Testosterone cypionate is the gold standard for testosterone replacement therapy in the United States. It's an injectable ester of testosterone with a half-life of approximately 8 days, which allows for stable blood levels with twice-weekly subcutaneous or intramuscular injections.
Most TRT protocols start at 100-200 mg per week, split into two injections (e.g., 50-100 mg every 3.5 days). This frequency minimizes the peaks and troughs that come with less frequent dosing, reducing side effects like mood swings, acne, and estrogen spikes. Some men do well with every-other-day micro-dosing for even more stable levels.
Cypionate is dissolved in cottonseed oil or sesame oil, depending on the manufacturer. It's available as a generic, making it one of the most cost-effective TRT options. Compounding pharmacies can also prepare custom concentrations (typically 200 mg/mL) at competitive prices.
The medication is self-administered at home after initial instruction. Most men use 27-29 gauge insulin syringes for subcutaneous injection into the abdominal fat or thigh, which is nearly painless compared to traditional intramuscular injections with larger needles.