Delatestryl

What is Delatestryl?

Delatestryl is a brand name for the drug testosterone enanthate. It is an injectable form of the male hormone testosterone, classified as both an androgen and an anabolic steroid. It is a long-acting prodrug, meaning it is inactive until the body metabolizes it into testosterone.

Delatestryl is used as a testosterone replacement therapy to treat conditions caused by low testosterone levels in men, such as hypogonadism (primary or secondary). It is also used in men with delayed puberty and, in some cases, to treat inoperable breast cancer in women.

Side Effects and Benefits

Benefits:

• Replacement of Testosterone: Delatestryl effectively replaces the testosterone that the body is missing, helping to alleviate symptoms of low testosterone.

• Improved Symptoms: It can improve symptoms associated with hypogonadism, such as low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and decreased muscle mass.

• Long-lasting Effect: Because it is a long-acting ester, it requires less frequent injections compared to other testosterone formulations.

Side Effects:

• Common Side Effects: Acne, pain and swelling at the injection site, oily skin, hair loss, and changes in sexual interest.

• Serious Side Effects:

  • Cardiovascular: Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure.

  • Prostate: Enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and an increased risk of prostate cancer, especially in older men.

  • Hematological: Increased red blood cell count, which can lead to blood clots.

  • Psychological: Mood swings, irritability, agitation, and depression.

  • Other: Liver problems, prolonged or painful erections, and sleep apnea.

• Side effects specific to women: Delatestryl can cause the development of male features, including a deepened voice, acne, increased facial and body hair, and irregular or absent menstrual periods. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Effective: Works well to increase testosterone levels in the body.

• Convenient Dosing: The long-acting nature of the drug allows for less frequent injections (typically every 2 to 4 weeks).

• Established Use: Has been used for medical purposes since the 1950s, so its effects and side effects are well-documented.

Cons:

• Injectable Only: It is only available as an injection, which may be a deterrent for people who are afraid of needles.

• Fluctuating Hormone Levels: The levels of testosterone can fluctuate significantly between injections, leading to potential mood swings or fluctuations in libido.

• Potential for Misuse: Like other anabolic steroids, it has a potential for misuse, addiction, and dependency.

• Side Effects: The wide range of potential side effects, including serious cardiovascular and prostate issues, is a significant concern.

Dosage and Frequency

The dosage and frequency of Delatestryl are highly individualized and depend on the patient's age, sex, diagnosis, and response to treatment. For male hypogonadism, a typical suggested dose is 50 to 400 mg every 2 to 4 weeks. It is rarely administered more frequently than every two weeks. The total dose generally does not exceed 400 mg per month. For other conditions like delayed puberty or breast cancer, the dosage and duration of therapy are determined by a healthcare provider.

Half-Life and Detection Time

• Half-life: The elimination half-life of testosterone enanthate is approximately 4.5 days, with a mean residence time of about 8.5 days. This means it takes approximately 4.5 days for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body.

• Detection time: The detection time for testosterone enanthate is typically several months. This is due to the long-acting nature of the ester and the fact that it is a testosterone derivative. While some sources may provide specific timeframes, it is important to note that detection times can vary widely based on individual metabolism, dosage, frequency of use, and the type of drug testing performed.

Sterogenic, Progestronic, and Prolactin Effects

• Sterogenic Effects: As a synthetic androgen and anabolic steroid, testosterone enanthate is an agonist of the androgen receptor. It produces both anabolic (muscle building) and androgenic (masculinizing) effects.

• Progestronic Effects: Testosterone enanthate itself does not have progestogenic activity.

• Prolactin Effects: High doses of testosterone, particularly when aromatized to estradiol, can indirectly affect prolactin levels. Estrogen can stimulate the synthesis of prolactin, which in turn can lead to an increase in prolactin levels. High prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia) can cause side effects like gynecomastia (breast tissue enlargement), galactorrhea (milky discharge from the nipples), and sexual dysfunction.

Anabolic Androgenic Ratio

Testosterone and its derivatives are often measured by their anabolic-androgenic ratio. This ratio compares the anabolic (tissue-building) effects to the androgenic (masculinizing) effects.

• Testosterone (including testosterone enanthate) is considered the baseline for this ratio. Therefore, the anabolic androgenic ratio of testosterone is 1:1. This means it has an equal potential for both anabolic and androgenic effects.