- Testosterone cypionate is the testosterone most often prescribed in Canada and the US for low testosterone, sold in pharmacies as Depo-Testosterone and generics.
- It’s long-acting: a half-life of about 5 to 8 days, so it’s injected once or twice a week.
- It behaves almost exactly like testosterone enanthate. The choice between them is mostly about availability and the carrier oil.
- The key numbers to monitor are hematocrit, estradiol, blood pressure and cholesterol.
If you’ve been prescribed testosterone in Canada, there’s a good chance it was cypionate. It’s also one of the two compounds most steroid users start with. This guide covers what it is, how doctors use it, what it does at higher doses, the side effects that matter, and what to check in your bloodwork.
What is testosterone cypionate?
Testosterone cypionate is testosterone bonded to a cypionate ester and dissolved in oil for intramuscular injection. The ester slows release from the injection site so one injection lasts several days. Once the ester is removed in the body, what remains is ordinary testosterone.
It was introduced in the 1950s as Depo-Testosterone, and it remains a standard prescription for male hypogonadism (low testosterone) in Canada, alongside testosterone enanthate, gels and other forms.
How it’s prescribed in Canada
Canadian doctors usually start men with low testosterone on around 100 to 200 mg every one to two weeks, or an equivalent smaller weekly dose, then adjust to keep blood levels in the normal range. Many now prefer weekly or twice-weekly injections because they give steadier levels and fewer mood and energy swings than larger doses every two weeks. A diagnosis needs symptoms plus two morning blood tests showing low testosterone; our TRT in Canada guide walks through the process.
Cypionate vs enanthate
The two are close to interchangeable:
- Cypionate’s half-life is slightly longer (about 5 to 8 days vs 4 to 5).
- Per milligram, cypionate carries about 70% testosterone, enanthate about 72%.
- Pharmaceutical cypionate is often made with cottonseed oil, enanthate with sesame oil, which matters if you react to one.
Our full comparison is in enanthate vs cypionate.
What to expect at higher doses
Above replacement doses, testosterone increases muscle size and strength in a dose-dependent way, as shown in controlled research using up to 600 mg a week. Users typically report strength gains within weeks, increased muscle with some water retention, faster recovery and higher libido. The same research shows side effects rise with dose too.
Side effects
- Higher estradiol: water retention, breast tenderness or gynecomastia, because testosterone converts to estrogen.
- Thicker blood: hematocrit rises; above about 54%, clot and stroke risk increase.
- Cholesterol and blood pressure: lower HDL and higher blood pressure, especially at higher doses.
- Acne, oily skin and hair loss in those prone to them.
- Suppression: your own testosterone and sperm production fall. See the fertility guide.
- Sleep apnea can worsen at higher doses.
Injection basics
Cypionate is injected into a large muscle: glutes, thighs or shoulders. Use a new sterile needle and syringe every time, rotate sites, and dispose of sharps properly. Our intramuscular injection guide covers technique, and our disposal guide lists Canadian sharps options.
Cold vials: cypionate can crystallize in a cold Canadian winter, especially if a parcel sits in a mailbox. Warm the vial in your hand or warm water and swirl until clear before use.
Bloodwork in Canada
Before starting, get total testosterone, LH, FSH, estradiol, a complete blood count, lipids, liver and kidney function, and PSA if over 40. Repeat after six to eight weeks, drawn midway between injections, and again after stopping to confirm recovery. Your family doctor can order these, or you can book privately at LifeLabs or Dynacare.
Is testosterone cypionate legal in Canada?
Testosterone and other anabolic steroids are Schedule IV substances under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Possessing them for personal use isn’t an offence; trafficking, importing and exporting without authorization are.
Buying testosterone cypionate in Canada
We stock Zionova Testosterone Cypionate and Genetix Testosterone Cypionate, both 250 mg/ml in 10 ml vials. At the time of writing, Genetix is roughly 30% cheaper per mg. See live prices and the vial calculator on our injectables page.
Frequently asked questions
How often is testosterone cypionate injected?
Once or twice a week. Its half-life is about 5 to 8 days, and twice-weekly injections give the steadiest levels.
Is Depo-Testosterone available in Canada?
Yes, by prescription, along with generic testosterone cypionate and enanthate.
Why did my testosterone cypionate go cloudy?
Usually crystallization from cold. Warm the vial and swirl gently until it’s completely clear. If it stays cloudy or has particles, don’t use it.
Is cypionate better than enanthate?
Neither is better. They’re nearly identical; cypionate lasts slightly longer.
Is testosterone cypionate legal in Canada?
It’s Schedule IV under the CDSA and a prescription drug. Personal possession isn’t an offence; trafficking, importing and exporting without authorization are.
Products mentioned in this guide
This article is general information for adults in Canada, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any prescription drug, anabolic steroid or research compound, and get bloodwork done. If you’re in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) any time.
