Testosterone Cypionate vs. Enanthate: Which One Do You Need?
Men who are diagnosed with low levels of testosterone are ideal candidates for testosterone replacement treatment. The biggest decision is determining what form of therapy to use.
This brings up a discussion of what testosterone is better for your needs – Cypionate or Enanthate.
Before making any decision, it is always recommended to discuss your treatment with an experienced hormone replacement specialist, and not some guy from your gym.
What works for one person may not be the best choice for someone else. There are important facts you should know about both testosterone cypionate and enanthate, and we will present the most crucial information in this article.
What are the main differences between testosterone cypionate and enanthate?
One main difference between cypionate and enanthate is the way they are produced.
Testosterone Cypionate compound made with grape seed or sesame seed. Also, it has a generic version Depo-Testosterone made with cotton seed.
Testosterone Enanthate (Delatestryl) is made with sesame oil. Also, Testosterone Enanthate can be made with sesame oil or grape seed
Both forms of injectable testosterone offer a sustained release time of 2 to 3 weeks which will vary from one man to the next based on how his body assimilates and uses the testosterone.
Another difference is that testosterone enanthate is released faster into the bloodstream, giving it a shorter half-life than testosterone cypionate.
A half-life means the amount of time it takes for a medication to lose half of its strength
A Comparison Chart: Testosterone Cypionate vs Testosterone Enanthate
Testosterone Cypionate and Enanthate are two very similar medications, but they do have differences. They both are bio-identical, intramuscular, injectable substances that are only legal to use when prescribed by a licensed doctor.
A comparison table below shows the variations between the two compounds of Cypionate and Enanthate. The information you will read has been gathered by experts in the field of endocrinology.
| Testosterone Cypionate | Testosterone Enanthate |
| Cypionate DEPO or generic made with cotton seed Cypionate Compound made with grape seed or sesame seed |
Enanthate Made with sesame oil or grape seed Enanthate Delatestryl made with sesame oil |
|---|---|
| Slower release time | Faster release time |
| Longer active life (lasts longer in the system) | Shorter active life (lasts shorter in the system) |
| Has a half-life of 12 days | Has a half-life of 10.5 days |
| Has less testosterone per milligram | Has more testosterone per milligram |
| One carbon atom heavier | One carbon atom lighter |
| Considered as an English steroid medication | Considered as a European steroid medication |
| 8 carbon ester chain | 7 carbon ester chain |
| Usually more expensive | Usually less expensive |
| Usually prescribed by doctors as a first choice | Usually prescribed by doctors as a second choice |
There are some variations between the two medications, but in reality, the difference is not that big.
Both medications offer the same benefits and results when used properly as prescribed. In addition, both medications could have the same negative side effects if an allergic reaction occurs or if the injections are not used properly.
For more information regarding the differences between Testosterone Cypionate vs Testosterone Enanthate, please reach out to us by filling out our online contact form. Our expert clinical will help you to choose the best testosterone for your needs.
What makes testosterone cypionate a great choice
Since we are on the topic of half-lifes, comparing testosterone cypionate versus enanthate brings us to the fact that testosterone cypionate has a longer half-life from 10 to 12 days. This is what makes it such a popular choice for so many men.
It means less frequent injections and an overall lower cost since less medication must be purchased.
One of the reasons a comparison between testosterone cypionate or enanthate often yields itself in the direction of the first option is the fact that it is slower releasing than its counterpart.
Testosterone cypionate provides even more release into the bloodstream rather than the sometimes rapid jolt that can come from enanthate. This helps to avoid more high and low cycling which can affect energy, mood, and libido.
The brands of testosterone cypionate that are most widely prescribed are Depo-Testosterone and Watson.
Summary of the pros of testosterone cypionate:
- Suspension in cottonseed oil
- Longer half-life
- Fewer injections
- Slower release into the bloodstream
Or maybe testosterone enanthate is a better choice?
As we move into the testosterone enanthate vs. cypionate debate, we can see that testosterone enanthate has a half-life of 8 to 10 days, a shorter period of time than with testosterone cypionate.
That means that injections will have to be administered on a more frequent basis, often every 8 to 12 days, depending on the person and how he reacts to this treatment.
A positive aspect for some men is that the initial release of testosterone into the bloodstream occurs at a quicker rate when comparing enanthate and cypionate.
This can sometimes bring a more rapid increase in energy after injecting the medication. The converse to this is that the decline can also occur faster, and that is a negative for men who received this treatment.
Again, each person will respond in a unique way, and all forms of testosterone replacement therapy should be discussed with a hormone specialist.
The most recognizable brand names for testosterone enanthate are Watson and Delatestryl.
Summary of the pros of testosterone enanthate:
- Suspended in sesame oil
- Shorter half-life
- More frequent injections
- Quicker release into the bloodstream, as well as leaving it sooner
So now as you have all the information about the difference between testosterone cypionate vs. enanthate the decision is only yours. But remember that you should never start a treatment without a proper diagnosis and physical examination from your doctor.
National HRT Staff
Please note that the information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.