Chemical Properties of Andriol
Andriol, or Testosterone Undecanoate, is an oral testosterone product manufactured in the form of an oil-based gel capsule.
Unlike other oral anabolic steroids, this product is not C-17 alpha-alkylated. Instead, it is an esterified form of testosterone attached to a fatty acid chain.
According to research, Andriol is absorbed through the lymphatic system when consumed with fats.
While it has no liver toxicity, its oral bioavailability is low, at approximately 7%.
Andriol was developed by Organon in the early 1980s and is also sold under other names such as Virigen, Undestor, and Restandol.
Andriol is used as a Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) medication for men with deficient natural testosterone levels.
It offers a convenient administration form for men who prefer not to use injections, serving as an alternative to injectable testosterone.
While it originally required refrigeration, in the early 2000s, Organon developed Andriol Testocaps, which can be stored at room temperature.
Andriol is supplied in 40mg gel capsule form.
Due to its low oral bioavailability and high cost, Andriol is rarely used among athletes and bodybuilders.
After ingestion, Andriol causes testosterone levels in the body to peak within a few hours and maintains a stable peak plasma concentration for 24 hours with repeated doses.
Chemical Properties of Andriol
Andriol is an esterified variant of testosterone, with an undecanoate ester attached to the 17-beta hydroxyl group.
Lacking C-17 alpha-alkylation, it does not have the negative impact on the liver associated with other oral steroids.
Furthermore, it is not subject to a first pass through the liver; thanks to its long-chain fatty acid ester, it is lipophilic and absorbed into the body through the lymphatic system.
Andriol Side Effects
As a testosterone product, Andriol can cause the primary side effects associated with testosterone.
Specifically, estrogenic side effects are prominent, occurring as blood estrogen levels rise due to its interaction with the aromatase enzyme.
This can lead to increased body fat, bloating, water retention, elevated blood pressure, and gynecomastia.
To avoid estrogenic side effects, an anti-estrogen can be used.
Additionally, androgenic side effects may occur.
Testosterone can be reduced to DHT, causing masculinizing side effects, which include increased aggression, body hair growth, oily skin, voice changes, and male pattern baldness.
A 5-alpha reductase inhibitor can be used to reduce the conversion to DHT.
Testosterone can suppress endogenous testosterone production, so Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) is necessary to aid recovery.
Negative cardiovascular effects are also a concern, as HDL cholesterol may decrease when used for performance enhancement.
Taking an aromatase inhibitor concurrently increases the impact on the cardiovascular system.
Unlike C-17 alpha-alkylated oral steroids, Andriol is not hepatotoxic, and studies have shown that even high doses do not cause changes in liver enzyme levels.
Andriol Dosage and Administration
For medical purposes, the prescribed dosage of Andriol ranges from 120-160mg per day for the first 2-3 weeks.
After this initial period, prescription guidelines recommend reducing the Andriol dosage to a maintenance level of 40-120mg per day.
For athletic and physique enhancement, the dosage of Andriol must naturally be much higher.
To see measurable effects, a minimum of 250mg (6 or 7 capsules) per day is required, and many argue that results in this range are on the low end.
Typically, Andriol is used at a dosage of 400-500mg (10-14 capsules) per day.
Advanced or experienced users may require even higher doses.
Due to the lipophilic nature of Andriol, it is recommended to administer it with food/meals to maximize absorption through the lymphatic system, ideally with a meal high in fat content.
Studies have shown that taking Andriol on an empty stomach results in very low absorption and bioavailability.
Furthermore, to maintain constant and stable serum testosterone levels, Andriol should be taken in two evenly split doses, in the morning and evening.
Andriol Cycles and Uses
As a lipophilic drug, Andriol should be taken with fatty foods to maximize absorption.
Taking it on an empty stomach results in low absorption.
To maintain stable serum levels, it should be taken in split doses in the morning and evening.
Andriol cycles are similar to typical testosterone cycles, but due to its low bioavailability, higher doses may be used.
Cycle lengths are typically 8 to 12 weeks.
Beginners often take 300mg per day for 8 to 12 weeks.
Experienced athletes often use it in conjunction with other powerful anabolic steroids.
Andriol can be used alone in a solo cycle or as a base testosterone compound during a cycle with other anabolic steroids.
The cycle length for Andriol can range from 8 to 12 weeks or more.
As previously mentioned, it is not a widely used testosterone product among bodybuilders and athletes for performance or physique enhancement, and information on Andriol cycles is very rare.
Beginners might be tempted to choose Andriol for the convenience of an oral testosterone product, but even this is uncommon.
A beginner Andriol cycle typically involves taking 300mg of Andriol per day for 8 to 12 weeks.
If an experienced athlete decides to use Andriol, it is usually as part of a cycle where a low dose of Andriol is run in the background to support essential bodily functions, while other more potent anabolic steroids serve as the primary compounds.
This may include drugs such as Winstrol (Stanozolol), Nandrolone (Deca), Trenbolone, or Anavar (Oxandrolone).
Andriol Information
- Testosterone + Undecanoate
| Molecular Weight (base) | 288.429 |
| Molecular Weight (ester) | 186.2936 |
| Formula | C19 H28 O2 |
| Manufacturer | Schering AG |
| Half-life | Approx. 6-9 hours |
| Effective Dose (Men) Effective Dose (Women) |
40-120mg per day Not recommended |
| Anabolic Rating | None |
| Androgenic Rating | None |
