Hormone, anabolic & androgen-receptor research compounds
Testosterone Cypionate
Also known as Depo-Testosterone · test cyp · testosterone cyclopentylpropionate
A long-chain ester of testosterone given by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection, used clinically in testosterone deficiency and gender-affirming care.
In 60 seconds
A registered prescription medicine (scheduled) in South Africa. Documented effects include raised haematocrit/erythrocytosis, suppression of spermatogenesis and testicular function, and lipid changes; a supraphysiological-dose study characterised dose–response effects in healthy men.
- A randomised double-blind study in 31 healthy men modelled pharmacokinetics and effects at 100–500 mg/week to study abuse-level exposure.
- Measured serum testosterone stability between subcutaneous injections compared with intramuscular use.
- A randomised pilot study addressed erythrocytosis (raised haematocrit) linked to testosterone cypionate.
Mechanism
The cypionate ester slows release from the injection depot; once cleaved, testosterone acts at the androgen receptor (and, after aromatisation, oestrogen receptors). Exogenous testosterone suppresses LH/FSH and therefore the body’s own testosterone and sperm production.
Research status
A registered prescription medicine (scheduled) in South Africa. Prohibited in sport.
Key studies
A randomised double-blind study in 31 healthy men modelled pharmacokinetics and effects at 100–500 mg/week to study abuse-level exposure.
Population Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling of Depot Testosterone Cypionate in Healthy Male Subjects — CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol, 2018 · PMID 29436172
Measured serum testosterone stability between subcutaneous injections compared with intramuscular use.
Serum Testosterone Concentrations Remain Stable Between Injections in Patients Receiving Subcutaneous Testosterone — J Endocr Soc, 2017 · PMID 29264562
A randomised pilot study addressed erythrocytosis (raised haematocrit) linked to testosterone cypionate.
Effect of 100 mg of testosterone cypionate in trans men with erythrocytosis: a randomized controlled pilot study — J Sex Med, 2025 · PMID 41052128
Safety signals in the literature
Documented effects include raised haematocrit/erythrocytosis, suppression of spermatogenesis and testicular function, and lipid changes; a supraphysiological-dose study characterised dose–response effects in healthy men.
Legal status (South Africa)
Androgens and anabolic steroids are scheduled substances in South Africa (prescription-only under the Medicines and Related Substances Act) and are prohibited in sport. SARM-class compounds are unapproved for human use anywhere. Educational content only — no use guidance.
Questions
What is Testosterone Cypionate?
A long-chain ester of testosterone given by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection, used clinically in testosterone deficiency and gender-affirming care. The cypionate ester slows release from the injection depot; once cleaved, testosterone acts at the androgen receptor (and, after aromatisation, oestrogen receptors). Exogenous testosterone suppresses LH/FSH and therefore the body’s own testosterone and sperm production.
What is the research status of Testosterone Cypionate?
A registered prescription medicine (scheduled) in South Africa. Prohibited in sport.
What safety signals are reported for Testosterone Cypionate?
Documented effects include raised haematocrit/erythrocytosis, suppression of spermatogenesis and testicular function, and lipid changes; a supraphysiological-dose study characterised dose–response effects in healthy men.
Does Living Water Labs stock Testosterone Cypionate?
Not at present. Testosterone Cypionate is profiled here for reference, with citations to the published literature. Androgens and anabolic steroids are scheduled substances in South Africa (prescription-only under the Medicines and Related Substances Act) and are prohibited in sport. SARM-class compounds are unapproved for human use anywhere. Educational content only — no use guidance.
More in Hormone & anabolic
Research reference only. This page summarises published literature; it is not medical advice and contains no guidance on human use. Products supplied by Living Water Labs are for laboratory research only.