Testosterone Cypionate VS Enanthate, the Similarities and differences you should know

What is Testosterone Enanthate injection?

Enanthate is a type of injectable testosterone that is derivative of the primary endogenous androgen testosterone, for intramuscular administration. It is important to note that this type of testosterone should never be injected into the vein and should be done by a medical doctor or under supervision of a medical professional.

What is testosterone Cypionate injection?

This type of testosterone is an eight-carbon ester form of testosterone. Cypionate is considered a “long acting” testosterone, metabolized in approximately seven to eight days. Testosterone cypionate is injected subcutaneously.

Similarities between Testosterone Enanthate and Testosterone Cypionate

1. Testosterone cypionate and enanthate are commercial steroids used in bodybuilding for increased muscle weight. Both have the same functions and effects.

2. Testosterone Enanthate and Testosterone Cypionate are 2 popular esters widely used for TRT therapy to treat primary and secondary hypogonadism or low-Testosterone.

3. T-enanthate and T-cypionate are very similar and preferred low-T treatment (via injections) options.

4. Testosterone when taken at large, no matter Testosterone enanthate or cypionate, can cause numerous side effects. It can convert to the female hormone estrogen by an aromatized enzyme; the process is known as aromatization. To stop this conversion, the use of a class of aromatized inhibitors is necessary to prevent estrogenic effects, such as: fat gain, gynecomastia, reduced fat breakdown, testicular shrinkage, loss of sex drive and water retention. Water retention may lead to weakened blood vessels over a period of time because it increases blood pressure.

The difference between Testosterone Cypionate and Testosterone Enanthate

Chemical structure & Active life & solubility

Testosterone enanthate has a slightly faster release and shorter active life than cypionate. This is based on the carbon ester group. Enanthate has a 7-carbon ester chain while cypionate has an 8-carbon ester chain. The particular ester gives the testosterone its active life span. Its solubility in water and oil depends on its ester group. The more carbons the ester group has, the more soluble in oil and less soluble in water it becomes. Enanthate, with its 7-carbon ester and 1-carbon atom is lighter than cypionate and has more testosterone per gram.

Carrier oil

The carrier oil used is another major difference. Sesame oil makes testosterone enanthate highly viscous and may be painful when injected subcutaneously. Long-term patient compliance with this regimen is also an issue as preparation for injection is time consuming. Painful lumps due to high viscosity may be a problem for a small number of people using testosterone enanthate injection.

The olive oil or cottonseed oil used in testosterone cypionate makes it easier to inject subcutaneously because they are more fluid. Injections via the subcutaneous route are less painful than intramuscular injections. Absorption is slower, which makes it stable, reduces aromatization of testosterone and conversion of DHT, so there is no need to deal with estrogen producing excessive side effects, such as fluid retention, gynecomastia.

Another consideration was that Testosterone Enanthate contains the preservative Chlorobutinol, which is a known irritant at high concentrations. It is typically only used at up to a concentration of 0.5% because of its potential irritative effect. The concentration of Chlorobutinol in Testosterone Enanthate is 5%, so it’s hardly surprising there can be adverse reactions to its use.

Price

Enanthate is cheaper than cypionate. Many are wondering why; however, there are some thoughts that it is because testosterone with concentrated “T” or a high amount of “T” is cheaper compared to those which contain less “T.” The drug for beginners is cheap making it the perfect choice for those who want to use it to reach their bodybuilding or athletic goals.

Side Effects

Enanthate works wonders in achieving stable levels while keeping potential side effects manageable. With a short half-life most side effects can be managed by altering dosage or frequency or both

Intramuscular or subcutaneous injection

In conclusion, the significant difference between testosterone Cypionate and Testosterone Enanthate is intramuscular or subcutaneous. The high viscosity of Testosterone Enanthate injection makes it more difficult to inject subcutaneously, which is a superior way to achieve stable serum testosterone levels, avoiding peaks and troughs and minimizing side effects.

While intramural injections are absorbed faster because of increased vascular exposure, speeding up the rate at which testosterone enters the system, which also means peaks and valleys, as well as unwanted estrogen and DHT, because 5α reductase breaks down testosterone, which can lead to prostate irritation or enlargement, hair loss and acne.

Considering all of the above factors, subcutaneous testosterone cypionate seems to be the better choice because of the greater mobility of the carrier oil, but personal preference, lifestyle and physiological factors (such as a person’s body type) will determine whether intramuscular injection is the better choice, in which case testosterone enanthate may be the better option. But nothing is set in stone. Considering its side effects, it is always important to consult first a healthcare provider before taking any drug