Estandron

What is Estandron?

Estandron, also known by its brand names Estandron Prolongatum, Lynandron Prolongatum, and Mixogen, was an injectable combination medication. It contained a mix of two types of hormones: estrogens and androgens.

• Estrogens: Estradiol benzoate and estradiol phenylpropionate.

• Androgens/Anabolic Steroids: Testosterone propionate, testosterone phenylpropionate, and testosterone isocaproate.

This unique combination of a long-acting estrogen and a blend of different testosterone esters was designed for prolonged effects. It was primarily used in hormone replacement therapy for women and to suppress lactation in postpartum women. It's important to note that Estandron appears to be no longer commercially marketed.

Side Effects and Benefits

The side effects and benefits of Estandron are related to the combined effects of its components: estrogens and testosterone.

Benefits

• Hormone Replacement Therapy: Estandron was used to treat symptoms of menopause in women, providing a balance of both estrogen and testosterone. This was intended to address not only the hot flashes and vaginal dryness associated with estrogen deficiency but also potential issues with libido and energy related to low testosterone.

• Lactation Suppression: It was also used to suppress lactation in women after childbirth.

• Potential Anabolic Effects: The testosterone components of Estandron could have had some anabolic (muscle-building) effects, which may have been a reason for its use outside of medical prescriptions.

Side Effects

The side effects can be significant and are a major reason why such combined products are no longer in common use. They include the risks associated with both estrogens and androgens.

• Serious Side Effects:

  • Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism).

  • Increased risk of breast cancer.

  • Dementia.

• Common Side Effects (from estrogen and testosterone):

  • Fluid retention, leading to swelling of the hands, feet, or lower legs.

  • Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

  • Headaches.

  • Breast pain or tenderness.

  • Changes in weight and appetite.

  • Hair growth, especially on the face (hirsutism), from the androgenic components.

  • Changes in sexual drive.

  • Emotional changes or depression.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Convenience: As a long-acting injectable, it offered a convenient treatment schedule compared to daily pills.

• Balanced Hormone Profile: The combination of estrogen and testosterone aimed to address a broader range of symptoms in hormone replacement therapy than either hormone alone.

Cons

• Significant Health Risks: The potential for serious side effects like blood clots, stroke, and certain cancers is a major disadvantage.

• Unpredictable Dosing: The different half-lives of the various esters in the compound could lead to fluctuating hormone levels.

• Obsolete: Estandron and similar formulations are no longer the standard of care due to the availability of safer, more effective, and better-controlled hormonal therapies.

Dosage and Frequency

The specific dosage and frequency for Estandron are difficult to determine as it's an outdated medication. Historical use suggests it was administered via deep intramuscular injection. For similar combination therapies, dosages would have been highly individualized and determined by a physician based on the patient's needs and response. The "Prolongatum" in its name indicates a long-acting effect, suggesting injections would be administered at intervals of weeks rather than days.

Half-Life and Detection Time

The half-life and detection time of Estandron are complex due to it being a combination of multiple esters with varying half-lives.

• Testosterone Esters: Testosterone propionate has a very short half-life (a few days), while testosterone phenylpropionate and isocaproate are longer-acting. The combination would create an initial spike followed by a sustained release. The overall half-life of the testosterone component would be a blend of these different esters, likely extending over several weeks.

• Estradiol Esters: Similarly, estradiol benzoate and estradiol phenylpropionate have a prolonged effect compared to unesterified estradiol.

• Detection Time: Due to the long-acting nature of the esters, the components could be detectable in drug tests for an extended period, potentially for several weeks or even months, depending on the specific test and the user's metabolism. Testosterone esters can be detectable for over a month in urine.

Steroidogenic, Progestogenic, and Prolactin Effects

• Steroidogenic Effects: Estandron would have a direct effect on steroidogenesis by providing exogenous androgens and estrogens, which would suppress the body's natural production of these hormones via negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis.

• Progestogenic Effects: The medication itself is not a progestogen. However, the balance of estrogen and androgen can indirectly influence the body's hormonal state. In many hormone replacement therapies containing estrogen, a progestogen is added to protect the uterine lining from the proliferative effects of unopposed estrogen. Since Estandron contains testosterone (an androgen), it would not be a substitute for this progestin and could potentially require the co-administration of one if the patient has an intact uterus.

• Prolactin Effects: Estrogens are known to stimulate prolactin secretion. The estrogen component in Estandron could have led to elevated prolactin levels. Conversely, the high dose of testosterone could also have an effect on this, but the primary driver would likely be the estrogen component. This is also why it was used to suppress lactation, as the high dose of hormones would override the natural hormonal signals for milk production.

Anabolic Androgenic Ratio

The anabolic-androgenic ratio is a measure of a steroid's anabolic (muscle-building) effects versus its androgenic (masculinizing) side effects. This ratio is typically given for a single compound.

• Testosterone: Testosterone itself is the baseline, with an anabolic-androgenic ratio of 1:1.

• Estandron: Since Estandron is a combination of testosterone esters and estrogens, it doesn't have a single, simple ratio. Its effects would be a result of the complex interplay of both hormones. The presence of testosterone would provide anabolic and androgenic effects, while the estrogen component would counteract some of the androgenic effects and introduce its own set of side effects. This makes it a unique and complex formulation.