Sterandryl Retard

What is Sterandryl Retard?

Sterandryl Retard is a discontinued brand name for a medication containing Testosterone Hexahydrobenzoate (THHB), also known as testosterone cyclohexanecarboxylate (TCHC). It is an androgen and anabolic steroid (AAS) medication that was administered via intramuscular injection. It is a testosterone ester, meaning it is a testosterone molecule attached to a specific chemical group (in this case, hexahydrobenzoate) to prolong its release and effects in the body after injection. The medication was typically provided in ampoules containing 100 mg of THHB in an oil solution.

Other Names:

• Testosterone Hexahydrobenzoate (THHB)

• Testosterone Cyclohexanecarboxylate (TCHC)

• Testormon Depot

• Tardosterandryl

• Testosteron-Depot

• Testodur

• Virex

Benefits and Pros

Like other testosterone esters, the benefits of Sterandryl Retard would be derived from its function as a testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or for its anabolic properties. The benefits and pros are generally the same as those for other forms of testosterone replacement:

• Treatment of Low Testosterone (Hypogonadism): Restores testosterone levels to a normal range, alleviating symptoms such as low libido, fatigue, depression, and loss of muscle mass.

• Anabolic Effects: Increases muscle mass and strength.

• Androgenic Effects: Promotes the development and maintenance of male secondary sexual characteristics, such as a deeper voice, facial and body hair growth, and bone density.

• Improved Mood and Energy: Can lead to a better sense of well-being, increased energy, and improved mood.

• Increased Red Blood Cell Production: Can help with anemia.

• Convenience (compared to some other forms): Because of its long-acting nature, it would require less frequent injections than shorter-acting testosterone esters like testosterone propionate.

Side Effects and Cons

The side effects and cons of Sterandryl Retard are similar to those of other anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and are dependent on the dosage and duration of use.

• Androgenic Side Effects: These are related to its testosterone-like effects and can include acne, oily skin, hair loss (androgenic alopecia), and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or worsening of prostate cancer symptoms in susceptible individuals.

• Estrogenic Side Effects: Testosterone can be converted to estradiol (an estrogen) in the body through a process called aromatization. This can lead to side effects such as gynecomastia (development of male breast tissue), water retention, and high blood pressure.

• Cardiovascular Effects: Can negatively impact lipid profiles by increasing LDL ("bad") cholesterol and decreasing HDL ("good") cholesterol, potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

• Suppression of Natural Testosterone Production: Exogenous testosterone administration signals the body to stop producing its own testosterone, leading to testicular atrophy and infertility. This effect is reversible after cessation of use, but the recovery time can vary.

• Hepatotoxicity: While not as severe as with some oral steroids, there is a risk of liver stress.

• Psychological Effects: Can lead to mood swings, increased aggression ("roid rage"), and dependence.

Dosage and Frequency

Specific dosing information for Sterandryl Retard is difficult to find as it is no longer marketed. However, since its pharmacokinetics are comparable to other long-acting testosterone esters like testosterone cypionate and testosterone enanthate, its dosage and frequency would likely have been similar. For TRT, a typical dosage for such compounds is around 50–250 mg every 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the individual's needs and response. The original ampoules were 100 mg in an oil solution.

Half-Life and Detection Time

• Half-Life: The half-life of Testosterone Hexahydrobenzoate is comparable to that of testosterone enanthate and cypionate. The half-life of testosterone enanthate is approximately 4.5 days, and for testosterone cypionate, it is approximately 8 days. Therefore, the half-life of THHB would likely fall within a similar range, suggesting a prolonged effect.

• Detection Time: The detection time for anabolic-androgenic steroids in drug tests is highly variable and depends on the specific ester, the dosage, the frequency of use, and the type of test (e.g., urine, blood, hair). Long-acting esters like THHB can be detectable for weeks or even months after the last injection. While a precise detection window for Sterandryl Retard is not readily available, other long-acting testosterone esters are generally detectable for several months.

Sterogenic, Progestogenic, and Prolactin Effects

• Sterogenic Effects: This term is broad, but in this context, it refers to its role as a steroid. As a testosterone ester, Sterandryl Retard is a prodrug of testosterone. Once injected, the ester group is cleaved, releasing testosterone, which then exerts its steroidal effects by binding to the androgen receptor.

• Progestogenic Effects: Testosterone and its esters are not considered progestogenic. They do not activate progesterone receptors.

• Prolactin Effects: Testosterone itself does not directly increase prolactin levels. However, some anabolic-androgenic steroids, particularly those with progestogenic activity (like nandrolone), can increase prolactin levels. Estrogenic side effects from testosterone aromatization can also lead to an increase in prolactin. Therefore, while not a direct effect, the aromatization of testosterone from Sterandryl Retard could indirectly contribute to a rise in prolactin levels. High prolactin can lead to issues like gynecomastia and erectile dysfunction.

Anabolic Androgenic Ratio

The anabolic androgenic ratio is a way to describe the balance between a steroid's muscle-building (anabolic) properties and its masculinizing (androgenic) properties. This ratio is typically based on animal studies and is not a precise metric for human effects.

Testosterone is the standard against which other anabolic steroids are measured. Therefore, its anabolic androgenic ratio is considered to be 1:1. Since Sterandryl Retard is simply an ester of testosterone, its anabolic androgenic ratio is also considered to be 1:1. The esterification does not change the fundamental ratio of the parent compound, testosterone. The purpose of the ester is to alter the half-life and release rate, not the inherent biological activity of the testosterone molecule itself.