In the past, the most common hormone therapy treatment was human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Now, gonadorelin has been introduced, and it works even better than HCG in some cases.
Gonadorelin vs HCG
Gonadorelin is a medicine that produces the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) naturally released by the hypothalamus gland, while HCG just mimicked it. As gonadorelin stimulates the pituitary gland, it releases other hormones that affect your body in several positive ways. It is also used to test how well the hypothalamus and pituitary glands are working correctly. This means that gonadorelin can help those dealing with fertility issues.
Gonadorelin might also be used for other conditions, which can be determined by your doctor or a hormone specialist. Read on to learn all about this supplement and how it affects your health!
Gonadorelin and Its Uses
Gonadorelin helps increase sperm count and volume in men and increase testosterone production. It also helps with testicular atrophy, otherwise known as testicular shrinkage. Gonadorelin also:
Stimulates luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are necessary for normal fertility in adults
Increases testicular size
Prevents the increase in estradiol, an estrogen hormone, in men
Can be taken in conjunction with Clomid therapy if desired while one is on testosterone.
For men, LH stimulates the testicles to produce the testosterone hormone while FSH stimulates the testicles to produce sperm, both essential for healthy fertility and virility.
Gonadorelin can also be administered via injection to check whether the pituitary gland produces LH and FSH at the correct levels. The convenience and accuracy of this treatment is all the more reason to use Gonadorelin over similar treatments like HCG.
Total Body Benefits of Gonadorelin Treatment
Gonadorelin does more than increase your fertility. In fact, it can affect your entire well-being. For this reason, gonadorelin acetate for men can be more effective in physical benefits than HCG.
Gonadorelin treatment can:
Prevent testicular shrinkage: Gonadorelin stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release the LH hormones. With this stimulation, the body can continue producing testosterone, reducing the risk of testicular atrophy, and can help with erectile dysfunction through Gonadorelin.
Treats lack of testicular development: In some instances, the male reproductive organ may not be developed entirely post-puberty. Gonadorelin helps stimulate this growth to full maturity.
Boost your libido: This supplement can increase your sexual health and performance.
Improves mood: Supporting your body with gonadorelin may cause you to have a clearer mind, focus and improved mood. Gonadorelin can work with testosterone levels to reduce depressive symptoms including apathy and lethargy.
Higher sleep quality: As gonadorelin works, you will notice your sleep quality improving as your hormones begin to balance. You can feel less restless at night and more alert throughout the day.
Regulate and normalize testosterone levels: These benefits occur as gonadorelin regulates testosterone, which offers another set of health improvements.
The Relationship Between Testosterone Therapy and Gonadorelin
Regulating your testosterone levels is essential for optimal health. Low testosterone can lead to several negative symptoms, including fatigue, erectile dysfunction, decreased sex drive, loss of lean muscle mass, and diminished hair growth. By taking any opportunity to keep your testosterone at optimal levels, you avoid many negative and unappealing symptoms of testosterone loss that often come with aging.
Gonadorelin, when taken on its own as a supplement, can help combat low testosterone levels that are common in aging. But what happens if you are already on testosterone therapy? Can you do both at the same time?
Can Gonadorelin Be Used With Testosterone?
If you are also taking prescribed testosterone therapy, Gonadorelin can assist in the overall success of your program. We want our male patients to experience their full potential health, including making sure their testosterone levels are in the target range.
However, keeping testosterone in the target range all the time may suppress the hypothalamus’ natural release of GnRH. This is where gonadorelin comes in — it will bypass the hypothalamus to stimulate the anterior pituitary to release LH and FSH directly. This ensures that your testosterone levels stay optimized without negative drawbacks for the rest of your body.
Typical Dosage
The dosage of this treatment is about (200 mcg) every other day, though dosing and dosages do vary among patients. There is no one size fits all approach. A 2 mg vial will last a patient around 1/2 month before needing another. Blood samples may be drawn before and after starting a program to best monitor the changes made in your hormone levels.
Dosage and Benefits With Body Transformation
Using gonadorelin in your body transformation routine can boost muscle production and overall bodily strength. For best results, you should accompany the supplement with proper exercise and diet.
The dosage you should take while working out can depend on several factors such as:
Strength of medicine
Doses taken each week
Time allotted between doses
Individual response
Gonadorelin Potential Side Effects
Side effects with gonadorelin are very rare and fewer than HCG effects, but misuse or extended administration can cause mild to severe issues. Everybody can react differently to treatments. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following:
Hardening of skin at the injection site — be sure to change injection sites
Allergic reactions such as skin rash, nausea, hives
Stomach pain
Headaches
Dizziness
Swelling of the lips
If any of these symptoms or other abnormal feelings occur, discontinue use immediately. You can avoid hazards by following your doctor’s instructions.
Sustanon 250 is a popular anabolic that contains a distinctive blend of four testosterone esters; delivering a unique, staggered release of the hormone post-injection.
In this guide, (which can be used as a guide for all Sustanon strengths) we take a closer look at the pros and cons of this renowned testosterone mix, plus Sustanon 250 cycle information and stacks used by bodybuilders today.
Firstly, when you inject Sustanon 250 (often abbreviated to “Sust”), the anabolic hormone you are administering is testosterone.
Sustanon 250 is a blend of different testosterone esters; however, it is still essentially testosterone; like cypionate or enanthate.
Therefore, in terms of muscle gains, it does not matter what form of testosterone you use, as it is the same compound and thus will produce an identical end result.
Thus, as with any testosterone product, Sustanon 250 is an excellent steroid for increasing muscle mass, strength and power.
The main difference between Sustanon 250 and other testosterone products, is that it has 4 esters, instead of 1.
In the event you are reading this and don’t want to use steroids or injectables, ANDRO is the #1 rated all natural Testosterone product. It replicates (to a lesser degree) the muscle-building and strength-enhancing effects of real Testosterone but without the unwanted side effects.
Users often take ANDRO when bulking. However, it also has fat-burning properties, making it a desirable cutting compound too. It also works well as part of a sound PCT protocol as well by helping the body to stimulate it’s own natural testosterone production.
What is an “Ester” and Why Does it Matter?
An ester is a carbon chain attached to the testosterone molecule that slows the release of the hormone in the body.
At one end of the spectrum is pure testosterone with no esters attached, such as testosterone suspension.
Once injected, the hormone is quickly released in the body and causes a fairly rapid spike in serum testosterone, which remains elevated for only a short period of time.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have the likes of testosterone enanthate and cypionate which contain long ester chains, resulting in a slower release of testosterone after injection; and subsequently, an elevated level of the hormone remains for a couple of weeks.
In between these two are various other esters. The propionate ester is a popular choice for users who want a fairly quick elevation of the steroid, that lasts only several days.
For bodybuilders and athletes, an important requirement is the need to keep a relatively stable concentration of testosterone in the bloodstream. Doing so produces the desired anabolic benefits, whilst avoiding the undesirable side effects that stem from volatile hormone levels (which excessively peak and dip).
With this in mind, shorter esters require regular injections (daily or every other day), whereas longer esters, such as enanthate, typically only require injections once or twice a week.
This is where sustanon 250 is unique, with it containing quick releasing propionate and phenylpropionate esters, and slower releasing decanoate and isocaproate esters – resulting in a blend that effectively produces a quick, yet enduring release of testosterone.
How Often Do You Need to Inject Sustanon 250?
Like Testosterone enanthate, Sustanon 250 can be injected once or twice per week.
Sustanon 250 is usually fairly easy and inexpensive to source.
Each vial typically contains 250mg of testosterone per ml, comprised as follows:
100mg testosterone decanoate
60mg testosterone isocaproate
60mg testosterone phenylpropionate
30mg of testosterone propionate.
What Results Can I Expect?
Being the primary, naturally occurring male hormone; testosterone is the number one compound in the world of anabolic-androgenic steroids.
It is generally well-tolerated and widely considered the best choice for someone’s first cycle, as well as providing the perfect base compound for experienced bodybuilders when stacking several hormones together.
While results vary from person to person and depend on various other variables, users can expect testosterone to cause significant increases in muscle size and strength.
Those who are fairly new to anabolics and want to gain muscle mass, typically report Sustanon 250 cycles producing 20+lbs of weight gain over the course of a cycle; with roughly two-thirds of such weight being kept (once a cycle ceases and water retention normalizes).
Enanthate and cypionate are the most popular testosterone esters, as they do not need to be injected frequently. However, the downside is, they take a while to kick in and produce results. However, with Sustanon 250 users can experience fast results in the early stages of a cycle, due to the presence of propionate and phenylpropionate esters (yet inject at the same frequency as enanthate/cypionate)
For those who have already cycled other testosterone esters, there should be in theory little difference between swapping those esters for Sustanon 250, in terms of dosage guidelines and stacking options.
Sensitive individuals that are prone to side effects on testosterone are likely to experience the same outcome with sustanon 250.
Sustanon 250 Cycles and Stacks
Testosterone is a versatile hormone, suitable for both bulking and cutting cycles alike; due to its simultaneous anabolic and fat-burning effects.
However, Sustanon 250 is typically used in bulking cycles where maximum muscle gain is the goal. Great results can be achieved from running Sustanon on its own, yet many choose to stack it with other steroids that are also suited for adding mass, such as Anadrol.
Sustanon 250 is effective on its own during cutting cycles, promoting muscle retention and decreasing fat mass.
Many bodybuilders are afraid of losing muscle tissue when cutting, due to the catabolic environment that occurs with a calorie deficit; however, testosterone can alleviate such worries of diminished muscle hypertrophy.
A moderate dose of Sustanon 250 (350mg/week) will successfully preserve lean tissue during a cut, especially when stacked with other compounds that aid fat loss and muscle hardening (such as Anavar or Trenbolone).
Additionally, when using Sustanon for a cutting cycle, the use of an anti-aromatase in low doses can prove particularly useful for preventing water retention and gynecomastia.
For informational purposes, here are some common Sustanon 250 cycles and stacks, utilized by bodybuilders today:
Sustanon 250 Beginner Cycle
Note: Large gains in hypertrophy (size) and strength can be experienced on lower dosages among beginners, due to the muscles being particularly receptive to exogenous testosterone. Thus, beginners should avoid utilizing high dosages, allowing more potential for growth in future cycles, where higher dosages may be incorporated.
A PCT should begin following the final dosage, with decanoate’s half-life being 15 days and thus taking considerably longer to exit the body. Such PCT timing can also be applied to the steroid cycles below.
Sustanon 250 Intermediate Cycle
This Sustanon 250 cycle will continue adding mass in users who have already taken a cautious dosed testosterone cycle previously.
However, running higher dosages will also produce more pronounced side effects, which we will detail in the side effects section of this guide (further down).
Sustanon 250 and Anavar Cycle (Cutting)
Anavar is an oral steroid, predominantly used for cutting to enhance fat burning and muscle gains.
Thus, users will burn more subcutaneous fat with this cycle and experience additional lean mass; compared to running Sustanon 250 by itself.
Anavar does not aromatize, thus providing a dry and ripped appearance in users who are already relatively low in body fat.
Anavar is a mild steroid, thus cholesterol, blood pressure and liver enzymes will only rise moderately.
Note: Users wanting to avoid water retention or bloat on this cutting cycle can take Arimidex taken every other day to successfully prevent estrogen levels from rising.
Sustanon 250 and Deca Durabolin Cycle
This is a powerful bulking cycle, yet one of the mildest stacks in terms of side effects.
This cycle may be utilized after running several testosterone cycles; promoting further muscle growth.
Deca Durabolin has long esters and thus is a slow-acting steroid, hence the lengthy 10-week cycle.
Deca Durabolin is typically injected once per week.
Both testosterone and Deca Durabolin remain FDA-approved steroids in the world of medicine today, showcasing their safety when used under medical supervision and in therapeutic dosages.
Sustanon 250 and Trenbolone Cycle
Sustanon 250 and trenbolone are a potent combination, used for either bulking or cutting purposes.
This duo will cause exceptional muscle gains, whilst simultaneously stimulating rapid fat loss; due to high levels of androgens (causing a direct fat burning effect in adipose tissue).
These two compounds are perhaps the best steroids for increasing lean mass when run simultaneously.
However, this cycle is only suitable for advanced steroid users due to trenbolone’s toxic nature, in regards to cardiovascular health.
If this cycle is utilized for cutting purposes, an anti-estrogen such as arimidex may be used to prevent water retention, however doing so may exacerbate high blood pressure; due to it inhibiting the aromatase enzyme and thus worsening cholesterol ratios.
Sustanon 250 / Anadrol / Trenbolone Cycle
Note: This cycle is only typically performed by experienced steroid users.
This is by far the most potent bulking cycle a bodybuilder can take, causing unrivaled increases in mass.
Even users who have taken steroids for decades are likely to make impressive gains from this cycle, due to the sheer power of this trio.
This cycle should only be taken on rare occasions, with it having devastating effects on the heart and liver.
Liver strain will be significant (albeit most likely tolerable), due to Anadrol being the only hepatotoxic compound present.
However, cholesterol levels change drastically, almost certainly causing some level of hypertension. The risk of developing arteriosclerosis and heart disease is high with this cycle, thus if users have a history of such in their family; it may be wise to avoid such an extreme cycle.
Testosterone suppression will almost certainly shut down, requiring the most aggressive PCT possible; ideally a trio of Clomid, Nolvadex and hCG.
Although the above cycles are the most popular protocols, testosterone can also be successfully stacked with other anabolic steroids, such as:
This before and after picture demonstrates the typical results in users after their first testosterone/Sustanon 250 cycle.
Testosterone’s fat-burning effects are often underappreciated, with them being arguably as powerful as testosterone’s anabolic properties.
Thus, weight gain may not be the best method for tracking results on testosterone; with before and after pictures being more telling.
Users may lose some weight post-cycle, signifying a decrease in estrogen and thus a loss in extracellular fluid.
However, lean muscle tissue will be retained after a cycle finishes, should users continue lifting weights regularly.
Strength gains of 50+lbs are common (on main compound lifts) when taking testosterone for the first time.
Sustanon 250 Side Effects
As with other testosterone products, Sustanon 250 can produce several undesirable side effects.
Firstly, androgenic-related side effects, including oily skin, acne, accelerated baldness and increased aggressiveness are fairly common.
As with all steroids, tolerance differs from person to person. It is only possible to gauge such sensitivity once a cycle is embarked upon.
That said, if users are particularly prone to acne breakouts or currently suffer from male pattern baldness, testosterone and other androgenic steroids can be expected to worsen such conditions.
Further unwanted side effects can be experienced due to heightened estrogen levels, that build up during a Sustanon 250 cycle, due to aromatization (the conversion of testosterone into estrogen).
Heightened estrogen levels can cause increased water retention and gynecomastia – the formation of breast tissue.
The initial stages of gynecomastia typically involve itchy or sore nipples, developing into a notable mass of tissue behind the nipple. If left unchecked, such tissue can continue to expand and is only rectifiable with surgery.
Thankfully, most users find testosterone tolerable and do not suffer from gynecomastia. For those that do, such estrogen-related side effects can usually be controlled with either an anti-estrogen or AI (aromatase inhibitor).
Anti-estrogen products (such as Nolvadex and Clomid) actively compete with estrogen at a receptor level, reducing their effects.
Both Nolvadex and Clomid are inexpensive and easy to source – it is always advisable to have an ample supply on hand during and after a cycle. They are also the primary drugs used during post cycle therapy (PCT), to kickstart endogenous testosterone production.
It is also possible to reduce oestrogen levels by taking an anti-aromatase drug, such as Letrozole or Anastrozole. These drugs reduce the conversion of testosterone into oestrogen and are typically taken during a cycle by those prone to oestrogenic side effects.
Testosterone will also suppress endogenous testosterone levels, causing potential testicular atrophy (shrinkage). Thus, at the end of any cycle always ensure to run a proper post cycle therapy aiding the recovery of natural hormone production.
Sustanon 250 does not cause any hepatic (liver) implications due to it being an injectable steroid.
Sustanon 250, and other testosterone esters, will raise LDL cholesterol levels; however, this effect is acute compared to other AAS.
In fact, testosterone appears to be one of the least destructive steroids from a cardiovascular standpoint; however, precautions should still be taken; including fish oil supplementation (4g/day), regular cardio and frequent checkups with your doctor to monitor blood lipids.
Testosterone Enanthate, is an anabolic and androgenic steroid (AAS) used to treat low testosterone levels. Anabolic medications work by building muscles, while androgenic suggests the overhaul of male sex characteristics. Used in clinical philosophy since the 1950s, Testosterone Enanthate is showcased under different names, including, Testosterone Heptanoate. As a Class III medication, Testosterone Enanthate is named a controlled substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Effects on the body
The use of Testosterone Enanthate leads to an increase in muscle mass, this is due to the fact that fluid in the body begins to linger, due to the high concentration of sodium. Like Testosterone Propionate, Enanthate stimulates regeneration processes, so it is often used to treat joint diseases and eliminate problems in the intervertebral discs. The action of the steroid is noticeable throughout the body:
Better motivation, there is a surge of strength and there is a desire to exercise more;
General tone rises;
Increased sexual desire;
Spermatogenesis increases;
Increased red blood cell mass;
Improvement of nitrogen metabolism.
Athletes taking Testosterone Enanthate easily increase strength. Therefore, this drug is in demand by both weightlifters and powerlifting.
Ideal Dosage for Testosterone Enanthate
For many medicinal purposes, Testosterone Enanthate is injected intramuscularly about twice a month. To avoid the fluctuating hormone levels (and the related mental states), lower doses are suggested to be routinely injected in-between this time. The dose may change by individual tolerances and the purpose of use. For male hypogonadism, the recommended dose is 50 to 400mg twice a month. For delayed puberty, the dosage is 5 to 200mg twice a month. For breast cancer, 200 to 400mg twice a month. For the purpose of hormone therapy, the recommended and effective dosage ranges between 50mg to 200mg for every week. Sometimes 100mg to 250mg per week can also be administered.
Bodybuilders and athletes who inject Testosterone Enanthate for performance improvement purposes will take between 300-500mg consistently. This range is extraordinarily typical if the hormone is simply being used to fight natural testosterone suppression brought by the use of other anabolic steroids. To get the most extraordinary results out of this steroid, those in the extreme sport industry will inject between 400-500mg (or more) regularly. Users who take this dosage show that the negative symptoms are irrelevant and the people who experience side effects find them easy to control. You should be aware that any higher doses may cause some unfavorable effects.
The answer is both simple and complicated at the same time… Yes and No! LOL. I know what you’re thinking… that didn’t help much, so allow me to elaborate further…
The answer as to if you need a testosterone base in your anabolic cycle lies on the cycle itself, and on you personally. The things that need to be considered are mainly the exact compounds you are planning on running, and if you are on TRT. Those will be the main considerations, but there can be others… so beware!
While there are a few compounds which can be run without a “test base”… I would have to say that most will greatly benefit from adding testosterone.
Bear in mind, for those of you reading this who do not like injections, there are oral options available… best of which is Testosterone Undecanoate. Don’t go for 4-Andro as many of the Sarms sellers will try to sell you on. It is harsher on the liver, and with only about 15% conversion to testosterone… it’s really not very effective. Real Testosterone Undecanoate is both extremely mild to the liver (so much so it is recommended for ongoing TRT), but it is REAL test and is far more effective! Contact us if needed.
Some of the main compounds that will almost always require a test base are the nandrolones such as: Deca-durabolin, Trenbolone, Trestolone (MENT), NPP. This list is by no means indicative of the only compounds that should use a test base… the list goes on, but. much depends on the individual products being used, and the entirety of the stack you are planning as a whole.
There are many variables to consider when planning a cycle, and whether or not you should incorporate a testosterone base into your cycle can be complicated, so the best advice I can give to you is to seek out help from a highly experienced person when making these decisions. And please, please, please don’t take advice (on anything) from guys on most anabolic forums and FB groups. Many of the guys on these groups and forums, even if they are well meaning, simply do not have the experience needed to guide you properly. Many of them are either trying to sell you something, or are simply regurgitating the same old bro-science BS they have read or been told… often times it is really bad information that can hurt you instead of help you!
Seen this a million times.
Remember, just because you read it in print does not make it so! There is literally endless opinions and tons of misinformation out there which has been propagated over and over until the masses, even some of the guys you think you should be able to trust believes it… unfortunate but true. So, don’t fall prey to misinformation. Seek out advice from only highly experienced persons you KNOW you can trust.
Another mistake guys often make is taking “steroid” advice from guys at a Sarms group…
Not smart!
I’ve personally seen many guys on sarms groups who think they know what they are talking about… but unfortunately don’t. But these same guys who don’t even really know about the Sarms they peddle want to give advice on steroids too, a subject that they also know little to nothing about as well. Not good. Now imagine some unwitting guy (a newbie) comes along and takes their bad advice at face value and they then plan their cycle with this bad info as the root of everything… this can spell disaster. Unfortunately, I’ve seen many guys mess up their body and health this way!
Don’t allow this to happen to you!
I recommend avoiding the groups and forums like the plague if you want sound advice and help. You’d be much better off taking advice from a nut in an asylum in most cases! LOL. Actually, in all seriousness, it’s not a laughing matter. The only real way to know you are doing things right is to read real science backed clinical data (if you understand what you’re reading) from accredited science and research organizations and facilities. This is really the only way to get accurate data and information you can count on!
Or seek out help from a trusted and experienced person, if you know one. But it’s often hard to know who that person really is!
At the end of the day, you didn’t read this article for my lame attempt at humorous anecdotes.. or to hear me bitch about bad info and the people who spew it… so, to cut to the chase, if you need help determining what you need and what would best benefit you in your cycle…
Andriol, which is the brand name and trade name for Testosterone Undecanoate, is an oral Testosterone product. It is oil-based and manufactured in the form of gel capsules. It is vastly different from other oral anabolic steroids in a few different ways. First and foremost, other oral anabolic steroid products are almost always C-17 alpha alkylated (also known as methylation). This is a process whereby a methyl group is affixed to the 17th carbon on the Testosterone (or other anabolic steroid) compound, which allows the hormone to survive the first pass through the liver, thereby allowing it to be orally bioavailable so that the user can use it orally. The downside to this modification is that C-17 alpha alkylation almost always presents a degree of liver toxicity (hepatotoxicity) and strain, thereby limiting the length of use and/or maximum dosage. Andriol does not possess C-17 alpha alkylation despite it being an orally active form of Testosterone.
Instead, Andriol is an esterified form of Testosterone (Testosterone Undecanoate), whereby it is affixed to an extremely long fatty acid chain ester. Research has demonstrated that when Andriol is consumed (especially in the presence of dietary fats), the high lipophilic nature of it allows at least partial absorption via the body’s lymphatic system through the gastrointestinal tract. Although Andriol is not liver toxic at all, there are some disadvantages to its nature. Because it relies on fat solubility to be absorbed in the body, research has shown that Androl’s oral bioavailability is around 7%.
Andriol was originally developed and pioneered by the pharmaceutical manufacturer Organon in the early 1980s. In addition to its brand name Andriol, it was also branded under the names Virigen, Undestor, Restandol, Panteston, and Androxon in various regions and countries throughout the world. Its intended use was that of a Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) drug for men that manufacture inadequate levels of natural Testosterone. Despite this fact, Andriol is still not approved on the prescription drug market in the United States, but it is available in Canada and Mexico. Andriol is intended to be a TRT alternative to Testosterone injections (such as Testosterone Enanthate or Testosterone Cypionate), and thereby act as a much more convenient form of administration for some that may not prefer injections.
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Originally, Andriol had to be kept under refrigeration when in storage. Thankfully, in the early 2000s, Organon formulated a new Androl product, known as Andriol Testocaps, which allowed the drug to be maintained at room temperature without any degradation of product. Individuals should keep in mind, however, that at room temperature, Andriol Testocaps hold a shelf-life of about 3 years (as opposed to the old Andriol shelf-life of 3 months). Andriol gel capsules are concentrated at a dosage of 40mg per gel cap.
Andriol’s availability is pretty widespread, but its use among athletes and bodybuilders is very far and few in between. This is due to the fact that Andriol’s disadvantage is that of very poor and very low oral bioavailability combined with a relatively high cost for this compound. Bodybuilders and athletes have therefore always opted for the more dependable, cheaper, and easily-accessible injectable Testosterone products and formulations that provide far higher (near-100%) bioavailability.
Andriol is designed to exhibit a peak Testosterone level in the body only a few hours after ingestion, and after repeated dosing over the first couple of weeks, steady and stable peak blood plasma concentrations should be maintained for 24 hours after each administration.
Andriol Chemical Characteristics
As previously mentioned, Andriol is merely an esterified variant of Testosterone, whereby Testosterone has been affixed with the Undecanoate ester at the 17-beta hydroxyl group. It is vastly different from all other oral anabolic steroids because it does not contain methylation (C-17 alpha alkylation) on the 17th carbon, and therefore does not exhibit any of the negative effects on the liver that C-17 alpha alkylated compounds do. It also does not exhibit the same method of absorption and avoidance of the first pass of the liver that C-17 alpha alkylated oral compounds do. Instead, because of Andriol’s very long-chain fatty acid ester, it is extremely lipophilic and enters the body via the lymphatic system through the GI tract.
Andriol Side Effects
Being that Andriol is a Testosterone product, it does carry with it all of the major side effects of Testosterone in general.
Estrogenic side effects are the first in particular to usually affect the user. Testosterone undergoes a moderate rate of aromatization (conversion) into Estrogen in the body via interaction with the aromatase enzyme. This means that blood plasma levels of Estrogen can and do build up with the use of Andriol, and Estrogenic side effects can result. Estrogenic side effects include: retention and/or gain of body fat, bloating and water retention, heightened blood pressure (as a result of water retention), and the potential for developing gynecomastia (breast tissue). It is recommended that individuals using Andriol look into the possibility of using some form of anti-estrogen during a cycle, or at the very least have anti-estrogens on hand in the event that Estrogenic side effects become prominent.
The next major Andriol side effects include androgenic side effects. These are masculinizing and male secondary sex characteristic related side effects. Being that Andriol is Testosterone, and Testosterone is the primary male androgen, it has direct influence on androgenic side effects. Furthermore, the high androgenicity of Testosterone products is more attributable to its reduction (or conversion) into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a far more potent androgen than Testosterone itself. In this case, the use of a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor can mitigate androgenic side effects by way of preventing or reducing the conversion of Testosterone into DHT. Androgenic side effects include: increases in aggression, increased body hair growth, increased oily skin secretions, deepening of the voice, and possible male pattern baldness (MPB) in those men that are genetically predisposed to it.
Testosterone, like any and all other anabolic steroids, can and will suppress natural endogenous Testosterone production. Testosterone suppression is a very real fact of anabolic steroid use, which is why it is important to limit cycle lengths and engage in proper Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) protocol following the termination of an anabolic steroid cycle. Failure to do so can potentially result in permanent Testosterone suppression for life.
Negative cardiovascular effects are also a concern. Research has shown that while Testosterone used in therapeutic dosages for the treatment of TRT in men are unlikely to increase the risk of cardiovascular problems (and might even possibly improve cholesterol profiles), the use of Testosterone at performance enhancing dosages does result in a decrease of HDL (the ‘good’ cholesterol). Furthermore, when combined with aromatase inhibitors, research and studies have shown that the negative effects on the cardiovascular system increase by a dramatic degree.
Andriol, due to its vastly different mechanism of action compared to C-17 alpha alkylated oral anabolic steroids, presents absolutely no hepatotoxic effects. For example, one study analyzed Andriol’s potential for liver toxicity by attempting high dosages on test subjects (400mg daily) for 20 days, and Andriol generated no notable changes in liver enzyme readings during the study. This also includes patients who have been administered the drug in the long-term (a decade or longer).
Dosing and Administration of Andriol
Medically, Andriol dosages are prescribed in the range of 120 – 160 mg per day for the first 2 to 3 weeks. Following this initial period, prescription guidelines call for a reduction of Andriol dosage to a maintenance schedule of 40 – 120mg per day.
For performance and physique enhancement, the Andriol dosage must understandably be far greater. A minimum of 250mg per day is required (5 capsules) to see any measurable effect, and many individuals claim that the results at this range are on the low end. Commonly, Andriol is used at a dosage of 400 – 500 (10 – 14 capsules) per day. Advanced or experienced users may require even higher dosages than that. When stacked with other anabolics, the lower range is observed to be effective.
Due to the lipophilic nature of Andriol’s pharmacology, it is recommended that Andriol dosages be administered with the consumption of food / meals, ideally with a higher fat content in order to maximize its absorption in the body through the lymphatic system. When taken on an empty stomach, studies have demonstrated extremely low absorption and bioavailability of Andriol. Andriol dosages should also be split into two evenly spaced dosages (e.g. morning and evening) in order to maintain steady and stable blood serum levels of Testosterone.
Andriol Cycles and Uses
Andriol cycles should generally follow the same guidelines as cycles of any other Testosterone products, though Andriol may have to be dosed higher due to its poor bioavailability. It can be used on its own in a solitary cycle, or used as a base Testosterone compound while other anabolic steroids are used. Cycle lengths of Andriol can range from 8 weeks to 12 weeks or more. As stated earlier, it is not a very popular Testosterone product for the purpose of performance or physique enhancement among bodybuilders and athletes, and it is very rare to come across much information in regards to Andriol cycles.
Beginners may be tempted to opt for Andriol due to its convenience as an oral Testosterone product, but even this is a rare occurrence. Beginner Andriol cycles would usually involve Andriol dosed at 300mg per day for 8 – 12 weeks.
If any experienced athletes do elect to use Andriol, they usually run Andriol cycles that involve a low TRT dosage of Andriol in the background for mere support of essential bodily function, while other stronger anabolic steroids are utilized as the workhorse compounds of the cycle. These can include compounds such as Winstrol (Stanozolol), Nandrolone (Deca-Durabolin), Trenbolone, or Anavar (Oxandrolone).
And while we do not encourage or discourage the use of anabolic substances or PED’s… we know many want to use them and are always looking for a safe, legitimate vendor for these products. With that in mind, we can tell you that most of the professional bodybuilders and other competition athletes we know of use one trusted supplier, and you can email them here to request their product / price list if you seek a trusted source for high quality products.
With that said, we wish you luck in your fitness endeavors. If you find you need help with any bodybuilding or fitness issues you may feel free to contact us and we will help you if we can!
