"Cypionate" or "Enanthate": which is better, similarities and differences, effects on the body

November 15, 2018
Sports nutrition
Tatyana Andreeva

Strength, endurance and muscle gain are very important for every athlete. To increase these indicators, many athletes at a certain period come to the use of anabolic steroids. In this case, many questions arise about various drugs. You can often hear from beginners the question of how Cypionate differs from Enanthate. Testosterone Cypionate is an anabolic steroid that is often found in various effective combinations, combinations and cycles, but it is not always possible to find out all the relevant information about this drug. The purpose of this article is to understand the difference between these drugs and give the best examples of their use. And also answer the question about what is better testosterone “Enanthate” or “Cypionate”.

About drugs

Questions about the differences between these two means concern many. You can find a lot of conflicting information on the Internet. Some claim that Cypionate was made exclusively for the US market, and Enanthate for sale in Europe. Others say that Enanthate is a longer ester than Cypionate. Let's try to figure it out.

Both drugs were produced at almost the same time. The need for these esters arose at a time when many complaints arose about the short action of “Propionate”. In principle, the drugs are very similar. They have the same androgenic and anabolic activity, and some elements of these drugs are converted in the body into dihydrotestosterone. In addition, the drugs tend to turn into estrogens and retain water.

What then is the difference between “Enanthate” and “Cypionate”? And why produce two identical ethers? The drugs have different chemical structures. Cypionate has one more carbon atom than Enanthate. This suggests that the first drug works longer than the second. Enanthate can also release the free form of the hormone testosterone. In principle, these are all the differences between steroids. It is also more popular among athletes than Enanthate. And, according to reviews from athletes, it retains less fluid in the body.

Testosterone

This document, provided by Lexicomp®, contains all the necessary information about the drug, including indications, directions for use, side effects, and when to contact your healthcare provider.

Trade names: USA

Androderm; AndroGel; AndroGel Pump; Aveed; Depo-Testosterone; Fortesta; Jatenzo; Natesto; Striant [DSC]; Testim; Testopel; Vogelxo; Vogelxo Pump; Xyosted

Trade names: Canada

Andriol [DSC]; Androderm; AndroGel; Delatestryl; Depo-Testosterone; Natesto; PMS-Testosterone Undecanoate; TARO-Testosterone; TARO-Testosterone Cypionate; Testim

Warning

All release forms:

High blood pressure has occurred with this drug. Monitor your blood pressure as directed by your doctor.
High blood pressure can contribute to heart attack and stroke or death from heart disease. If you have high blood pressure or heart disease, consult your doctor.

Testosterone undecanoate injections

Very serious lung problems have occurred with this drug. Allergic reactions have also been reported when using this drug. Sometimes allergic reactions were life-threatening. These reactions occurred during the use of this drug and immediately after. Similar reactions may occur with any dose of this drug.
Your doctor will monitor you closely for 30 minutes after each dose. Call your doctor right away if you experience chest pain, coughing or gagging, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, sweating, or a tight throat.

Skin gel, solution for external use:

Rinse the area where the product was used before the surface touches anyone else's skin.
Do not allow this drug or the area it is treating to touch other people's skin. Contact with this medicine may cause side effects. Cover the treated area with clothing.
If a woman or child touches the gel, they will need to wash their skin with soap and water.

What is this drug used for?

This drug is used to treat low testosterone levels.
The drug is used for delayed puberty in a certain group of children.
Used to treat breast cancer in a specific group of patients.
This drug can also be used for other indications. Consult your doctor.

What should you tell your doctor BEFORE taking this drug?

All release forms:

If you are allergic to this drug, any of its ingredients, other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor about your allergy and how it occurs.
If you are a man and have breast or prostate cancer.
If you have any of the following health problems: heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease.

All injectable drugs:

If you are a woman. Not all products are approved for use in women. Women using this drug should consult their doctor if they are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
If the patient is a child. Not all injectables are approved for use in children. Check with your doctor to see if this product can be used in children.

All drugs except injections:

If you are a woman. This drug is not approved for use in women. If this drug is used during pregnancy, there may be harmful effects on the fetus. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
If the patient is a child. Do not give this drug to a child.

Nose gel:

If you have problems with hydration of the nasal mucosa, such as Sjögren's syndrome.
If you have ever had any of the following health problems: a broken nose within the last 6 months, a disease of the nose or sinuses, surgery on the nose or sinus area, a fracture of the nose that caused a deviated septum (deviated nasal septum).
If you are using another drug for your nose.

This list of medications and diseases that may adversely affect the use of this drug is not exhaustive.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the drugs you take (prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products and vitamins) and your health problems. You need to make sure that this drug is safe for your medical conditions and in combination with other drugs you are already taking. Do not start or stop taking any drug or change the dosage without asking your doctor.

What should I know or do while I take this drug?

All release forms:

Tell all your health care providers that you are taking this drug. These are doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists.
If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you should check your blood sugar regularly.
The risk of developing prostate cancer may increase. Consult your doctor.
If you have an enlarged prostate gland, the symptoms of the disease may worsen while using this drug. If this happens to you, consult your doctor.
If you experience sleep apnea, consult your doctor. In some cases, sleep apnea has worsened during testosterone use.
Treatment with this drug may increase your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The impact of these changes on heart health is not known. Consult your doctor.
Perform blood tests as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor.
This drug may affect the results of some laboratory tests. Tell all your health care providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug.
Taking this drug was accompanied by the development of thrombosis. If you have previously had thrombosis, consult your doctor. Consult your doctor.
This drug is an anabolic steroid. Anabolic steroid drugs have been abused and misused in the past. Abuse of anabolic steroids can lead to addiction and very serious health problems. These health problems include heart and blood vessel problems, stroke, liver disease, and mental or emotional problems. Consult your doctor.
Some patients with cancer have experienced increased calcium levels when taking medications like this one. If you experience symptoms of elevated calcium levels, such as weakness, confusion, feeling tired, headache, nausea or vomiting, constipation, or bone pain, call your doctor right away.
If you are 65 years or older, use this drug with caution. You may experience more side effects.
This drug is not approved to treat low testosterone levels caused by aging. Consult your doctor.
Large doses of this drug may affect sperm characteristics in men and their ability to conceive. This phenomenon may not go away after stopping the drug. If you have questions, consult your doctor.

Skin gel, solution for external use:

If a child or woman touches the gel or solution and experiences side effects, tell your doctor immediately. In children, these effects include early puberty, enlargement of the genitals, and early hair growth in the pubic area. In women, these include a deep voice, changes in body hair growth, or acne.
If a pregnant woman comes into contact with the gel or solution, contact your doctor immediately.

Nose gel:

If you have serious nasal problems such as a runny nose, congestion, or postnasal drip, or if you have these problems and they do not go away, consult your doctor. You may need to stop using this drug or switch to another drug.

Patch:

The patch may contain metal that conducts current. Remove the patch before having an MRI scan.

Cheek tablet:

Check the gum where you usually apply this medication. Consult your doctor.

Testosterone cypionate and testosterone enanthate injections (with intramuscular administration):

If the patient is a child, use this drug with caution. Children may be at higher risk for some side effects.
In some cases, the drug may affect growth rate in children and adolescents. They may need to have their growth rate checked regularly. Consult your doctor.

Which side effects should I report to my doctor immediately?

WARNING.

In rare cases, this drug may cause serious and sometimes fatal side effects in some people. Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be associated with serious side effects:

All release forms:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red and swollen skin with blistering or peeling, possibly accompanied by fever, wheezing or wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, unusual hoarseness, swelling in the areas of the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat.
Signs of high blood pressure, such as a very bad headache, or dizziness, or loss of consciousness, or blurred vision.
Frequent or prolonged erections (hardening of the penis).
Difficulty or pain when urinating, the release of urine in the form of a sluggish stream or drops, increased frequency of urination.
Loss of urinary control.
New or worsening behavioral or emotional problems such as depression or thoughts of suicide.
Enlarged breasts.
Pain in the chest area.
Shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, or swelling of the arms or legs.
Nausea or vomiting.
Difficulty breathing during sleep.
Sleepiness during the day.
Weakness on 1 side of the body, difficulty speaking or thinking, trouble maintaining balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred vision.
Change in skin color.
Change in the size or shape of the testicles.
Contact your doctor immediately if you have signs of thrombosis, such as pain or tightness in your chest; coughing up blood; dyspnea; swelling, warmth, numbness, discoloration, or pain in the leg or arm; difficulty speaking or swallowing.
Liver dysfunction has been reported while taking medications of this kind. Sometimes these cases resulted in death. If you notice signs of liver problems, such as dark urine, feeling tired, lack of appetite, nausea or abdominal pain, light-colored stool, vomiting, or yellow discoloration of the skin or eyes, call your doctor immediately.

Nose gel:

Nose bleed.
Dry nose.
Pain or irritation in the nose.
Runny or stuffy nose.
Crusts in the nose.
Sneezing.

Cheek tablet:

Gum changes.

Injectable preparations for use in women:

Deep voice, increased facial hair, acne or menstrual irregularities in women.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

Any medicine can have side effects. However, many people experience little or no side effects. Contact your doctor or get medical help if these or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Capsules:

Headache.
Diarrhea.
Heartburn.
Belching.

All other dosage forms:

Headache.
Acne.
Diarrhea.
Emotional ups and downs.
Feeling tired or weak.
Sleep disorders.
Irritation at the site of application of the drug.

Nose gel:

Cough.
Sore throat.

Cheek tablet:

Changes in the ability to perceive taste.
Impaired taste perception. This,

Patch:

Back pain.

This list of possible side effects is not exhaustive. If you have any questions about side effects, contact your doctor. Check with your doctor about side effects.

You can report any side effects to your national health authority.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You can also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What is the best way to take this drug?

Use this medication as directed by your doctor. Read all the information provided to you. Follow all instructions strictly.

Capsules:

Take this medication with food.

Skin gel, solution for external use:

Not for oral use. For application to skin only.
Wash your hands before and after use.
Take this medication at the same time of day.
Not all drugs have the same effects. Read labels carefully and follow directions.
Do not use this drug on other parts of the body or on other people.
Do not apply to genitals.
Avoid contact with eyes.
Some drugs are available in dispensers. Some drugs are available in sachets. If you are using a dispenser, you will need to fill it before your first use. Follow the instructions on the package when filling the dispenser.
After applying this medication, you should wait a while before taking a bath, shower, or swimming. Make sure you know exactly how long to wait. Please see package insert for details.
Allow to dry before covering with clothing.
Avoid fire, flames or smoking until dry.

Skin gel:

Apply to clean, dry, healthy skin.
Some drugs are used on specific parts of the body. Make sure you know exactly which area to use this medication. Please see package insert for details.

Solution for external use:

Apply to clean, dry, intact skin of the armpit using the applicator.
Do not rub this medication into the skin with your fingers or palm.
Apply each new dose to a different area of the armpits.
Allow skin to dry between applications.
If you use an antiperspirant or deodorant, apply it at least 2 minutes before using this drug.

Nose gel:

Not for oral use. For nasal use only. Avoid contact with mouth and eyes (possible burns).
If this medication gets on your skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water.
Take this medication at the same time of day.
Wash your hands before and after use.
Before using it for the first time, you must charge the pump device. Do this by turning it upside down and pressing the pump 10 times. If any part of the drug leaks out during filling, rinse the body with warm water.
Before use, you should clean your nose.
Do not blow your nose or sniff heavily for 1 hour after using this medication.
Wipe the device with a clean cloth. Don't wash.

Patch:

Do not use patches that are damaged or cut.
Apply the patch to clean, dry, healthy skin on the back, abdomen, thighs or shoulders.
Do not apply the drug to areas over bony prominences. Do not apply the drug to areas that will be subject to pressure during prolonged periods of sleeping or sitting.
Do not apply to genitals.
Do not use the drug on areas of skin that are prone to oiliness, sweating, or covered with hair. The patch may not stick firmly enough.
Apply a new patch at the same time every evening. Make sure you remove the old one before applying a new patch.
Move the location of the new patch each time you change the dressing. Do not use on the same area for more than 7 days.
Do not bathe, shower or swim for 3 hours after application.
Do not cover the patch with another bandage or bandage. If the patch does not adhere properly, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
If the patch wears off before noon, apply a new patch and wear it until you apply a new patch at your usual time.
If the patch falls off in the afternoon, do not reapply the patch. Wait and apply a new patch at the usual time.
After removing the patch, fold it in half, bringing the adhesive sides together. Dispose of used patches where they are out of the reach of children and pets.

Cheek tablet:

Do not remove this drug from the blister pack until you are ready to use it. Take this drug immediately after opening the blister pack. Do not store the extracted medication for future use.
Wash your hands before use.
Dry your hands and place the tablet in the mouth above the upper incisors between the cheek and gum. The tablet should remain in place until it dissolves.
Do not chew or swallow.
Alternate sides of the mouth each time you use the drug.
Do not remove until it is time for the next dose.
Make sure the medication remains in place after eating, drinking, brushing your teeth, or rinsing your mouth.
If the medicine does not stick or falls off, follow your doctor's directions or the instructions inside the package. If you are not sure what to do, consult your doctor.
To remove the tablet, carefully move it from the gum towards the tooth, being careful not to damage the gum.

All injectable drugs:

Some drugs are administered by injection into the subcutaneous fat. Some drugs are administered by intramuscular injection. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about how to use this medicine.
If you give yourself injections, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the injections.
Wash your hands before use.
Make sure you know exactly where to inject. If you are not sure where to inject, consult your doctor.
Avoid areas with skin irritation or tenderness, bruising, redness, peeling, hardening, scarring or stretch marks.
Do not use if solution is cloudy, leaking, or contains particles.
This medicine is colorless or pale yellow. Do not use if solution changes color.
Dispose of needles in a sharps/needles disposal container. Needles and other items cannot be reused. When the container is full, dispose of it according to local regulations. If you have questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

What should I do if I miss a dose of my medication?

Testosterone undecanoate injections

Consult your doctor for further instructions.

All other dosage forms:

Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is time to take your next dose, do not take the missed dose and then return to your regular dosing schedule.
Do not use 2 doses or an additional dose at the same time.

How should I store and/or throw away this drug?

All drugs except injections:

Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
Store in a dry place. Do not store in the bathroom.

Skin gel, solution for external use:

Protect from heat or open flame.

Cheek tablet:

Keep away from heat.

Patch:

Store in a protective bag until use.

All injectable drugs:

If you need to store this drug at home, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about storage conditions.

All release forms:

Keep this medication in a protected place, out of sight and reach of children, and out of the reach of other people. A secure storage place for the drug can be a box or room that is locked with a key. Keep all medications out of reach of pets.
Dispose of unused or expired medications. Do not pour into toilet or drain unless instructed to do so. If you have questions about disposing of your medications, consult your pharmacist. Your area may have drug recycling programs.

General information about medications

If your health does not improve or even worsens, consult your doctor.
You should not give your medicine to anyone or take someone else's medicine.
Some medicines may come with other patient information leaflets. If you have questions about this drug, ask your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or other health care professional.
Some medicines may come with other patient information leaflets. Check with your pharmacist. If you have questions about this drug, ask your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or other health care professional.
If you think you have overdosed on this drug, call a poison control center or get medical help right away. Be prepared to tell or show what drug you took, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Use of Information and Limitation of Liability

This summary information includes summary information about the diagnosis, treatment and/or drug. It is not a comprehensive source of data and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or evaluate potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a particular patient. It should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a physician based on a physician's examination and assessment of the patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients should consult with their physician for complete information about their health, medical issues and treatment options, including any risks or benefits of medication use. This information is not a guarantee that a treatment or drug is safe, effective, or approved for use in any particular patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranties or liabilities with respect to this information or its use. The use of this information is subject to the Terms of Use found at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/lexicomp/about/eula.

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How to use

The question of which is better “Enanthate” or “Cypionate” still remains open. Let's try to understand their action. Both drugs are long-term testosterone esters. Such steroids are able to maintain the maximum concentration of the male sex hormone for a long period. One injection increases hormone levels for almost two weeks. In this case, given that the half-life of steroids is eight to nine days, it would be more correct to give one injection per week.

In practice, testosterone “Cypionate” or “Enanthate” is used once every 5-7 days in order to ensure a constant effect of the drug. Dosages are selected individually, they depend on the specific goals and stage of development of the athlete. Beginners who have chosen the drug for the first course can stay within one injection of 200-250 milligrams per week to obtain a significant increase in muscle fibers. At the same time, professional athletes use 400-500 milligrams every five days, while achieving solid results.

When choosing Cypionate or Enanthate, you should know that they are intended more for muscle building cycles. Cypionate works well for preserving muscles during a diet. To reduce catabolic processes, small dosages are used to avoid unwanted aromatization. The thing is that any ester with a long side chain is converted into estrogen only after overcoming a certain dosage limit. For those who use more than 400-500 milligrams of drugs per week, you need to pay attention to zinc supplements, they inhibit aromatase. Take zinc in the amount of 75-150 mg per day.

If you take large dosages (750-800 mg per week), a zinc supplement will not be effective. At this point, you need to either reduce the weekly number of injections or use stronger aromatase inhibitors. In this case, the differences between Cypionate and Enanthate in the occurrence of side effects are not felt. At high dosages of these drugs, it is worth considering parallel administration of Anastrazole in the amount of 0.5 mg every other day. You can consider similar means to relieve unpleasant consequences.

Testosterone cypionate[edit | edit code]

Testosterone cypionate from Watson Pharma USA Cypionate from Gerth Pharmaceuticals (volume 10 ml, 250 mg/ml)
Testosterone cypionate

is one of the longest testosterone esters available today. Its half-life in the body is approximately 15 to 16 days (half-life 6 to 8 days). The drug is available in the form of an oil solution. Because it works over such a long period of time, it may cause water retention to a greater extent than other anabolic steroids. Most often it is used in combined courses to gain muscle mass.

In the body, testosterone cypionate acts as a natural hormone. Testosterone is a male sex hormone that is responsible for many of the physical and emotional qualities of a man. It causes deepening of the voice, libido, aggression and muscle growth. Testosterone works through anabolic receptors, causing muscles to retain more nitrogen, which in turn creates muscle proteins.

The disadvantage of testosterone cypionate is that it aromatizes, or in other words, turns into estrogens. When too much estrogen is produced in the male body, female characteristics begin to appear: gynecomastia, water retention, female-type fat deposition, and a decrease in sexual desire and testicular atrophy occur. Most unwanted effects can be prevented if the drug is used correctly.

Usage and dosage

As mentioned above, novice athletes should use dosages of 200-250 mg per week. If we are talking about preparing for competitions, you can increase the dose to 400-500 mg without fear of side effects. For professional athletes at a competitive level, this volume of the drug is not enough. A dosage of 1000 mg per week shows significant results in strength and muscle gains. It should be borne in mind that such an amount of steroid in the body is not safe.

Short courses of testosterone “Cypionate” or “Enanthate” are 6-8 weeks, but experienced athletes recommend extending the use of steroids over a longer period - 12 weeks.

Women should not take long-acting esters; if the goal is to perform in serious competitions, they should turn to short-acting testosterone.

Application

It can be used in 2 ways:

Mass gain

Can help gain up to 10 kg in 1 course. mass, if you eat right, you can retain about 50% after the course, while a noticeable amount of water will be retained.

In this case, the following will be observed:

♦ muscle recovery after physical activity will be accelerated;

♦ joint pain will decrease and muscles will be better pumped with blood;

♦ strength indicators will increase;

♦ the overall endurance of the body will improve;

♦ Libido will increase.

The first sensations of the effectiveness of the drug occur on the 2-3rd day. Course duration is 10-12 weeks.

Drying

Only a few can guess the frequency of injections, but those few that can do this will dry out a little with its help, but in most cases, this type of testosterone is suitable for mass gain.

Some people also try it as PCT, but this path is very complicated and requires certain knowledge.

It is worth noting that testosterone cypionate should not be taken by women if there is a desire to retain the female form.

Combinations

The main profile of the effect of long esters such as testosterone Cypionate or Enanthate is the increase in muscle mass. The drugs are often combined with similar steroids. The most popular combination is Testosterone cypionate and Nandrolone decanoate. You can also add the tableted steroid Methandienone or Turinabol there. Growth hormone is also considered a good supplement.

For better muscle mass, combine Testosterone with Boldenone or Trenbolone. For relief, “Cypionate” and “Vistrol” are used.

What to choose, testosterone “Cypionate” or “Enanthate”

From the instructions for use of the drugs it follows that they are very similar in their effects. Small differences in the chemical structure and speed of testosterone release into the blood do not play a special role. Both anabolic steroids are used in muscle building cycles. Combinations with other drugs, dosages, frequency of injections and duration of courses are also identical. Based on this, we can conclude that it is a meaningless choice, which is better “Enanthate” or “Cypionate”.