Grunenthal Nebido 1 amp (1000 mg/4 ml)

Testosterone Undecanoate

Testosterone Undecanoate is a long-acting hormone formulation primarily used to address significantly low or absent levels of this vital hormone. Unlike other testosterone esters, its unique oral delivery ensures a convenient option for users, although an injectable version exists in Europe. The undecanoate ring enables the hormone to bypass liver metabolism. Currently, only the oral variant is accessible on the black market in North America. Nonetheless, many bodybuilders report suboptimal results with this formulation, often perceiving minimal effects.

Pharmacology

Your body synthesizes natural sex hormones like testosterone, crucial for developing secondary sexual characteristics. This encompasses prostate, testes, penis, scrotum growth, body hair development, and modifications in fat distribution and muscle mass. Abnormalities arise in these characteristics when testosterone deficiency occurs, making testosterone therapy essential for individuals lacking adequate testosterone levels or experiencing infertility.

Indications for Use

Testosterone undecanoate is prescribed for conditions where testosterone secretion fails, including:

• Primary testicular failure in hormone production
• Hypopituitarism leading to insufficient gonadotropin release

Bodybuilding

Testosterone and its analogs are prevalent among athletes and bodybuilders. This steroid is mainly utilized to enhance physical performance and boost motivation. However, many users report limited efficacy, experiencing primarily modest weight gains, obscured by the influence of multiple concurrent substances. Testosterone exhibits moderate anabolic properties alongside notable androgenic effects.

Recommended doses of Andriol range from 25 to 200 mg daily, but most bodybuilders seldom perceive effects below 400 mg daily, with minimal responses even at these higher doses. Prolonged use (beyond 4-6 weeks) may yield slight increases in muscle mass and protein synthesis, contingent on a calorie-rich diet.

Concurrent use of other hormones is standard among bodybuilders. However, conversion of testosterone to estrogen in fatty tissues raises the risk of gynecomastia and water retention. To mitigate these effects, adding Arimidex or tamoxifen during off-cycles is common. During treatment, natural testosterone production may diminish due to feedback inhibition of pituitary LH secretion. High doses may also impair spermatogenesis. A gradual taper-off is advised to allow recovery of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, as abrupt withdrawal can lead to fatigue, weight loss, and increased fracture risk.

Contraindications

Various individuals should avoid testosterone, as it may exacerbate certain conditions, including:

• Allergic reactions to the drug
• Breast cancer in males
• Prostate cancer in males
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Individuals with liver, kidney, or heart disorders

Side Effects

Potential adverse effects of testosterone therapy include:

• Nausea, vomiting
• Abdominal cramps, diarrhea
• Swelling
• Altered libido
• Headaches
• Acne, oily skin
• Mood alterations, including anger, depression, insomnia
• Increased sweating
• Hair loss
• Gynecomastia

In females, virilizing effects may manifest, including:

• Deepening voice
• Hoarseness
• Increased body hair
• Enlarged clitoris
• Irregular menstrual cycles

Testosterone undecanoate converts to estrogen in fatty tissues, leading to breast enlargement and water retention, particularly after four weeks of use; however, these effects generally reverse upon cessation.

Overdose

Overdoses of testosterone undecanoate are rare, with doses reaching 400-600 mg/day exhibiting minimal acute effects. Most users likely experience no symptoms, though some might suffer from diarrhea or abdominal cramps. In cases of excess intake, seeking medical attention is prudent.

Dosage

In clinical settings, testosterone undecanoate is primarily available as an oral pill (40 mg) or injectable formulation (250 mg/ml) in Europe. The oily suspension is intramuscularly administered every 7-12 days; however, misuse of daily injections can lead to infections and abscesses. Rotating injection sites is crucial for prolonged treatment, and the suspension should be injected into muscle rather than the arms or abdomen. Many bodybuilders often exceed recommended dosages, administering 200-400 mg weekly, resulting in gradual bloodstream absorption.

Control

Classified as a controlled substance under Class 3 of the Controlled Substance Act, testosterone undecanoate is not legally available in the USA. Possession, distribution, or selling of this anabolic steroid is illegal.

Detection

Testosterone undecanoate metabolites can be detected in urine for 2-3 weeks post-injection. Due to its extended presence in the body, many bodybuilders prefer its use during the off-season.

Availability

Most bodybuilders source their testosterone undecanoate from the black market, as it is only available there in the USA. Generic versions exist in Europe, Japan, Mexico, Spain, Brazil, and Thailand; however, product quality and purity remain questionable.

Typical daily dosages range from 50-400 mg, with costs for 40 mg around $60-$100. As with many products online, there is a constant risk of quality issues and counterfeit products.

Final Word

Andriol should be last on the list for bodybuilders. Its challenging accessibility, ineffectiveness, and high expense, coupled with the likelihood of purchasing counterfeit pills, make it an undesirable choice.