Testosterone Cypionate Side Effects: What to Know Before Using

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a safe method of treating the symptoms of hypogonadism in men, also called low testosterone, testosterone deficiency, and Low T. While the treatment for Low T is safe and effective, it is also vital to point out that there are potential testosterone cypionate side effects to know before getting started.

TRT helps men whose bodies do not produce enough testosterone get an added boost of this vital hormone. Supplemental testosterone cypionate, administered as an intramuscular injection, allows exogenous testosterone to enter the bloodstream slowly.

If testosterone levels get too high, there is an increased risk of developing side effects of testosterone cypionate (TC). Adverse reactions rarely occur when men use TC under a doctor’s care following a testosterone deficiency diagnosis. That is not the case for those engaging in the illegal use of steroids, where the risk of side effects increases exponentially.

In this review of testosterone cypionate side effects, injections using TC are detailed. Other forms of testosterone, such as transdermal patches and gels, and transbuccal pellets, carry additional side effects not covered here. You can find those issues, including risks of cross-contamination, rash, bitter taste, and gum sensitivity on one of our generalized testosterone side effects pages.

In the sections below, we cover the following concerns:

Side Effects of Using Testosterone Cypionate to Treat Low T
Side Effects from Abuse of Testosterone Cypionate
Long-Term Side Effects of Testosterone Cypionate
How to Reduce the Risk of Testosterone Cypionate Side Effects

Get the facts about testosterone cypionate side effects before starting treatment.

Most Likely Side Effects of Using Testosterone Cypionate to Treat Low T

Of all the possible side effects of test cypionate shots, injection site reactions top the list. Some men may experience one or more of the following:

Bruising
Inflammation
Itching
Pain
Redness
Tenderness
Swelling

These are only short-term negative side effects of self-administering a testosterone cypionate shot that tend to disappear within a day or two in most cases.

As the body adjusts to increased levels of testosterone, there may occur some other short-term reactions. These testosterone cypionate side effects are typically mild (if they occur at all) and go away within a few weeks. If any of the side effects of testosterone cypionate listed below persist or become bothersome, let the doctor know. Do NOT stop taking TC without consulting first with the prescribing physician.

Most common testosterone cypionate side effects:

Oily skin and acne – due to changes in sebum production associated with testosterone
Headache – may also experience increased stress or anxiety
Mood changes – too much testosterone can alter neurotransmitters and brain functions
Breast tissue enlargement (gynecomastia) – caused by higher estrogen levels as the body now has more testosterone to convert into estradiol
Decreased sperm count – exogenous testosterone administration often decreases natural testosterone production
More frequent or longer-lasting erections – due to increased testosterone levels
Changes in hair growth (face, body, scalp) – extra testosterone may convert to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which alters hair growth
Fluid retention (edema) – may cause swelling in the feet or ankles

Remember to contact your hormone doctor with any questions or concerns.

Potential Side Effects from Abuse of Testosterone Cypionate

The most common cause of testosterone cypionate bad side effects is the abuse of this medication. People who turn to steroids for reasons that include enhancement of muscle mass or strength are at an increased risk of adverse reactions.

The concerns here are considerably worse than some acne or oily skin. In some instances, it may be necessary to call 911 and get emergency help if the symptoms become life-threatening. While it is rare to get severe testosterone cypionate side effects, it is possible. The longer a person abuses or misuses this medication, the greater the risk of potentially dangerous reactions.

More severe test cypionate side effects:

High blood pressure
Infertility
Numbness or tingling
Nausea or vomiting
Blood clot (pain, swelling, redness, or heat in the leg)
Prostate enlargement (urinary changes, including frequency, urgency, straining, trouble, weak stream)
Pulmonary embolism (fast pulse, dizziness, fainting, coughing up blood, chest pain that worsens with coughing or deep breathing, shortness of breath)
Stroke (slurred speech, severe sudden headache, weakness on one side of the body)
Heart attack (shortness of breath, chest, jaw, or left arm pain, discomfort in the upper body)
Liver problems (jaundice, stomach pain or swelling, bruising, loss of appetite, pale color of stool, dark color of urine, loss of appetite
Polycythemia – elevated red blood cell count (blood clots, confusion, stroke, headaches, face turning red, fatigue, reduced mental alertness)
Irregular heartbeat
Depression
Testicular atrophy (shrinkage)
Worsening of sleep apnea
Risky or aggressive actions and behaviors

If any of the symptoms above occur, or if there are signs of an allergic reaction, including swelling of the throat, face, or tongue, or skin rash, seek emergency medical help. Report any of these side effects to a doctor at once. If taking testosterone cypionate illegally, seek medical guidance for how to proceed to reduce these reactions.

Possible Long-Term Side Effects of Testosterone Cypionate

One of the most concerning testosterone cypionate long-term side effects for men is that of infertility. Exogenous testosterone can decrease sperm count and mobility. Discuss this concern with the doctor before starting TRT if fertility is a desirable goal.

Long-term testosterone cypionate side effects could occur when using this medication in dosages that are too high for extended periods, or without doctor authorization and supervision. It is imperative to check testosterone levels regularly as directed by the physician.

Testosterone medications may increase the risk of liver and kidney damage. Do not take TC if you have active breast or prostate cancer.

Testosterone therapy has not been shown to increase the risk of heart attack or cardiovascular disease when used as medically prescribed.

How to Reduce the Risk of Testosterone Cypionate Side Effects

The easiest way to reduce the risk of testosterone cypionate shots side effects is to follow all instructions for use provided by the doctor. Do not use TC for any purpose other than that which is medically authorized to treat low testosterone.

Seek medical help if you currently use steroids illegally to help you minimize your risks.

Do not stop taking testosterone cypionate suddenly or without medical instructions for how to end treatment. Never inject more than the amount of testosterone prescribed by the doctor.

For further information about testosterone cypionate side effects, please contact Greenberg Health. Our medical advisors, nurses, and doctors are here to ensure you get the best possible results from testosterone therapy without any adverse reactions. Contact us today for a confidential phone consultation at no charge.