Description

• Chemical name: (17β)-3-Oxoandrost-4-en-17-yl propanoate
• Formula: C₂₂H₃₂O₃
• Anabolic activity index: 100% (reference drug)
• Androgenic activity index: 100% (reference drug)

SUSTALAD (ampoules) - DRIADA MEDICAL

10 amps x 1 ml x 250 mg/ml

Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in humans, playing a crucial role in the development of male and female reproductive tissues, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, body hair growth, and overall well-being. Insufficient levels of testosterone in men can lead to abnormalities including frailty and bone loss. Testosterone exhibits pronounced anabolic properties, such as enhancing muscle mass, accelerating protein synthesis, improving recovery rate, and increasing glycogen supply in muscles. This hormone controls numerous processes in the body and is essential for both elderly individuals with age-related hypogonadism and athletes on steroid cycles.

Mechanism of Action

Testosterone binds to androgen receptors and serves as a precursor to another biologically active androgen called dihydrotestosterone, which is formed through the conversion of testosterone by the enzyme 5α-reduction. Dihydrotestosterone exhibits a five-fold greater binding affinity to androgen receptors. These hormones induce structural changes in the receptor, transmitting signals to the cell nucleus where androgenic effects are realized through the modulation of specific DNA genes. Testosterone can also be converted to estrogen through the action of aromatase, predominantly activating feedback through the hypothalamus-pituitary-testes axis and suppressing endogenous testosterone secretion upon administration of exogenous drugs.

Medical Use

Testosterone is listed in the World Health Organization's essential medicines, signifying its importance as a vital hormonal drug rather than solely an anabolic steroid for muscle growth and strength enhancement. It is utilized in the treatment of gender dysphoria, male hypogonadism, and certain types of breast cancer. As testosterone levels naturally decline with age, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) becomes necessary to maintain overall health and quality of life. HRT helps maintain testosterone levels within the normal range, and the decline in testosterone production has prompted interest in androgen replacement therapy. Testosterone also plays a role in cognitive functions such as mood, spatial ability, attention, memory, and preliminary evidence suggests low testosterone levels may be a risk factor for cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.

Testosterone for Seniors

Men over 35 who experience diminished well-being are often advised to have their blood testosterone levels tested. If levels fall below 12 nmol/L, hormone replacement therapy is recommended. This decision offers various benefits, including improved body composition with increased lean mass and reduced fat, revitalized sexual function, and a rejuvenating effect that counteracts the negative consequences of androgen deficiency. Close monitoring of lipid profile, clinical blood parameters, estradiol, and prolactin levels is crucial. It's important to note that natural gonadotropin production steadily declines during HRT, requiring specific therapy involving gonadotropins for individuals aiming to conceive offspring. Dosage selection for testosterone therapy should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional, taking into account normal testosterone levels, current levels, body weight, body fat percentage, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, and the aromatization process. Replacement therapy dosages are generally lower than those used by athletes, typically ranging from 50-200mg per week.

Testosterone in Sports

The primary advantage of testosterone is its ability to increase muscle mass and strength. In addition to its anabolic effects, the drug also exhibits strong androgenic properties. Androgens enter cells and interact with androgen receptor (AR) proteins, inducing conformational changes that activate the AR and allow it to bind to DNA, regulating gene expression. Rapid weight gain associated with testosterone use is often attributed to water retention through sodium retention and estrogenic effects. Testosterone can help alleviate joint problems, shoulder and knee pain, but nandrolone and growth hormone may be more preferable in this regard. Testosterone stimulates the body's regenerative processes, enhances overall energy levels and exercise desire, prevents overtraining, increases oxygen capacity and nitric oxide production, resulting in better pumps during training. In sports, recommended dosages range from 250-500 mg per week, and adjustments may be made based on an athlete's body weight. Typical testosterone cycles last 8-10 weeks, followed by a post-cycle therapy period of 2-3 weeks. However, it's important to note that testosterone is often used for longer durations. High-level professional athletes may reach a maximum dosage of 2000 mg per week, but further increases in dosage only lead to increased side effects. To mitigate the development of estrogenic side effects caused by aromatization, it is advisable to monitor estradiol levels and consider the use of aromatase inhibitors under medical supervision.

Testosterone Mix

The Testosterone Mix is a combination of various forms of testosterone with different absorption rates. This allows for a sustained elevation of anabolic hormones in the blood for nearly a month. Frequent injections are unnecessary, as Testosterone Mix is typically administered once every three weeks for medical purposes. However, for muscle-building purposes, more frequent injections, typically once a week, are needed. Some athletes mistakenly believe that Testosterone Mix is a combination of different courses in a single bottle, but each component of the drug is converted in the body into testosterone.

Dosages:

• Beginner: 250 mg per week
• Average Dosage: 300-750 mg per week
• High Dosage: 750+ mg per week

Effects:

• Increased muscle mass
• Development of male genital organs and secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., low voice, male facial features, male-pattern hair growth)
• Promotes spermatogenesis and male behaviors (e.g., sexual, aggressiveness, resoluteness)
• Increased muscle mass
• Fat burning
• Increased strength
• Enhanced libido
• Reduction in blood cholesterol levels
• Lowered risk of heart ischemia and coronary heart disease
• Stimulation of erythropoiesis and male-like distribution of subcutaneous fatty tissue
• Influences nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism

Side Effects:

• Increased blood pressure
• Heightened sexual behavior
• Hemoconcentration (blood clotting)
• Possibility of blood clots in arterial and venous vessels
• Water retention (edema)
• Masculinization effects
• Aggression, agitation, irritability
• Alopecia (baldness ofthe scalp)
• Acne
• Insomnia (rare)

Profile:

• Half-life: 7-15 days
• Frequency of injections: 4-7 days

Pharmaceutical Form

Oily solution for intramuscular injection.

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy
• Known or suspected carcinoma of the prostate or breast
• Breastfeeding
• Hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients

Storage:

• Keep out of reach of children
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Store at room temperature
• Do not use after the expiry date