Short answer: Testosterone cypionate is an injectable, long-acting form of testosterone used for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in men with low testosterone caused by hypogonadism. The FDA label for Depo-Testosterone lists a dose of 50 to 400 mg every two to four weeks by intramuscular injection, and its half-life is about eight days. It’s a Schedule III controlled substance, so it requires a prescription, lab work and ongoing monitoring.
What Testosterone Cypionate Is
Testosterone cypionate is testosterone attached to an ester (cypionate) that slows its release from the injection site. Depo-Testosterone comes in 100 mg/mL and 200 mg/mL strengths in cottonseed oil. The label notes that warming and shaking the vial should redissolve any crystals that form if it’s stored cold.
What It’s FDA-Approved For
The label covers replacement therapy in men with symptoms of low or absent testosterone from:
- Primary hypogonadism (testicular failure, for example from undescended testes, torsion, orchitis or orchiectomy)
- Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (problems with the pituitary or hypothalamus signals, from genetics, tumors, trauma or radiation)
Older labels also said safety and efficacy in men with age-related low testosterone had not been established. In June 2026 the FDA asked manufacturers to remove that limitation and to revise prostate cancer and BPH safety language, so label wording may differ depending on when your product’s label was updated.
Testosterone Cypionate Dosage
The Depo-Testosterone label lists 50 to 400 mg every two to four weeks for replacement in hypogonadal men. In practice, your provider sets the dose and interval from your symptoms and follow-up labs. The Endocrine Society guideline suggests aiming for testosterone levels in the mid-normal range during treatment. Many men use smaller, more frequent injections; talk with your provider before changing your schedule.
The label is for intramuscular injection. Some prescribers use subcutaneous injection; see SubQ vs IM testosterone for the trade-offs, and our injection instructions for technique.
Half-Life
According to the label, the half-life of testosterone cypionate injected into muscle is approximately eight days. That’s why levels rise after an injection and drift down before the next one, and why dose timing affects how you feel. If you just started, see first testosterone injection: how long until I feel anything?
Side Effects and Warnings
- Higher red blood cell count (hematocrit). The label calls for periodic hemoglobin and hematocrit checks. The Endocrine Society recommends pausing therapy if hematocrit goes above 54% until it comes back down.
- Higher blood pressure. After ambulatory blood pressure studies, the FDA required a class-wide warning that testosterone can raise blood pressure. Blood pressure should be checked periodically, and testosterone isn’t recommended with uncontrolled hypertension.
- Lower sperm production. Outside testosterone suppresses LH and, at larger doses, FSH, which can reduce sperm count. If fertility matters, ask about hCG or clomiphene.
- Other label-listed effects: acne, oily skin, male-pattern hair loss, breast enlargement (gynecomastia), fluid retention, frequent or prolonged erections, and urinary obstruction in men with an enlarged prostate.
Contraindications on the label include breast cancer or known or suspected prostate cancer in men, pregnancy, and serious heart, liver or kidney disease.
What About Heart Risk?
The FDA-required TRAVERSE trial followed more than 5,200 men with low testosterone and found no meaningful difference in major cardiovascular events between testosterone (7.0%) and placebo (7.3%). In 2025 the FDA had all testosterone products add these results and remove the boxed-warning language about increased cardiovascular risk, while adding the blood pressure warning.
Labs and Monitoring
The Endocrine Society recommends confirming low testosterone with morning fasting tests on two separate days before treatment, then checking testosterone, hematocrit and other markers after starting, at three to six months, and then yearly. A legitimate clinic will require labs before prescribing and schedule follow-up testing.
Cypionate vs Enanthate and Other Options
Testosterone enanthate is a different ester of the same hormone with its own FDA label. If you’d rather avoid injections, oral testosterone such as Kyzatrex is another FDA-approved option.
Getting Testosterone Cypionate Through Viking
Viking Alternative Medicine is a national telehealth clinic: visits happen by video or phone, labs are drawn at a local lab near you, and a licensed provider reviews your results before recommending any treatment. See how treatment works on our men’s hormone replacement therapy page. Start your online visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is testosterone cypionate used for?
It’s an injectable testosterone used for testosterone replacement therapy in men with low testosterone from primary hypogonadism or hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
What is the normal dose of testosterone cypionate?
The Depo-Testosterone label lists 50 to 400 mg every two to four weeks by intramuscular injection. Your provider sets the actual dose and interval from your symptoms and follow-up labs.
How long does testosterone cypionate stay in your system?
Its half-life when injected into muscle is about eight days, per the FDA label, so levels peak after an injection and decline over the following days.
What are the side effects of testosterone cypionate?
Common concerns include a rise in hematocrit, higher blood pressure, acne, fluid retention, breast enlargement and lower sperm production. Regular labs and blood pressure checks are part of safe treatment.
Does testosterone cypionate increase heart attack risk?
The TRAVERSE trial of more than 5,200 men found no meaningful difference in major cardiovascular events between testosterone and placebo (7.0% vs 7.3%). The FDA removed the boxed-warning language on cardiovascular risk in 2025 but added a warning that testosterone can raise blood pressure.
Can testosterone cypionate be injected subcutaneously?
The FDA label is for intramuscular injection. Some prescribers use subcutaneous injection; your provider will tell you which route and technique to use.
Sources
- Depo-Testosterone (testosterone cypionate) prescribing information, DailyMed
- FDA: Testosterone Information (updated June 2026)
- FDA: FDA issues class-wide labeling changes for testosterone products (Feb 28, 2025)
- Bhasin S et al. Testosterone Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. 2018 (PubMed)
Medical disclaimer: This article is general education, not medical advice, and it does not create a patient relationship. Prescription medicines are only appropriate after evaluation by a licensed clinician who knows your history and lab results. If you have chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of a blood clot or stroke, or another emergency, call 911.