Testosterone cypionate is an injectable androgen, or male hormone replacement drug, that is prescribed for use in men with low testosterone levels. While testosterone cypionate and similar androgens are frequently used by people wishing to build body mass, the U.S Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, does not approve this drug for use in body building. Testosterone cypionate, like any drug, may have serious side effects.
Sex Organ Effects
Men using testosterone cypionate may develop a painful and serious side effect called priapism. Priapism causes prolonged and frequent penile erections. Increases and decreases in sexual drive have both been reported. Testosterone cypionate may affect sperm production and fertility, particularly in younger men, the Cleveland Clinic warns. A decrease in ejaculation volume may also occur. Some men experience a decrease in testicle size, while women may see a possibly irreversible increase in the size of the clitoris. Children taking testosterone cypionate may experience enlargement of the sex organs and development of pubic hair, according to Drugs.com.
Prostate Enlargement
Enlargement of the prostate may occur in older men, causing urinary obstruction with weak urine stream, difficulty urinating, incontinence, urgency, nighttime urination or urinary retention. Older men using this drug may also have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer, Drugs.com warns, although there's no conclusive proof of this connection. The Cleveland Clinic advises that men who are considering taking testosterone replacement therapy should undergo prostate testing before starting the drug, to ensure no cancer is already present.
Skin and Hair Effects
Skin changes, such as acne and oily skin, occur commonly in people taking testosterone cypionate. Skin irritation may also occur at the injection site. Gynecomastia, abnormal growth of breast tissue, may occur in men and may not reverse after stopping the drug, according to Drugs.com. Fluid retention may also occur. Male pattern baldness may develop, even in women, and excess hair may grow in other areas, such as the chest and back.
Liver Damage
Long-term use of testosterone cypionate may seriously damage the liver. Peliosis hepatitis, an uncommon vascular disorder of the liver, causes blood-filled cysts to appear in the liver. These cysts may rupture and hemorrhage, according to Radiopaedia.org. Peliosis hepatitis may cause portal hypertension, a condition involving high pressure in the blood vessels leading into the liver. This hypertension leads to further liver damage and failure. Liver growths, cancer, jaundice and elevated serum cholesterol and liver function levels may occur. Stopping the drug usually reverses jaundice, but it may not result in tumor regression, according to Drugs.com.
Mood Changes
Mood changes that may occur in people taking testosterone cypionate include anxiety, nervousness and depression, according to Drugs.com.
