Testosterone undecylenate

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Testosterone Undecylenate is an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) medication which is used mainly in the treatment of low testosterone levels in men. It is also used in hormone therapy for transgender men. It is given by injection into muscle usually once every one to two weeks.

Pharmacology[edit | edit source]

Testosterone undecylenate is a prodrug of testosterone and is an androgen and anabolic–androgenic steroid (AAS). That is, it is an agonist of the androgen receptor (AR).

Chemistry[edit | edit source]

Testosterone undecylenate, or testosterone undecanoate, is a synthetic androgen and anabolic steroid and a testosterone ester. Testosterone esters are less polar than free testosterone. Testosterone esters in oil injected intramuscularly are absorbed slowly from the lipid phase; thus, testosterone undecylenate can be given at intervals of two to four weeks.

History[edit | edit source]

Testosterone undecylenate was introduced for medical use in the 1950s. It has been in use in many countries, including the United States, Europe, and elsewhere worldwide.

Society and culture[edit | edit source]

Testosterone undecylenate is available as a generic medication. In the United States, it is not available but can be obtained through a compounding pharmacy. It is marketed under many brand names worldwide.

Side effects[edit | edit source]

Side effects of testosterone undecylenate include symptoms of masculinization like acne, increased hair growth, voice changes, and increased sexual desire. The drug is a synthetic androgen and anabolic steroid and hence is an agonist of the androgen receptor, the biological target of androgens like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

See also[edit | edit source]

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD