As you know reasons, why people go to a gym, are various. Some want to get in better shape, others to improve their overall strength. But when you think about bodybuilding, there is something other than becoming stronger, isn’t there? What started as a mere fitness and health activity, evolved over the years into more of a lifestyle for nearly everyone who gets involved in it. It was the same for us. We joined the gym with a pretty vague goal to become stronger. But then, seeing all those perfectly sculpted male and female bodies around made us want to be exactly like that. And so, we started to spend more hours in the gym, lift more, change our eating habits, etc. Then, while reading about the newly found passion, we learned about testosterone supplements like testosterone cypionate and its use in bodybuilding, we need to know everything that is used by bodybuilder. It was something new for us! We, of course, knew that people use steroids to maximize the results of their workouts. However, we thought of it as something dangerous for health and illegal. So the question was why we came across an article that promotes the use of testosterone ?! Further research led us to conversations with experts who explained the difference between testosterone therapy and performance-enhancing steroids. They also made a testosterone comparison to explain the difference between testosterone cypionate and enanthate.
Table of Contents
What is Testosterone?
It is quite likely, that most, if not of all you know that testosterone is a male sex hormone. It is an anabolic steroid which is why a lot of people link it to machismo, violence, etc. It is, however, necessary to say that this is largely a myth. It plays a significant role in the development of the male reproductive system. It is also affecting the growth and strength of bone and muscles. Even though it is identified as a male hormone, it is necessary to say that women also have testosterone, only lower levels. In women, this hormone has a significant effect on ovarian function, bone strength, and sexual behavior.
So… What is the Difference Between Steroids and Testosterone Replacement?
You have heard that anabolic steroids contain testosterone! Now, all the medical professionals say that we should stay away from steroids, right ?! But then again, it is alright to increase testosterone levels by taking supplements! So what is the deal with it?
The testosterone replacement therapy is designed only to reach the normal physiological value of the hormone. Illegal steroids, however, bring much higher doses of this hormone and are often combined with other chemicals that boost the anabolic effect. Nonetheless, these substances are rarely properly tested and can be quite harmful.
What is Testosterone Cypionate?
A condition that is characterized by the body’s inability to produce sex hormones is known as hypogonadism. As we mentioned earlier, the major sex hormone in males is testosterone. This hormone is responsible for the proper development of male genitals and muscles, and bones in men. Thus, when the body produces low testosterone levels, doctors prescribe hormone replacement therapy. Apart from that, doctors tend to recommend it to boys who experience delayed puberty. Finally, testosterone can also be part of treatment for some types of breast cancer. The supplement that they recommend in these cases is called testosterone cypionate. It is an androgen and anabolic drug, which you can find under the name Depo-Testosterone.
Cypionate for Bodybuilders
Apart from its medicinal use, cypionate became very popular in the bodybuilding community. It allows you to maximize the effects of workouts and improve performance. The good news is that, unlike steroids, it is generally safe if you use it as per the doctor’s instructions. It comes in the form of injections that are given intramuscularly. A lot of people opt to give themselves injections at home after doctors show them how it is done.
Dosage
Now, when we understand how to increase testosterone, let’s see what are the dosages. If you are just starting to use it, the common dose is 400 to 500 milligrams over 12 weeks. In case you have used it before, you can up the dose to about 600 to 700 mg for the same period. The rule is that you inject three times per week. You should stick to the prescribed dosage because taking too much of the best testosterone booster can lead to severe health problems. On another hand, taking too little will not enable you to achieve desired results.
Side Effects
While there are benefits, it is necessary to mention some of the side effects of taking too much testosterone. Common ones like hair growth, acne, breast enlargement, etc., are not dangerous but are unpleasant. Nonetheless, high doses of testosterone can cause severe life-threatening conditions, such as stroke, heart attack, prostate cancer, etc.
Final Take
That’s all for today, folks! As you could see, there are a lot of reasons why testosterone is beneficial for bodybuilders and people who want to improve their body shape and strength. Even though it is safe when not combined with other chemicals, it is recommended that you consult your healthcare provider before deciding to use testosterone. Have you heard about testosterone cypionate before? Have you considered using it? Testosterone Cypionate Everything a Bodybuilder Needs To Know.