Dihydrotestosterone undecanoate

Dihydrotestosterone undecanoate

Dihydrotestosterone undecanoate (DHTU) is a synthetic androgen and anabolic steroid and a dihydrotestosterone (DHT) ester. It is used in androgen replacement therapy primarily for the treatment of male hypogonadism, and is currently under research for use as a male contraceptive.

Chemistry

DHTU, also known as androstanolone undecanoate, is a synthetic estrane steroid and a derivative of DHT. It is more specifically a derivative of methyldihydrotestosterone (MDHT), which is itself a derivative of DHT. DHTU is a DHT ester that is C17β esterified with undecanoic acid.

Pharmacology

As a derivative of DHT, DHTU is a bioidentical hormone. It is an androgen, or an agonist of the androgen receptor, the biological target of androgens like testosterone and DHT. Unlike testosterone, DHT cannot be aromatized into an estrogen, and for this reason, DHTU, unlike testosterone undecanoate, does not have the capacity for estrogenic side effects.

Society and culture

DHTU is marketed and used clinically under brand names such as Aveed, Nebido, and Reandron 1000. It is available in certain countries, including in the United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, and Canada, but is not available in the United States.

See also

• List of androgen esters
• List of androgens/anabolic steroids