What is Testosterone Undecanoate?
Testosterone is an androgen, or male sex hormone, present at birth in both men and women. Men have a lot more. Women produce about 5% of the testosterone that men produce on a daily basis (Mazer, 2002).
In men, testosterone is produced by the testicles and adrenal glands. During puberty, testosterone levels rise rapidly, stimulating the development of secondary sex characteristics such as muscle growth, body hair growth, depth of voice, and sperm production.
In women, testosterone is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands and plays an important role in development during puberty.
Testosterone is important to the overall well-being of men and women of all ages. It regulates many important bodily functions such as libido, sexual response, bone density, muscle building and mood.
Testosterone undecanoate is a drug used by bodybuilders and other athletes to increase male hormone levels in the body. The peculiarity of testosterone undecanoate is that it is available in the form of tablets for oral use. Usually, synthetic male hormone is produced in the form of fatty essential solutions that need to be given intramuscularly.
Benefits of testosterone undecanoate
To date, testosterone has not been suitable for oral use. The molecules of this substance were destroyed by the liver when ingested, and the concentration of the most important male hormone in the body did not increase. It distributes testosterone among athletes in ampoules, and peanut oil is especially helpful. The pharmaceutical company has developed testosterone undecanoate, which is not broken down by the liver.
The testosterone formula allows the active ingredients of the drug to be absorbed into the intestinal mucosa. The male hormone does not enter the bloodstream but the lymph. This not only ensures good absorption, but also has no toxic effect on the liver.
Erectile dysfunction is accompanied by psychoemotional disorders and depressive states. Testosterone Undecanoate, Nebido contributes to long-term increases in penile hardness, libido duration and intimacy through androgenic effects on the stronger sexual reproductive system.
The most important element is the ester of the natural androgen testosterone. Testosterone is responsible for the normal and correct development of primary and secondary sex characteristics during fetal, early and adolescent development.
Testosterone undecanoate is converted to dihydrotestosterone in the lymph. The advantages of the drug are also:
- prohormone levels are increased so that excessive estrogen synthesis is ruled out;
- there is no danger of water retention in the body;
- no gynecomastia as an update;
- does not lead to the feminization of the male body.
Studies have shown that taking testosterone in the form of undecanoate does not affect the functioning of the testicles, hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
It is responsible for the functioning of the reproductive system. It promotes a stable erection, sperm production that can fertilize the egg. Participate in skeletal formation, muscle building in the stronger sex.
Side Effects
Testosterone injections can be safe if the patient follows the doctor’s instructions. However, research links testosterone therapy to multiple side effects and possible complications.
Possible side effects of testosterone treatment may include:
- Increased risk of cardiovascular complications (at the beginning of treatment with previous cardiovascular disease)
- Worsening of lower urinary tract symptoms (growth of prostate adenoma if conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone is not prevented)
- Polycythemia, a rare type of blood cancer
- increased risk of venous thrombosis
Some people may be allergic to testosterone injections.
For example, testosterone undecanoate can cause a severe allergic reaction or difficulty breathing after an injection. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, dizziness, and a skin rash.
What are the side effects of taking testosterone
Testosterone replacement therapy offers incredible benefits to those who need it. There are some risks, however, and those risks are more important for the elderly and those with heart disease.
Testosterone can be abused and should not be used in higher doses than prescribed. Taking testosterone along with anabolic steroids can cause life-threatening symptoms like heart attacks.
Whether you inject testosterone or take it orally, you are (in most cases) at risk of experiencing the following side effects (Basaria, 2010):
- juvenile acne
- Alopecia (hair loss)
- Lowers HDL cholesterol and increases triglycerides
- high blood pressure (high blood pressure)
- Elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which may correlate with an increased risk of prostate cancer.
- increased risk of breast cancer
Individuals taking testosterone in any form can experience an allergic reaction, but this is very rare. If you experience side effects such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing after the first dose, do not take a second dose and contact your doctor.
T may interact with other medications you are taking. For example, taking warfarin or other anticoagulants while taking testosterone can increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided. Talk to your doctor about all medications you are taking before starting any form of testosterone therapy.
Individuals taking testosterone in any form can experience an allergic reaction, but this is very rare. If you experience side effects such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing after the first dose, do not take a second dose and contact your doctor.
T may interact with other medications you are taking. For example, taking warfarin or other anticoagulants while taking testosterone can increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided. Talk to your doctor about all medications you are taking before starting any form of testosterone therapy. Researchers have proposed chemical and genetic mechanisms to explain why only Asian men respond well to testosterone undecanoate therapy, but have found no convincing explanation. Testosterone undecandoate is combined with various forms of progestins. A non-Asian male was injected with 1000mg of testosterone every 6 weeks. They also received norethisterone 200 mg every 6 weeks. After 32 weeks of treatment, 13 out of 14 men were sperm free or sperm free.
Testosterone undecanoate can be administered by injection, orally, or as a transdermal patch. It can also be applied topically in gel form or as small beads implanted under the skin. Patches were the least popular method as men often suffer from itching, redness and blistering. Hormones were also not absorbed as well with this method and did not offer good protection.