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Diet and Lifestyle for Acne on Testosterone Cypionate: What Actually Works

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At a glance

  • Acne on the cypionate label: listed with hirsutism, male-pattern baldness and seborrhea; no rate given [1]
  • Low-glycemic-load diet and acne in general: limited evidence, further study required [2]
  • Nutrition and sebum: may influence seborrhoea, sebum lipid fractions and acne [3]
  • Half-life after intramuscular injection: about 8 days [1]
  • Labeled replacement dose: 50 to 400 mg every 2 to 4 weeks, deep gluteal intramuscular [1]

What does the cypionate label say about acne?

The Depo-Testosterone (testosterone cypionate) prescribing information lists acne among skin and appendage reactions, in the same list as hirsutism, male-pattern baldness and seborrhea [1]. The label gives no frequency for acne and no time to onset, and it does not evaluate diet or fluid intake [1].

What do acne reviews say about diet?

These reviews concern acne in general, not men taking testosterone cypionate. A 2019 American Family Physician review of acne vulgaris says there is limited evidence for complementary therapies, naming a low-glycemic-load diet among them, and that further study is required [2]. A 2014 review of sebum composition reports that nutrition may influence the development of seborrhoea, the fractions of sebum lipids and acne [3].

Does the timing of injections matter?

Cypionate is an ester of testosterone in oil, absorbed slowly from the injection site, and the label gives its half-life after intramuscular injection as about 8 days [1]. The labeled replacement range is 50 to 400 mg every 2 to 4 weeks, given deep into the gluteal muscle and never intravenously [1]. The label does not give acne rates by dose, by injection interval or by day of the cycle [1].

Frequently asked questions

How common is acne on testosterone cypionate?
The Depo-Testosterone label lists acne as an adverse reaction but gives no frequency for it [1].
Does a low-glycemic diet help acne?
A 2019 review says the evidence for complementary therapies such as a low-glycemic-load diet is limited and that further study is required [2]. That review concerns acne in general, not men taking testosterone.
How long does testosterone cypionate stay in the body?
The Depo-Testosterone label gives the half-life of testosterone cypionate after intramuscular injection as approximately eight days [1].
Does the dose or the gap between injections change acne?
The labeled replacement range is 50 to 400 mg every 2 to 4 weeks, and the label does not report acne rates by dose or by injection interval [1].
What other skin changes does the label list?
The same skin and appendage list that includes acne also includes hirsutism, male-pattern baldness and seborrhea [1].

References

  1. U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed. Depo-Testosterone (cypionate) intramuscular, Pharmacia & Upjohn/Pfizer (testosterone cypionate) prescribing information. Depo-Testosterone (cypionate) intramuscular, Pharmacia & Upjohn/Pfizer (testosterone cypionate) label
  2. Oge' LK, Broussard A, Marshall MD. Acne Vulgaris: Diagnosis and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2019;100(8):475-484. Acne Vulgaris: Diagnosis and Treatment
  3. Zouboulis CC, Jourdan E, Picardo M. Acne is an inflammatory disease and alterations of sebum composition initiate acne lesions. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2014;28(5):527-32. Acne is an inflammatory disease and alterations of sebum composition initiate acne lesions
Evidence overview for Diet and Lifestyle for Acne on Testosterone Cypionate: What Actually Works