Testosterone enanthate
Testosterone enanthate 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 or subcutaneously usually once every one to four weeks.
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Trade names | Delatestryl, Xyosted, others |
Other names | TE; Testosterone heptanoate; Testosterone 17β-heptanoate; NSC-17591 |
Routes of administration | Intramuscular injection, subcutaneous injection |
Drug class | Androgen; Anabolic steroid; Androgen ester |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Bioavailability | Oral: very low Intramuscular: high |
Metabolism | Liver |
Elimination half-life | Intramuscular: 4–5 days |
Excretion | Urine |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.005.686 |
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Formula | C26H40O3 |
Molar mass | 400.603 g·mol−1 |
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Side effects of testosterone enanthate 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 (AR), the biological target of androgens like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It has strong androgenic effects and moderate anabolic effects, which make it useful for producing masculinization and suitable for androgen replacement therapy. Testosterone enanthate is a testosterone ester and a long-lasting prodrug of testosterone in the body. Because of this, it is considered to be a natural and bioidentical form of testosterone.
Testosterone enanthate was introduced for medical use in 1954. Along with testosterone cypionate, testosterone undecanoate, and testosterone propionate, it is one of the most widely used testosterone esters. In addition to its medical use, testosterone enanthate is used to improve physique and performance. The drug is a controlled substance in many countries and so non-medical use is generally illicit.