Testosterone Cypionate vs Enanthate has always been a major debate in the health care industry.
Testosterone Cypionate and Testosterone Enanthate are two of the most popular Testosterone esters on the market.
There are also several other less popular esters of Testosterone, such as Undeconate, Propionate, Sustenol, and Nebido.
Both Testosterone Esters have their unique benefits and side effects, which we will discuss in this article.
After reading our article, you should understand in-depth the difference between Testosterone Cypionate vs Enanthate.
Testosterone Cypionate
Testosterone Cypionate, brand name Depo-testosterone, is a commonly prescribed medication for men experiencing low Testosterone or Hypogonadism.
The Cypionate version of Testosterone only comes in an injectable form delivered intramuscularly.
Dosage
The regular dosage of Testosterone Cypionate for diagnosed Male hypogonadism is 50 to 400 mg IM (intramuscularly) every 2 to 4 weeks.
This is adjusted based on an individual’s response to the Testosterone and raised if the desired benefits are not coming to fruition.
The other common use case for Testosterone Cypionate is for bodybuilders looking to gain an edge in the gym.
The dosage for bodybuilders is roughly the same, between 50 to 400 mg IM.
Some bodybuilders often want to maintain precise Testosterone levels, so they will split their total dosage up and inject the Testosterone Cypionate every day or other day.
It is not suggested to go above 400mg per 2 weeks as this can cause heart and liver damage.
Half-Life
The half-life of Testosterone Cypionate is eight days.
This is the amount of time it takes to be processed through your body from the time of your last dosage.
Side Effects
Testosterone Cypionate side effects include some or all of the following:
- Tension headache
- excess hair growth
- gynecomastia (man boobs)
- mood changes
- long-lasting erections
- cystic acne
- irritation at the site of injection
- lowered sperm count
Testosterone Enanthate
Testosterone Enanthate, commonly sold under the brand name Delatestryl and Xyosted, is another injectable anabolic steroid prescribed for male hypogonadism or low T.
This medication has also been used successfully in stopping the spread of female breast cancer cells.
Dosage
The dosage for Testosterone Enanthate is very similar to the Cypionate version.
The most common dosage for each of Enanthate’s prescribed diagnosis is as follows:
Male hypogonadism – 50 to 400 mg IM every 2 to 4 weeks
Males with delayed puberty – 50 to 200 mg IM every two to four weeks for a limited duration, for example, four to six months.
Palliation of inoperable mammary cancer (breast cancer) in women – 200 to 400 mg intramuscularly every two to four weeks.
Half-Life
The half-life of Testosterone Enanthate is about seven days.
Side Effects
Testosterone Enanthates’ side effects are nearly the same as Testosterone Cypionate.
The main difference here is that the side effects for women can be different when prescribed to aid in fighting breast cancer.
The most common side effect of Testosterone Enanthate include:
- Tension headache
- gynecomastia (man boobs)
- mood changes
- long-lasting erections
- irritation at the site of injection
- lowered sperm count
- developing male features (woman)
- Irregular Period (woman)
- Hair Growth (woman)
Testosterone Cypionate vs Enanthate for Bodybuilding
Testosterone Cypionate and Enanthate are two of the most popular anabolic steroids available today.
Both steroids are effective at building muscle mass, but there are some key differences that bodybuilders should be aware of.
Testosterone Cypionate takes longer to build up in the body, so it’s used for bulking cycles. Testosterone Enanthate, on the other hand, is better suited for cutting cycles.
While both versions of Testosterone will help you achieve your bodybuilding goals, as always, doing your research and consulting with medical professionals is helpful.
If you are interested in starting Testosterone make sure to find a great online TRT provider or consult with a local clinic.
Testosterone Cypionate vs Enanthate Water Retention
Testosterone levels can fluctuate for various reasons, but one common side effect of taking Testosterone is water retention.
Water retention occurs when the body holds onto more water than it needs and can cause various symptoms, including bloating, weight gain, and swelling.
Testosterone can cause water retention by increasing the fluid retained in the body’s cells.
While water retention is not necessarily harmful, it can be uncomfortable.
You may want to adjust your dosage if experiencing adverse side effects such as higher water retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you build muscle with testosterone cypionate?
Yes, you can build muscle with both Testosterone Esters. They are the same base compound that increases your body’s natural Testosterone levels allowing muscle growth at a higher rate than usual.
Which form of Testosterone is most effective?
They are both just as effective for treating symptoms of Low T. The Testosterone Enanthate is mixed with sesame oil, making more frequent injections more painful. Due to the ease of intramuscular injection, Testosterone Cypionate is often preferred by those who dose regularly.
Is testosterone cypionate the same as Testosterone?
Testosterone Esters are nearly identical; testosterone cypionate has an additional carbon atom. On a chemical level, the half-life lasts slightly longer in the body.
How do you stop Testosterone therapy?
The best way to stop Testosterone therapy is to taper it off slowly under medical guidance.
What is Cypionate good for?
Testosterone Cypionate is excellent for bodybuilders or anyone experiencing Hypogonadism.
Testosterone Enanthate vs Cypionate cost?
Most people and insurance companies prefer Testosterone Cypionate as it is more popular. Due to the ease of administration, Cypionate is more available and often lower in cost. If your insurance covers your Testosterone medication, it is often very cheap.
What about Testosterone Propionate?
Testosterone Propionate, brand name Testoviron, is a very short-acting/half-life version of Testosterone and is not used as frequently as other esters.
Which is better for low T testosterone enanthate or Cypionate?
They are both as effective when it comes to the treatment of low T.
What type of Testosterone works the fastest?
Both types of Testosterone when compared work just as fast.
How many CC of Testosterone Cypionate should I take a week?
Doctors suggest not taking more than 400 mg of Testosterone Cypionate per week as it may become liver toxic.
Is 1 ml of Testosterone Cypionate a week enough?
This is a question only for your primary care provider. Your required dosage may differ wildly from the next person’s effective Testosterone dose.
The Verdict
So, what’s the verdict?
In short, they are both great options, and you can’t go wrong with either.
However, if given a choice, Testosterone Cypionate is often preferred because its administration is less painful.
Where do you stand on the Testosterone Cypionate vs Testosterone Enanthate debate?
Let us know in the comments below!
Dr. Nellis is passionate about sports nutrition and helping his patients live healthy and fulfilling lives.
He lives and practices medicine in Denver, CO, with his wife and beloved Mastiff Leonardo.
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