Post-cycle testosterone undecanoate therapy is an important step for any health-conscious athlete. Depending on the dosage form of the drug, not only the effectiveness and side effects of the drug vary, but also when and how PCT is performed.
Pharmacological action
The steroid is available under different names. One of the most famous oral testosterone supplements is Andriol TK. It contributes to the normalization of the bioavailability and serum levels of testosterone, as well as the increase in plasma levels of estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. Against the background of the use of Andriol TK capsules, a decrease in the level of globulin is recorded, which binds the sex hormones follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone.
The use of Andriol TK capsules in young and elderly patients with hypogonadism helps to normalize the level of gonadotropins. With consistent treatment with Andriol TK capsules, patients experience normalization of bone mineral density, improvement in sexual function (including increased libido and improved erectile function), as well as decreased tissue adipose (compared to muscle tissue).
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The use of Andriol TK capsules resulted in a decrease in low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, and high-density lipoproteins in the majority of patients. Also, against the background of the use of Andriol TK capsules in patients, an increase in hematocrit and hemoglobin levels (without a significant change in the activity of liver enzymes) was observed.
During treatment with testosterone undecanoate, some patients have experienced prostate enlargement without serious clinical prostate symptoms.
Pharmacological action
In patients with hypogonadism and diabetes mellitus, during treatment with Andriol TK capsules, increased insulin sensitivity and decreased blood sugar levels (which may require a change in insulin dose and oral antidiabetics).
For transsexuals who change gender from female to male, taking Andriol TK capsules promotes masculinization.
Key features
Oral administration of testosterone undecanoate with lipophilic solvents leads to considerable absorption of the substance in the small intestine. In this case, Testosterone Undecanoate enters the lymphatic system and bypasses the main pathway through the liver. There is a better absorption of the active substance of the drug Andriol TK when it is taken after or together with a meal. The average bioavailability of Testosterone Undecanoate in Andriol TK capsule form is 70%.
In plasma, the active ingredient is metabolized to testosterone by hydrolysis. A single dose of 80-160 mg of Andriol TK leads to increased serum testosterone levels, which is of clinical importance. The maximum level of testosterone reaches around 40 nmol/l and is determined 4-5 hours after ingestion. A clinically significant increase in testosterone levels is aromasin side effects recorded for at least 8 hours after a single dose of Andriol TK capsules.
In vitro studies have shown a significant affinity of testosterone for plasma proteins and sex hormone binding globulin. In the vascular bed, approximately 98% of the accepted dose of testosterone is protein bound.
The metabolism of the active component of Andriol TK capsules after hydrolysis in the blood serum to testosterone is similar to that of endogenous testosterone (estradiol and dihydrotestosterone are formed during metabolism). Testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and estradiol are primarily excreted via the urinary system as androsterone and etiocholanolone conjugates.
When testosterone undecanoate is taken in the dose range of 40-240 mg/day, a linear pharmacokinetic profile is observed.
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What affects cycling therapy
Many of these have to do with how long testosterone undecanoate remains in the body. Nebido has an extremely long half-life of up to three months. This feature slows down its effects and keeps it at an optimal level in the body for a long time compared to other testosterone esters.
Andriol tablets or capsules have a much shorter half-life than oral steroids. This value usually does not exceed 12 hours, which requires regular entry and quick departure.
Why is post-cycle therapy necessary?
Although testosterone undecanoate, especially its oral dosage form, is considered a fairly mild steroid, its use can cause unwanted changes in the body. When an athlete’s body is fed by an external source of testosterone, the natural function of testosterone is always suppressed or even completely eliminated. The severity of this suppression will depend on the dose of testosterone undecanoate, and other compounds used in the cycle.
At the end of the cycle, testosterone levels will drop as the body begins to increase normal production again. However, this can be a slow process, so post-cycle therapy is needed to increase testosterone function faster, thus avoiding the severe symptoms of low testosterone levels while you recover from steroids and maintaining your gains during cycle.
Which determines the PCT program
When using testosterone undecanoate, the timing of PCT also depends on the other compounds used and the shape of the material used. For example, the very long-lasting effects of Nebido may occur two to three months after the last injection, so PCT may be prolonged. If testosterone undecanoate has been taken orally (Andriol, etc.), post-cycle treatment may be started the day after the end of the course.
The standard PCT protocol in combination with one or both Nolvadex and Clomid for 4 weeks with a gradual dose reduction is sufficient for most users.