Testosterone undecanoate (Andriol): properties, dosages, and usage

Author: Yuri Klimishin - an iron enthusiast and veteran of the "chemical" front.
2015-11-25

Important! We do not advocate for the use of steroids and other potent substances. All information is provided so that those who still decide to take them can do so with minimal health risks.

As I mentioned, no matter what form testosterone exists in, it always possesses testosterone effects, which are the same for all variants of this substance. To familiarize yourself with these effects, click here.

In addition to injectable versions, there are two oral ones: Methyltestosterone and Testosterone Undecanoate. Testosterone Undecanoate is also an oil-based ester, and it is practically indistinguishable from its injectable counterparts. The only difference is that both the positive and side effects of this drug are expressed MUCH more weakly, for reasons that will be explained below. Nevertheless, it stabilizes the androgen receptor just as effectively as the injectable esters. The most common trade name for testosterone undecanoate is Andriol. We will refer to it as such.

Features of Undecanoate

Since Andriol is taken orally, it cannot bypass the liver. However, 17-alpha alkylation for esters is not only a difficult task to accomplish, but also, with its (alkylation) presence, the ester will not undergo the necessary transformations. In simpler terms, Andriol, in this case, cannot convert into testosterone. This is why Andriol does not have a methyl radical in the 17 position.

To avoid its destruction by the liver, scientists devised a rather clever mechanism. Andriol is released in the form of capsules containing an oil solution of the ester. Additionally, its side chain differs SIGNIFICANTLY from the chains of other esters. Ideally (theoretically, that is), this was supposed to make the drug lipophilic and, thus, enable it to bypass the liver and enter the general bloodstream via the lymphatic system.

In theory, everything is wonderful. But whether the resultant drug proved insufficiently lipophilic or there were other issues unknown to me, this mechanism works poorly in practice. The bioavailability of Andriol turned out to be extremely low. This is the reason it is inferior to its counterparts in terms of all its effects (including side effects, as we remember) and is less effective for men over thirty. However, it can be useful for young athletes who have just decided to explore the rich world of sports pharmacology.

Unfortunately, Andriol is not produced by underground companies. So, it can only be purchased either through pharmacies or on the black market, and it will not be cheap. The half-life is 3 – 5 hours. The duration of the cycle depends on the specific goals of the athlete. Andriol can serve as a base for both short and long cycles.

And lastly. Besides Andriol, there is also injectable testosterone undecanoate (Nebido). In practice, it is FULLY analogous to testosterone enanthate, except for its longer half-life of 10 to 11 days. However, it is extremely expensive, and the injections are quite painful. Moreover, it is available in 4 ml ampoules. Therefore, I advise against getting involved with such "tricks" and trying to reinvent the wheel.

Use

1. MASS GAIN. Young and novice bodybuilders can start their introduction to testosterone with Andriol. It serves as an excellent androgenic foundation for a body that is not saturated with steroids. It also guarantees the absence of side effects.

2. CUTTING. Perhaps the only testosterone option that does not hold water and aromatizes in microscopic amounts. In other words, it will complement the typical AAS for this period excellently. Naturally, it won't protect muscle as well as testosterone propionate (for example), but the risk is zero.

3. PCT. The preparation has practically no effect on the production of natural testosterone. However, generally speaking, PCT can begin the day after the final dose of Andriol (provided there are no long-acting AAS in the cycle).

4. EXPERIENCED USERS. Surprisingly, even seasoned lifters can find this product quite useful. It significantly stimulates libido. Thus, it can assist during enforced breaks between long steroid cycles and during so-called "bridges."

Combining with Other AAS

When using Andriol as the base of the cycle, our goal is to make this cycle as safe as possible. In this case, it is best to add methenolone enanthate (Primobolan) (400 – 500 mg per week) or boldenone (400 – 600 mg per week). This is for mass gain. During cutting, Andriol can be used solo. Typical anabolic steroids for this period are not exactly safe for the body. If you are particularly concerned about side effects, it is better to complement Andriol with a fat burner.

Dosages

The stable dosage of Andriol is 40 mg capsules. I recommend remembering this factor and not buying anything different regarding the active substance. The optimal daily dose is 6 – 12 capsules, divided into three to four doses throughout the day. The standard packaging usually contains 60 white capsules.

Side Effects

The only unpleasant issue that may arise with the use of Andriol is partial suppression of the sexual axis and reduced production of endogenous testosterone. But, as I mentioned, this is not a side effect but a coincidental phenomenon. Personally, I would add to the point about side effects a rather biting price tag as well.

Use by Women

This is the only form of testosterone that women can try. That is my personal opinion. Naturally, do not forget that testosterone is testosterone, whether in Africa or anywhere else. This means issues related to amenorrhea and problems with conception are still relevant. The dosage is around 4 - 6 capsules per day, divided into two doses. Half in the morning and the other half in the evening.

And finally: never expose even a packaged box of Andriol to direct sunlight during warm weather. Otherwise, you'll find not capsules, but a melted and stuck gelatinous lump when you take it out of the package.