Hilma Biocare Testosterone Undecanoate 10 ml vial (250 mg/ml)

Testosterone Undecanoate

Is a long-acting testosterone formulation, indicated for individuals experiencing very low or absent levels of the hormone. Unlike other esters, this unique formulation is available as an oral pill, with an injectable version found in Europe. The undecanoate ring enables the testosterone to bypass liver metabolism. In North America, the pill is predominantly found through black market channels. Despite its advanced oil formulation, many bodybuilders report minimal effects, often observing little to no response.

Pharmacology

The human body naturally produces sex hormones like testosterone, crucial for the development of secondary sexual characteristics including the growth of the prostate, testes, penis, scrotum, body hair, as well as changes in body composition. Testosterone deficiency leads to abnormal growth of these characteristics, making hormone therapy essential for those lacking adequate testosterone or facing infertility issues.

Indications for Use

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

• primary testicular failure
• insufficient gonadotropin release from the pituitary

Bodybuilding

Athletes and bodybuilders commonly utilize steroids like testosterone to enhance physical performance and mental focus. However, many bodybuilders note limited gains, primarily witnessing slight weight increases. Notably, as bodybuilders often take a variety of substances, attributing effects to a single drug is challenging. Testosterone features moderate anabolic properties alongside substantial androgenic effects. The recommended oral dosage ranges from 25-200 mg per day, with higher doses (up to 400 mg/day) showing marginally better results. After 4-6 weeks of use, body mass and protein anabolism may see slight improvements, but adequate nutrition remains paramount. Concurrently combining other hormones is common, and due to testosterone’s conversion to estrogen in fatty tissue, risks like gynecomastia and water retention may arise. To mitigate these effects, bodybuilders often utilize agents like Arimidex or tamoxifen during off cycles. During usage, natural testosterone production is suppressed. Therefore, to recover the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, tapering off the drug gradually is advisable to avoid fatigue, weight loss, and increased fracture risk after abrupt discontinuation.

Contraindications

Certain individuals should steer clear of testosterone due to potential exacerbation of pre-existing conditions, including:

• allergic reactions to the drug
• breast cancer in males
• prostate cancer in males
• pregnant or breastfeeding women
• those with liver, kidney, or heart issues

Side Effects

Users of steroids like testosterone may experience side effects such as:

• nausea, vomiting
• abdominal cramps, diarrhea
• swelling
• changes in libido
• headaches
• acne, oily skin
• emotional fluctuations, including anger and insomnia
• excessive sweating
• hair loss
• gynecomastia

For females, testosterone can lead to virilizing effects like:

• voice deepening
• hoarseness
• increased body hair
• enlargement of the clitoris
• irregular periods

Testosterone undecanoate converts to estrogen in adipose tissues, contributing to breast enlargement and fluid retention in prolonged use, though these effects diminish with cessation of the drug.

Overdose

Instances of overdose with testosterone undecanoate are rare. Doses of 400-600 mg/day generally result in minimal acute effects. While most users report no significant issues, a handful may experience side effects like diarrhea or cramps. If overdosed, consulting a physician can be prudent.

Dosage

In clinical practice, testosterone undecanoate is rarely utilized. The orally available pill contrasts with injectable forms, predominantly employed in Europe, intended for intramuscular use. Available as 40 mg pills or 250 mg/ml injections, the drug should be administered in the buttock every 7-12 days. Typically, only 2% of the total dosage remains free in circulation. While daily pill usage is required, some bodybuilders opt for injections every other day, which can elevate risks of abscesses or skin infections. Injection sites should be varied over prolonged usage, avoiding the arms and abdomen. Many bodybuilders prefer higher dosages (200-400 mg/week), with the drug gradually released into the bloodstream.

Control

Testosterone undecanoate is classified as a controlled substance (Class 3) under the Controlled Substances Act, rendering it illegal in the USA. Possessing, distributing, or selling this anabolic steroid carries legal ramifications.

Detection

Metabolites of testosterone undecanoate can be traced in urine for up to 2-3 weeks post-injection, prompting many bodybuilders to use the drug primarily during off-seasons.

Availability

Most bodybuilders source testosterone undecanoate through black market avenues, as it is unavailable legally in the USA. Generic variants are produced in countries like Europe, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Spain, and Thailand, but product quality remains dubious. The average user consumes 50-400 mg/day, acquiring 40 mg supplies for $60-$100, though purity concerns and counterfeit products abound.

Final Word

Andriol is often deemed the last resort for bodybuilders, as achieving it can be challenging, its effectiveness limited, and costs are high, with a significant chance of encountering counterfeit pills.