Testec (Testosterone Cypionate) is a slow-acting injectable ester of the primary male androgen testosterone. Testosterone is the principle anabolic hormone in men, highly favored by athletes for its ability to promote strong increases in muscle mass and strength.

Estrogenic Side Effects

Testec (Testosterone Cypionate) is readily aromatized in the body to estradiol (estrogen). The aromatase (estrogen synthetase) enzyme is responsible for this metabolism of testosterone. Elevated estrogen levels can cause side effects such as increased water retention, body fat gain, and gynecomastia.

Testec (Testosterone Cypionate) is considered a moderately estrogenic steroid. An anti-estrogen may be necessary to prevent estrogenic side effects. One may alternately use an aromatase inhibitor which more efficiently controls estrogen by preventing its synthesis.

Estrogenic side effects will occur in a dose-dependant manner, with higher doses (above normal therapeutic levels) more likely to require the concurrent use of an anti-estrogen or aromatase inhibitor.

Androgenic Side Effects

Testosterone is the primary male androgen, responsible for maintaining secondary male sexual characteristics. Elevated levels of testosterone are likely to produce androgenic side effects including oily skin, acne, and body/facial hair growth.

Anabolic/androgenic steroids may also aggravate male pattern hair loss.

Women are warned of the potential virilizing effects of anabolic/androgenic steroids, especially with a strong androgen such as testosterone. These may include deepening of the voice, menstrual irregularities, changes in skin texture, facial hair growth, and clitoral enlargement.

Hepatotoxic Side Effects

Testec (Testosterone Cypionate) does not have hepatotoxic effects and therefore, liver toxicity is unlikely.

Cardiovascular Side Effects

Anabolic/androgenic steroids can have deleterious effects on serum cholesterol. This includes a tendency to reduce HDL (good) cholesterol values and increase LDL (bad) cholesterol values, which may shift the HDL to LDL balance in a direction that favors greater risk of arteriosclerosis.

The relative impact of an anabolic/androgenic steroid on serum lipids is dependant on the dose, route of administration (oral vs. injectable), type of steroid (aromatizable or non-aromatizable), and level of resistance to hepatic metabolism. Anabolic/androgenic steroids may also adversely affect blood pressure and triglycerides, reduce endothelial relaxation, and support left ventricular hypertrophy, all potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction.

Testec (Testosterone Cypionate) tends to have a much less dramatic impact on cardiovascular risk factors than synthetic steroids. This is due in part to its openness to metabolism by the liver, which allows it to have less effect on the hepatic management of cholesterol. The aromatization of testosterone to estradiol also helps to mitigate the negative effects of androgens on serum lipids.

Due to the positive influence of estrogen on serum lipids, aromatase inhibitors are preferred for those concerned with cardiovascular health, as they offer a partial estrogenic effect in the liver.

To help reduce cardiovascular strain, it is advised to maintain an active cardiovascular exercise program and minimize the intake of saturated fats, cholesterol, and simple carbohydrates at all times during active steroid administration. Supplementing with fish oils and a natural cholesterol/antioxidant formula is also recommended.

Testosterone Suppression

All anabolic/androgenic steroids are expected to suppress endogenous testosterone production. Testosterone is the primary male androgen, and offers strong negative feedback on endogenous testosterone production.

Testosterone-based drugs will, likewise, have a strong effect on the hypothalamic regulation of natural steroid hormones. Without the intervention of testosterone-stimulating substances, testosterone levels should return to normal within 1-4 months of drug secession.

Note that prolonged hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism can develop secondary to steroid abuse, necessitating medical intervention.

Administration for Men

To treat androgen insufficiency, the recommended dosage of 50 – 400 mg of Testec (Testosterone Cypionate) every two to four weeks.

The usual dosage among athletes is in the range of 200 – 600 mg per week, taken in cycles 6 to 12 weeks in length. This level is sufficient for most users to notice exceptional gains in muscle size and strength.

Testec (Testosterone Cypionate) is usually incorporated into bulking phases of training, when added water retention will be of little consequence, the user more concerned with raw mass than definition.

Testec (Testosterone Cypionate) is a very effective anabolic drug, and is often used alone with great benefit. However, it is ultimately very versatile, and can be combined with many other anabolic/androgenic steroids to tailor the desired effect.

Administration for Women

Testec (Testosterone Cypionate) is rarely used with women in clinical medicine.

Testec (Testosterone Cypionate) is not recommended for women for performance enhancing purposes due to its strong androgenic nature and tendency to produce virilizing side effects.