Skip to content An Introduction to Andriol (Testosterone Undecanoate)
Andriol, the brand name for Testosterone Undecanoate, is an oral testosterone product sold in gel capsules. It differs from other oral anabolic steroids by not undergoing C-17 alpha alkylation, a process that typically adds a methyl group to enhance oral bioavailability but often leads to liver toxicity.
Instead, Andriol is an esterified form of testosterone, attached to a long fatty acid chain ester. Research shows that it’s absorbed partially through the body’s lymphatic system via the gastrointestinal tract due to its high lipophilic nature. Despite being non-liver toxic, its oral bioavailability is around 7%.
Andriol is convenient
Developed by Organon in the early 1980s, Andriol was primarily intended as a testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) drug for men with insufficient natural testosterone levels. Though not approved for prescription in the United States, it’s available in Canada and Mexico. It serves as a TRT alternative to testosterone injections like Testosterone Enanthate or Testosterone Cypionate, offering a more convenient administration method for those averse to injections.
Originally, Andriol required refrigeration for storage. However, in the early 2000s, Organon introduced Andriol Testocaps, a new formulation allowing the drug to be stored at room temperature without degradation. It’s important to note that Andriol Testocaps have a shelf-life of approximately 3 years at room temperature, compared to the previous Andriol’s 3-month shelf-life. Each Andriol gel capsule contains a concentrated dosage of 40mg.
Andriol is not absorbed efficiently
While Andriol is widely available, its usage among athletes and bodybuilders is limited. This is because Andriol has very low oral bioavailability and comes with a relatively high cost. Consequently, athletes and bodybuilders prefer injectable testosterone products, which are more affordable and offer nearly 100% bioavailability.
Andriol is formulated to peak in testosterone levels a few hours after ingestion. With repeated dosing over the initial weeks, steady peak blood plasma concentrations can be maintained for 24 hours after each administration.
Andriol is a specialized oral capsule containing testosterone hormone attached to the large Undecanoate ester, available in a 40mg strength. Despite its potency, only about 7% of the active testosterone is absorbed due to its oral administration method.
Despite not having a great effect its kind on the liver
Unlike traditional oral anabolic steroids, Andriol lacks the typical C17-aa nature. Instead, it is partially absorbed through the lymphatic system in the presence of dietary fat. This unique absorption pathway bypasses the liver, thus minimizing hepatic stress.
Despite its relatively low bioavailability, Andriol retains the fundamental characteristics of testosterone, boasting an anabolic rating of 100 and an androgenic rating of 100. These ratings serve as benchmarks for assessing the anabolic and androgenic properties of all anabolic steroids.
Its more usually used to treat low testosterone than by body builders
Primarily prescribed for low testosterone treatment, Andriol embodies the essential traits of testosterone hormones, including those found in injectable forms. However, it is seldom utilized in performance enhancement contexts.
Understanding Andriol’s function in treating low testosterone involves grasping the role of testosterone hormone itself. Testosterone is the principal male androgen responsible for masculine traits and development, as well as the maintenance of these characteristics throughout adulthood. Declining testosterone levels can adversely affect physical, sexual, and mental well-being, significantly impacting quality of life. Symptoms of low testosterone include: [List symptoms here]
Andriol Undecanoate side effects
Andriol use can bring about some potential side effects, especially when taken at higher than normal doses. But for those using it to treat low testosterone, handling these side effects is usually pretty straightforward since they’re simply replacing a hormone their body is familiar with. Still, even though testosterone is natural to the body, there’s still a chance of experiencing unwanted effects, especially with higher doses.
One of the main concerns is estrogenic side effects, which happen because testosterone can convert into estrogen in the body. This conversion can lead to things like breast tissue growth, water retention, and high blood pressure. To deal with this, some people might need to use medications like Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) or Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs). AIs are more effective, but they can mess with your cholesterol levels, so some folks might prefer SERMs.
Can cause baldness if your prone
There are also androgenic side effects to consider, like acne and hair loss, which can happen because of the conversion of testosterone into another hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Using a medication like Finasteride might help reduce these effects, but it depends a lot on your genetics and whether you’re prone to these issues.
For women using Andriol, there’s a risk of developing masculine traits like increased body hair or a deeper voice, so they might opt for different treatments.
Using Andriol can also affect your heart health by messing with your cholesterol and blood pressure levels. To help counter this, it’s important to eat a diet rich in omega fatty acids, exercise regularly, and keep an eye on your cholesterol levels.
Andriol use can also suppress your body’s natural production of testosterone, so it’s important to follow up with a post-cycle therapy plan to help your body recover its hormone balance.
While Andriol itself isn’t harmful to your liver, it’s still important to manage its potential side effects carefully to ensure safe and effective treatment for low testosterone.
Dosage info
In medical settings, Andriol doses usually start at 120 to 160 mg per day for the first 2 to 3 weeks. Afterward, the dose is lowered to a maintenance level of 40 to 120 mg per day.
For those using Andriol to enhance performance or build muscle, higher doses are needed. At least 250 mg per day (about 6 or 7 capsules) is required to see any effects, although many people find this amount to be on the lower side. Typically, doses range from 400 to 500 mg per day (10 to 14 capsules). Some experienced users might need even more.
Because Andriol is best absorbed with food, especially food high in fat, it’s advised to take it with meals. Taking Andriol on an empty stomach results in very little absorption. It’s also recommended to split the dose into two, taken in the morning and evening, to keep testosterone levels steady in the blood.
Andriol Stacks and Cycles
Andriol cycles typically follow similar guidelines as cycles involving other Testosterone products, but Andriol may require higher doses due to its low absorption rate. It can be used alone in a cycle or as a base Testosterone compound alongside other anabolic steroids. Cycle lengths can vary from 8 to 12 weeks or more. However, Andriol isn’t widely favored for enhancing performance or physique among bodybuilders and athletes, so information on Andriol cycles is scarce.
Beginners might consider Andriol for its convenience as an oral Testosterone product, although this is uncommon. A beginner Andriol cycle would usually involve a daily dose of 300mg for 8 to 12 weeks.
Experienced athletes who choose to use Andriol often incorporate it into their cycles at a low TRT dosage to support essential bodily functions, while relying on other stronger anabolic steroids as the primary compounds. These could include Winstrol (Stanozolol), Nandrolone (Deca-Durabolin), Trenbolone, or Anavar (Oxandrolone).
Availability
Andriol is readily available on the pharmaceutical market worldwide, except in the U.S. Organon, a major pharmaceutical company, has withdrawn many of its steroid products from the U.S. market due to strict regulations on anabolic steroids. While Andriol can also be found on the black market through some large internet-based suppliers, it is relatively rare.
Regardless of its source, Andriol is seldom counterfeited, unlike many other anabolic steroids. Genuine Andriol capsules are easily identifiable. They come in a sealed brown and red capsule that cannot be pulled apart. The Andriol Testocaps are oval-shaped and glossy, made of orange transparent gelatin material. Both forms contain a yellow liquid with “DV3” and “ORG” imprinted on the capsule. Counterfeiting Andriol capsules would require significant effort, and while possible, it’s unlikely due to the limited demand in the performance market.
Legality of Andriol
USA: In the United States, Andriol is classified as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Possession or use of Andriol, or any Testosterone product, without a valid prescription is considered a felony. This includes trafficking, importation, and purchasing of Andriol or any anabolic steroid.
UK/England: In the United Kingdom, Andriol is categorized under Schedule IV. Possession and use of Andriol without a prescription from a physician is legal for personal use. Importation of Andriol for personal use without a prescription is also not considered a felony.
Canada: In Canada, Andriol is similarly classified as a Schedule IV drug. Possession and use of Andriol for personal use without a valid prescription from a physician are legal. However, trafficking the substance is a felony.
These examples illustrate the varying legal classifications of Andriol in three major countries. Regardless of where one obtains Andriol, it’s crucial to understand the legality and regulations in the respective country. Prior research is essential for making informed decisions and understanding potential consequences. It’s important to note that ignorance of the law is not an excuse.
A heads up when buying Andriol
In the United States, purchasing Andriol online is the only available option, but it entails breaking the law. Anabolic androgenic steroids, including Andriol, fall under Schedule III controlled substances according to the Steroid Control Act of 1990 and the Steroid Control Act of 2004. To legally acquire and possess these substances, a prescription based on medical necessity is required. This authorization must be granted by the U.S. government, not just a physician. Additionally, since Andriol is not approved by the U.S. FDA, legal purchase within the country is impossible. Those caught violating these laws face severe penalties, including hefty fines and imprisonment.
While the U.S. enforces strict steroid laws, regulations are often more lenient in other countries worldwide. Although some nations have stringent policies, they rarely match the severity of those in the U.S. Buying Andriol online from another country might yield better results, though many countries, even if lenient, may disapprove of internet purchases. Alternatively, purchasing Andriol over the counter at a pharmacy in certain countries is feasible. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the laws of your jurisdiction before considering the purchase of Andriol or any other anabolic steroid.
Due to the stringent steroid regulations in the United States and a few other nations, individuals are advised to explore the sponsors available on Steroid.com. These sponsors offer high-quality anabolics without the need for a prescription or the risk of legal repercussions. If you suspect you have low testosterone levels, consider visiting lowtestosterone.com for further guidance and assistance.
How to buy Andriol
Although Andriol isn’t widely embraced by athletes and bodybuilders due to its limited bioavailability and higher cost, it remains a commonly available product in the market. A notable advantage of purchasing Andriol is its resistance to counterfeiting, as its unique formulation is challenging to replicate. Moreover, there are no underground lab (UGL) versions of Andriol available, ensuring that only genuine pharmaceutical-grade Organon products are on the market.
While identifying authentic Andriol is crucial, buyers should pay attention to certain characteristics. Older Andriol products, predating 2003, typically feature brown or red-colored capsules. The newer Andriol Testocaps are oval-shaped, glossy gelatin capsules containing an orange gel resembling a yellowish oil, with visible markings such as DV3 and ORG.
However, despite its authenticity, Andriol comes at a considerable cost. The Organon product from Greece averages around $2.00 per 40mg capsule, translating to approximately $60 for a blister pack of 30 capsules. Alternatively, the Organon product from India offers a cheaper option at around $1.00 per capsule, making a box of 30 capsules cost approximately $30. Even with the more affordable Indian variant, Andriol remains relatively expensive. For instance, a typical dosage of 400mg per day (10 capsules) for a 10-week cycle can amount to approximately $700, considered a low to moderate dosage for Andriol.
Conclusion
Because Andriol is produced by Organon, you can have confidence in its quality as a testosterone product. Organon, along with Schering, manufactures many of the leading anabolic steroids globally. However, if you’re seeking enhanced performance, Andriol may not be the ideal steroid for you. Even for combating suppression, there are often better and more cost-effective options available. Nonetheless, for individuals dealing with low testosterone levels outside the United States, Andriol can serve as a convenient treatment option. Its success rate is comparable to transdermal testosterone, which is generally high; however, some individuals may still find injectable testosterone more efficient.
Andriol data
- Manufacturer: Schering AG
- Formula: C19 H28 O2
- Molecular Weight (base): 288.429
- Molecular Weight (ester): 186.2936
- Effective Dose (Men): 40-120mg per day
- Effective Dose (Women): Not suggested
- Half-Life: Approx. 6-9 hours
- Detection Time: Approx. 2-3 months
- Anabolic/Androgenic Ratio: 100:100
- Testosterone + Undecanoate ester
