Depot Testosterone is the first long-acting testosterone to be introduced to the market. It’s primary objective is the treatment of male hypogonadism. This is a condition where there is a reduced or absent secretion of testosterone from the testes. Decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, muscle loss and weakness and depression are all associated with hypogonadism. There is also an increased risk of developing osteoporosis.

Depot Testosterone is currently available under the brand name NEBIDO. It is designed to be injected every three months. Nebido contains Testosterone Undecanoate as its active ingredient. You may be familiar with this compound as it is also used in the oral steroid Andriol.

Nebido is injected slowly into the gluteal muscle, where it forms a reservoir of the drug. The compound then gradually releases from the injection site and is cleaved by serum esterases into testosterone and undecanoic acid.
On administration of Nebido serum concentrations of testosterone rapidly increase with notable elevations observed the very next day after injection.

This form of testosterone is also well-tolerated, local irritation being moderate and lasting for no more than three days. Another bonus with this form of testosterone is the fact that – unlike short acting esters- fluctuations in androgen levels are unlikely to be a problem. Hemoglobin and Hematocrit levels – although elevated – remain within the normal range and bone density shows a marked improvement.

THE BENEFITS

So, now you know the (condensed) science behind the product, what are its possible applications in the bodybuilding world?

Well, for a start there is the benefit of less frequent injections. There is also the convenience of steady serum testosterone levels. Depot testosterone (Nebido) also appears to have less influence on blood pressure and a lower tendency towards estrogen conversion. It also seems to have a favorable influence on cholesterol levels with studies reporting a slight decline in total cholesterol in patients who were given this substance.

DOSAGES

In medical trials, hypogonadal men were given an initial injection of 750mg Nebido, followed 4 weeks later by an additional 750mg ‘loading’ injection and then 750mg every 10 weeks thereafter. For bodybuilding purposes, there have been reports of competitors injecting anything from 1000 – 3000mg. This would lead to a sustained level of testosterone in the body lasting 10-12 weeks. On top of the testosterone they may add anabolic agents like Deca Durabolin, Equipoise or Trenbolone Acetate.

Nebido is distributed in multi-use vials, each containing 1000mg testosterone Undecanoate in a 4-ml solution for injection (250mg testosterone Undecanoate/ml).

N.B. Nebido is still relatively hard to find in comparison to the other testosterone esters. However, it is currently available from Maxi Medicine and you can find it at www.maximedicine.com

Leigh Penman, in addition to be a staff writer at MuscleSport Mag, has been writing for bodybuilding magazines, websites and nutritional supplement companies since 1985. Whilst residing in the UK, she earned the reputation of being one of the top female writers in bodybuilding-related media. Her credits included being a contributing editor on all the magazines in production as well as filling the shoes of Ladies Editor and Showbiz Editor on two publications (the later being on Arnold’s sanctioned magazine, ‘Bodypower’). During this time she also competed successfully on four occasions (placing in the top four in all contests).

Relocating to New York in the late 1990s she focused her writing attention to crystal healing techniques and metaphysics – however, she still maintained a five day workout schedule during this time and gained her personal training certificate.

Having also studied pharmacology in relation to sports performance, her writing began taking her in that direction until the present day which sees her embarking on a return to the magazine world, as well as extending her web-related work in the bodybuilding and fitness field.

Leigh has been working out for close to thirty years so she is clearly a writer who ‘walks her talk.’
She can be contacted personally at zeal2heal@yahoo.com.

Andriol represents a very unique approach to testosterone administration. It is the first real attempt to create an oral testosterone since Methyl Testosterone. It is also a viable alternative to injectable testosterone and other oral forms of test (which are often very harsh on the liver).

Andriol is presented in the form of a capsule in which 40mg of Testosterone Undecanoate is encapsulated along with oleic acid (an oil). This design offers many advantages over traditional oral compounds, as it is not c-17 alpha alkylated. Not using this structure in the case of Andriol removes the risk of liver toxicity commonly associated with oral steroids. The active steroid totally bypasses your liver and therefore does not harm this organ. Andriol is in fact absorbed through the lymphatic system, allowing it to avoid the first-pass through the liver – a process which could destroy most of the active compound as well as stressing the liver. It is also rapidly absorbed, with a noted testosterone peak in the blood approximately 2 hours after administration.!

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ANDRIOL: THE GOOD NEWS

The fact that Andriol has a rapid turnover rate in the system (levels peaking in 2 hours and reaching baseline by 12 hours) leads to it being relatively easy on the system. It is not bad for your blood pressure and displays no adverse effects on the prostate. Another benefit when it comes to testosterone undecanoate is the fact that it does not aromatize (convert into estrogen) at the same rate as other testosterones. Studies have also pointed to the fact that this form of testosterone does not reduce levels of LH (Luteinizing Hormone) and FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), which are the hormones that tell your body to make more testosterone. It is also doubtful whether Andriol could be too damaging to your HPTA (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Testicular-Axis) another regulator of your body’s natural testosterone production. In addition, it has even proven beneficial to lipid profiles and cholesterol levels.

GETTING THE BEST RESULTS

Since Andriol operates via association with your small intestine and lymphatic pathways, taking it with food greatly enhances its bioavailability. Another important factor when considering the use of this substance is the fact that, although it will raise your testosterone levels within 2 hours, they will return to baseline by 10-12 hours. Therefore, should you want to see significant anabolic effects from this product, it is best to consume 4-8 capsules, spaced out evenly, 2-3 times a day.
You will not see the huge gains that can be obtained by the heavier injectable testosterones; then again, you will see significantly less in the way of side effects.

POST CYCLE THERAPY

Should you decide to experiment with a cycle of this drug there is less of a concern over post cycle therapy involved. This is due to the fact that Testosterone Undecanoate does not have the same potential to disrupt the HPTA. However, the use of HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) and or Clomid/Nolvadex may be added as an insurance policy against any hormonal imbalances.

FINAL THOUGHTS

As mentioned, Andriol is not a huge mass builder but it is a worthy supplement for those concerned with the side effects normally observed with the use of anabolic steroids. In addition, the fact that it produces such a rapid rise in testosterone levels upon administration may just make it a very worthwhile pre-workout supplement.

N.B. ANDRIOL capsules, manufactured by Genesis Meds, is currently available at a specially reduced price for a limited time at www.maximedicine.com

Leigh Penman, in addition to be a staff writer at MuscleSport Mag, has been writing for bodybuilding magazines, websites and nutritional supplement companies since 1985. Whilst residing in the UK, she earned the reputation of being one of the top female writers in bodybuilding-related media. Her credits included being a contributing editor on all the magazines in production as well as filling the shoes of Ladies Editor and Showbiz Editor on two publications (the later being on Arnold’s sanctioned magazine, ‘Bodypower’). During this time she also competed successfully on four occasions (placing in the top four in all contests).

Relocating to New York in the late 1990s she focused her writing attention to crystal healing techniques and metaphysics – however, she still maintained a five day workout schedule during this time and gained her personal training certificate.