Testosterone is a male hormone and testosterone enanthate is an injectable drug which is meant to slowly release the hormone at the injection area. The medication supplements or replaces the testosterone that is naturally produced by the body. It also inhibits activities of estrogen hormone in some forms of breast cancer and thus help reduce cancer metastasis.
Testosterone enanthate may be used to treat hypogonadism or low testosterone symptoms in men, or for other conditions as deemed by the physician.
Testosterone Enanthate – Cycle and Uses
Testosterone performs a lot of functions in males such as growth and development of muscles, genitals, and bones and aiding the onset of puberty in boys.
Testosterone enanthate belongs to the androgens class of drugs. After administration, testosterone enanthate serum concentrations tend to rise for many weeks and stay elevated for nearly 2 weeks. The action of the drug may take about 3 weeks to completely decrease.
Some of the common uses of testosterone enanthate are as follows:
- It may be used in some boys to initiate puberty, if normal sexual development is delayed.
- It can be used for treatment of certain kinds of breast cancer.
- It can be used for muscle building and enhancement of varied body functions and body development
Testosterone enanthate should not be used for treating low levels of testosterone that occur as part of normal aging process.
It should be used by pregnant or breast-feeding women; male breast cancer patients; people who are allergic to the drug’s ingredients; or those with kidney issues, prostate cancer, or liver or heart problems.
People taking health supplements, herbal preparations, or OTC or prescription medications also need to inform the doctor of the same as some of these can interact with testosterone enanthate and cause harmful side effects. A few of these prescription drugs include anticoagulants, corticosteroids, propranolol, and immune-suppressants, etc.
How to use testosterone enanthate
- Use testosterone enanthate as per physician’s directions. The label will offer information about the correct dosage.
- In most cases, testosterone enanthate is administered by a doctor as an injection at a clinic or hospital. The injection is usually given in the buttock muscles, after every one to four weeks. The drug should not be injected into a vein. The dosage is usually dependent on the blood testosterone levels, the underlying medical disorder, and the patient’s response to treatment.
- The doctor will provide instructions on how to use it at home, in case patients wish to take it at home. Follow the procedure recommended by the doctor and do not change it in any way. Do not reduce, increase, or stop using testosterone enanthate on your own. Consult the doctor in case of any side effects or additional questions.
- Regular use of testosterone enanthate will offer the most medical and health benefits. Mark out the days you need to take the injection, on a calendar, so as to not forget it.
- Visually check the vial for cracks, discoloration, cloudiness, or particles. Do not use it if any of these abnormalities is noticed.
- If u missed a dose, then take it at the earliest. If the next dose is just a few days away, then do not take 2 doses. Skip the missed dose and continue to the next dose; or consult a doctor for advice.
Side effects of testosterone enanthate
Some of the side effects of testosterone enanthate are listed below:
- Testosterone enanthate can affect blood sugar levels. Hence, diabetics have to closely monitor their blood glucose if they are taking testosterone enanthate.
- Testosterone enanthate is a potent drug and hence can cause some side effects during a cycle. It has a high propensity to turn into estrogen, which can then lead to loss of muscle definition and water retention, etc.
- Common side effects include strong, bitter taste in mouth; oral or gum irritation; acne; loss of hair; sex drive changes; swelling or tenderness of the gums; fatigue or exhaustion; headache; and pain in gums.
- Some serious side effects include:
- Changes in shape or size of testicles; prolonged or painful erection
- Breast pain or growth; changes in menstrual cycles; growth of facial hair; hoarseness or changes in voice like a deepening of voice; enlarged clitoris; and body hair growth
- Extreme allergic reactions such as hives, rash, breathing problems, itchiness, tight feeling in chest area, and/or swelling of the lips, mouth, face, or tongue
- Swelling of legs or ankles
- Gingivitis
- Yellowing of eyes or skin
- Mood changes
- Dizziness, confusion, or fainting
- Depression, aggression, anxiety
- Persistent episodes of coughing
- Breathing problems when sleeping; breathlessness
- Changes in stool or urine color
- Weight gain
- Nausea
- Pain in abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Sudden stoppage or testosterone enanthate dosage or increasing/reducing the dosage can cause harmful side effects like increased risk to liver problems, stroke, heart conditions, ruptured ligaments or tendons, and bone growth anomalies in teens.
