, improve libido and enhance sexual functioning in testosterone-deficient men, according to the National Institute on Aging.
Adverse Effects
Testosterone cypionate has significant adverse effects that include too frequent or too prolonged penile erections, excess growth of body hair, and breast development in men, according to DailyMed. It can damage the liver, causing hepatitis or even liver tumors.
Considerations
Testosterone replacement therapy is not a decision to be taken lightly. The National Institute on Aging advises, "Except for a relatively few younger and older men with extreme deficiencies, testosterone treatment is not deemed appropriate for most men at this time."
