Testosterone cypionate is the most widely prescribed injectable testosterone in the U.S. It’s a long-acting form of testosterone dissolved in oil, FDA-approved for men whose bodies don’t make enough testosterone. MultiGen Wellness prescribes it after labs confirm low testosterone and a provider visit, then repeats labs to keep your levels and blood counts in a safe range.
testosterone cypionate at a glance
| What it is | An injectable androgen (testosterone attached to a cypionate ester, which releases it slowly). The original brand is Depo-Testosterone; generics are widely available. |
|---|---|
| Forms we prescribe | Testosterone cypionate in oil in several strengths, including low-dose versions for women and a version combined with anastrozole. |
| How it’s taken | An injection into a muscle or under the skin. Many prescribers use a weekly or twice-weekly schedule. |
| FDA status | FDA-approved for men with low testosterone caused by a testicular, pituitary or brain condition. Use in women is off-label. |
| Controlled substance | Yes, Schedule III. |
| Cost | Medication is priced separately from visits. See current prices on our pharmacy page. |
Who testosterone cypionate is for
It’s meant for men who have symptoms of low testosterone and lab results that confirm it. Common symptoms include low sex drive, fatigue, low mood, poor sleep, and loss of muscle and strength. Major guidelines from the Endocrine Society and the American Urological Association call for at least two early-morning total testosterone tests below the normal range before treatment starts. The AUA uses 300 ng/dL as the cutoff.
Symptoms like these have other causes too, including thyroid problems, sleep apnea, iron deficiency and depression. That’s why labs come first. Read more about the signs of low testosterone.
Injection schedules
The FDA label lists 50 to 400 mg every 2 to 4 weeks. Many prescribers now split the weekly amount into one or two smaller injections. Smaller, more frequent doses keep levels steadier, which can mean fewer energy and mood swings between shots and a smaller rise in estradiol and red blood cells.
Testosterone cypionate can be injected into a muscle (intramuscular) or into the fat under the skin (subcutaneous). Subcutaneous shots use a smaller needle and many people find them easier to do at home. Compare the two in our guide to intramuscular vs. subcutaneous testosterone injections.
Cypionate vs. enanthate and other forms
Cypionate and enanthate are the two common injectable esters. They release testosterone at similar rates and are used almost interchangeably in practice; cypionate is far more common in the U.S. Brand cypionate is dissolved in cottonseed oil, while compounded versions often use grapeseed oil, an option for people who react to cottonseed oil.
Gels, creams and pellets are other ways to take testosterone. Injections are usually the least expensive and give the most control over the dose. See testosterone injections vs. cream vs. pellets for a side-by-side comparison.
What to expect and when
Sex drive and energy often improve within 3 to 6 weeks. Mood and sleep can take a few months. Changes in muscle, body fat and bone build over 6 to 12 months. Your first follow-up labs usually come after 6 to 12 weeks so your provider can check whether the dose is right.
Side effects and monitoring
- Higher red blood cell count (hematocrit). The most common lab problem on testosterone. Very high levels thicken the blood, so it’s checked regularly.
- Higher estradiol. Some testosterone converts to estrogen, which can cause breast tenderness or water retention. See anastrozole and TRT.
- Acne and oily skin.
- Smaller testicles and lower sperm count. Outside testosterone signals the body to stop making its own. hCG can help preserve testicular size and fertility.
- Worse sleep apnea and higher blood pressure in some men. In 2025 the FDA updated testosterone labels to include results of the large TRAVERSE trial, which did not find a higher rate of heart attack or stroke in men treated for low testosterone, and added a warning that testosterone can raise blood pressure.
Typical labs include total and free testosterone, estradiol, a complete blood count, PSA for men 40 and older, and lipids. Guidelines suggest checking 3 to 6 months after starting and then at least once a year. More detail is in TRT side effects.
Who should not use testosterone cypionate
- Men with prostate or breast cancer
- A hematocrit above 50% before treatment
- Untreated severe sleep apnea or uncontrolled heart failure
- A heart attack or stroke in the past 6 months
- Men trying to conceive right now, since testosterone lowers sperm production
- Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant
Testosterone cypionate for women
Women make testosterone too, and low doses are sometimes prescribed off-label for low libido after menopause. Women’s doses are a small fraction of men’s, which is why we stock low-strength versions. See can women take testosterone? and our women’s hormone therapy page.
How to get testosterone cypionate through MultiGen Wellness
- Book a free 15-minute consult. Pick a time online or call 1-800-259-0015. We go over your symptoms, goals and medical history.
- Labs and a provider visit. A licensed provider reviews your history and lab results and decides whether testosterone cypionate is a safe fit. Getting started is $247, which includes your first provider visit. Follow-up visits are $97 each, with no monthly membership.
- Medication shipped to your door. If it’s prescribed, a state-licensed partner pharmacy ships it to you. Your provider follows up with labs and visits to adjust the plan.
Frequently asked questions
How often do you inject testosterone cypionate?
The label allows every 2 to 4 weeks, but many prescribers use weekly or twice-weekly injections to keep levels steadier. Your provider picks the schedule based on your labs and how you feel.
Is testosterone cypionate the same as TRT?
TRT means testosterone replacement therapy in any form. Testosterone cypionate is one medication used for TRT, and it is the most common injectable form in the U.S.
Does testosterone cypionate need to be refrigerated?
No. It is stored at room temperature and away from light. If crystals form in the cold, warming the vial in your hand usually dissolves them.
Can I stop testosterone cypionate later?
Yes, but your own production can take months to recover, and symptoms often return. Read do you need TRT forever? before deciding.
Other medications we prescribe
This page is for education and isn’t medical advice. Only a licensed provider who has reviewed your history and labs can decide whether a medication is right for you. Availability depends on your state. Last reviewed November 7, 2026.
Want to talk it through with our team?
Book a free 15-minute video consult. $197 if you sign up the same day as your consult, normally $247, and that includes your first doctor visit. No membership.