Estradiol Cypionate
Long-acting estradiol injection for menopause and perimenopause symptoms and for gender-affirming hormone therapy, given every one to two weeks. Prescribed and dosed by a licensed physician.
Injection
from $139/mo
Taken by mouth · Twice a week
Men's healthHormone managementPhysician-directed
A compounded aromatase inhibitor (slow-release capsule, 0.25 mg twice weekly) used ONLY when a man on testosterone therapy has high estradiol on labs WITH symptoms and the physician directs it. Not a standalone treatment—the physician adds it to an existing testosterone plan.
Disclaimer: Prescription products require an online evaluation with a licensed medical professional who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Products are compounded by a licensed pharmacy. The FDA has not reviewed or approved compounded products for any use for safety, efficacy, or quality. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved brand-name products.
(a-NAS-truh-zole)
Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor (AI), an enzyme that converts testosterone into estradiol. When testosterone levels are high from therapy, aromatase can also run high, converting too much testosterone to estradiol. High estradiol in men causes water retention, fat gain in the chest, mood changes, and erectile dysfunction. Anastrozole blocks this conversion, lowering estradiol. It is compounded as a slow-release capsule, 0.25 mg twice weekly, and is prescribed only by your physician when labs confirm elevated estradiol AND you have symptoms.
Estradiol
the hormone anastrozole lowers, only when it's elevated on labs AND you have symptoms
Anastrozole is never a first-line choice or a standalone treatment. Your physician adds it to your testosterone plan only if labs show high estradiol with symptoms. Too-low estradiol has its own risks: joint pain, low libido, bone loss.
Men on testosterone who need a steady, low dose of an estrogen blocker.
A slow-release 0.25 mg capsule: one strength, released gradually.
Swallow it whole. Opening or chewing it defeats the slow release.
when labs confirm excess has been reduced
and bloating decreases
as estradiol comes into range
without the fatigue of estradiol excess
Day 1
Your physician reviews your testosterone labs, including estradiol. Only if it is elevated AND you report symptoms (water retention, mood changes, gynecomastia, erectile dysfunction) is anastrozole considered. The decision is individual.
1Week 1
If prescribed, you take 0.25 mg twice weekly as a compounded capsule. Your physician may adjust your testosterone dose first—this alone often solves high estradiol without a second drug.
2Weeks 2–4
Effects take a few weeks. Water retention may ease; mood and sexual function may improve. Your physician re-checks labs after 6–8 weeks to confirm estradiol is in range.
3Month 2–3
Lab review. If estradiol is now appropriate and symptoms are gone, your physician may hold the dose steady or reduce it. The goal is the lowest effective dose.
4Beyond
Anastrozole is reviewed at every testosterone check-in. Many men need it only briefly or intermittently. Your physician adjusts or stops it as your needs change.
5Individual results vary. Benefits reflect what Zepym Health members commonly report to their physician at check-ins; they are not the results of a clinical trial.
This is the starting dose the pharmacy prints on the label. Your physician sets yours and adjusts it with you.
A sample week
Twice a week
In men on testosterone therapy with aromatase-driven estradiol elevation, anastrozole effectively lowers estradiol, but the goal is balance, not suppression. Your physician monitors this carefully.
Overuse of aromatase inhibitors in men causes low estradiol, which brings joint pain, loss of sexual interest, and bone density loss. This is why anastrozole is used judiciously, only when needed, and with ongoing lab monitoring.
Learn moreAnastrozole is prescribed judiciously because too-low estradiol causes problems. Common side effects from excessive suppression include joint pain (sometimes severe), reduced sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, hot flashes, and mood changes. With appropriate dosing guided by labs, these are rare. Anastrozole can reduce bone density; your physician may monitor this if you're on it long-term. Do not take with tamoxifen or other aromatase inhibitors. Tell your physician about all medications, especially any other hormone treatments. Most importantly: anastrozole is added only if high estradiol is confirmed on labs AND you have symptoms. Without both, it is not indicated. Seek care for severe joint pain, loss of sexual function, or extreme mood changes.

1.Connect with a physician
Answer a few questions online and a US-licensed physician reviews your health, history and goals to make sure treatment is right for you. 100% online. No in-person visit required.

2.Get your discreet shipment
If approved, your treatment is compounded by a US-licensed, LegitScript-certified pharmacy, inspected for quality, and shipped discreetly to your door.

3.Receive continuous support
Start with one goal, then keep building over time. Unlimited physician messaging, easy refills and dose adjustments, all from the Zepym Health app.

Anastrozole educational content reviewed by our physician
Scott Nass, MDDoctor of Medicine, board-certified in Family Medicine
Charles R. Drew University and David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Family Medicine residency at Ventura County Medical Center.
Taken by mouth, twice a week. The starting prescription is 1 capsule (0.25 mg) each time. Your physician sets your own dose and it is printed on your label.
26 capsules at the starting strength, shipped to your door from a licensed US pharmacy.
Only when your physician sees BOTH elevated estradiol on labs AND symptoms (water retention, gynecomastia, mood swings, erectile dysfunction). If your estradiol is normal or you have no symptoms, you don't need it. Your physician may adjust testosterone dose first, which can solve the problem without adding a second drug.
Because most men do not have elevated estradiol from testosterone therapy alone, and adding an aromatase inhibitor to everyone would cause widespread low-estradiol problems (joint pain, bone loss, sexual dysfunction). Anastrozole is added only if labs show it is needed and you have symptoms.
Your physician may increase the anastrozole dose slightly or adjust your testosterone dose downward. Sometimes reducing testosterone is the answer—you still feel good on lower testosterone without needing a second drug. Your physician tries the simplest solution first.
Yes. Aromatase inhibitors used aggressively cause joint pain (especially knees and shoulders), loss of sexual interest, erectile dysfunction, mood swings, and reduced bone density. This is why anastrozole is used sparingly and with lab monitoring. The goal is normal balance, not suppression.
That depends. Some men need it only in the first few weeks while their body adjusts to testosterone. Others need it intermittently or for longer. Your physician reassesses at every check-in and adjusts the plan as your needs change.
Long-acting estradiol injection for menopause and perimenopause symptoms and for gender-affirming hormone therapy, given every one to two weeks. Prescribed and dosed by a licensed physician.
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Anastrozole, an aromatase inhibitor used in men to control estrogen levels during testosterone therapy. Prescribed and dosed by a licensed physician.
Capsule
from $54/mo
The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Prescription products require an online evaluation with a licensed medical professional who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Individual results vary.
Effects of aromatase inhibition on bone mineral density and bone turnover in older men with low testosterone levels.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2009Testosterone Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2018Anastrozolefrom $54/mo