Testosterone is a hormone that is present in both male and females, it is mainly thought of as a male sex hormone and is classified as a anabolic steroid. The production of testosterone starts in early puberty and is responsible for things such as growth spurts, oily skin and hair, acne, or the change of the male voice. The production of testosterone declines as the human body ages and will cause side effects such as hot flashes, low energy levels, and the decrease in sexual tendencies.
The testosterone cypionate injection is a intramuscular injection that contains a form of testosterone cypionate, it is an oil soluble, creamy white, Cyclopentylpropionate ester of testosterone. Injectable testosterone absorbs much slower than “free” testosterone therefore this injection should be taken in intervals of two to four weeks with a dosage amount of 100 to 200 mg per injection. It should only be used for medical purposes with close supervision of a physician. A series of test my be needed to monitor the effects of the testosterone cypionate injection throughout the hormone therapy.
Testosterone injections should never be used on a child younger than the age of twelve, and for an adolescent over the age of twelve great care should be practiced while using a hormone replacement therapy. The hormone may cause the bone to grow faster than normal and compromise the adult structure, tests to evaluate this should be done ever six months. Pregnant or nursing mothers should not use this injection under any circumstances. Due to the adverse long term side effects that could occur this drug has not been approved by the FDA to be used safely, (and is considered illegal in most states), for the use of athletes, unless prescribed by a physician.
The testosterone cypionate injection is only meant for replacement therapy in those who have been diagnosed with a testosterone deficiency. Prolonged use of this drug may cause congestive heart failure, hepatic adenomas, peliosis hepatis, or other life threatening conditions. The patient should contact their physician if they experience and of the following conditions: too frequent erection, an erection that will not go away, nausea, vomiting, swelling of the ankles, and any noticeable changes in skin color. This injection should only be given in the muscle, never through the veins, and only in controlled doses. Although there has never been a reported overdose of this drug the side effects of too much could be fatal.