Estandron (testosterone/estrogen blend)

Description:

Estandron is a combination testosterone and estrogen product made for injection. This particular product is made by Organon, although many variants of such a testosterone plus estrogen formulations can be found. At first glance the constituents of Estandron look very familiar to Sustanon 100. It begins with a small dose of testosterone propionate (20 mg), followed by equal amounts of testosterone phenylpropionate and testosterone isocaproate (40 mg of each). The result is a 100 mg/mL mix of testosterone that is ester-for-ester and milligram-for-milligram equivalent to this lower-dosed version of Sustanon. The only differences are the addition of 1mg of estradiol benzoate and 4mg of estradiol phenylpropionate, which have been included to provide estrogen to the patient as well (this product is intended for clinical use with women). While this preparation does carry a formidable dose of testosterone, it is not widely used by athletes and bodybuilders, particularly men, due to its high level of estrogenicity.

History:

Estandron is but one of many combination testosterone/estrogen products developed over the years. These products have historically been used with women in clinical medicine when the anabolic/androgenic effects of testosterone are desired in addition to the therapeutic benefits of estrogens. This includes the treatment of osteoporosis, menopause, breast cancer, and the suppression of lactation. Such applications are not as popular today as they were in the past, however, given that many other medications are available that are better suited for the needs of patients. The one key exception is the recent reemergence of low doses of testosterone with estrogen replacement therapy for menopause, which is proving to have numerous benefits with women when it comes to the support of lean tissue mass, bone density. energy, and sexual vigor. Estandron is often used specifically for the loss of libido and energy with menopause, although it contains far too much testosterone to be widely used for this purpose.

Estandron is not widely used outside of clinical medicine. Some female bodybuilders interested in testosterone do experiment with this drug, believing the added estrogen makes it a drug for women. While true in a clinical sense, when used at the higher doses needed for bodybuilding purposes, testosterone is generally not recommended for women. The very rare male athlete will attempt its use, and may find that the estrogen helps with lipid values. Most will not go near the drug though, given that the estrogenicity of testosterone is usually more than enough to deal with during a cycle. Estandron is still fairly available for those interested, although Organon seems to be supporting the drug much less these days. It has already been discontinued in some European markets, including Italy and Austria. The most notable countries it is still being sold in include the Netherlands (Estandron Prolongatum), Chile (Estandron Prolongado), Brazil (Estandron P), Egypt (Estandron), and Turkey (Estandron Prolongatum).

How Supplied:

Estandron is available in select human drug markets. All products are supplied in 1 mL glass ampules or pre-loaded syringes containing an oily solution; sold by or under license from Organon.

Structural Characteristics:

Estandron contains a mixture of three testosterone compounds, which were modified with the addition of carboxylic acid esters (propionic, propionic phenyl ester, and isocaproic acids) at the 17beta hydroxyl group. The preparation also contains two esterified forms of estrogen: estradiol benzoate and estradiol phenylpropionate. Esterified steroids are less polar than free steroids, and are absorbed more slowly from the area of injection. Once in the bloodstream, the ester is removed to yield free (active) hormone. Estandron is designed to provide a rapid peak in testosterone and estrogen levels (24-48 hours after injection), and maintain physiological concentrations for approximately 21-28 days.

Side Effects (Estrogenic):

Testosterone is readily aromatized in the body to estradiol (estrogen). Additionally, this preparation contains two forms of active estrogen. Elevated estrogen levels can cause side effects such as increased water retention, body fat gain, and gynecomastia. This steroid preparation is considered to be highly estrogenic. An anti-estrogen such as clomiphene citrate or tamoxifen citrate may be necessary to prevent estrogenic side effects. One may alternately use an aromatase inhibitor like Arimidex® (anastrozole), although it will not have an effect on the additional estrogens present in the preparation. Since water retention and loss of muscle definition are common with highly estrogenic steroid products, this drug is usually considered a poor choice for dieting or cutting phases of training. It would only be appropriate during bulking phases, where the added water retention will support raw strength and muscle size, and help foster a stronger anabolic environment.

Side Effects (Androgenic):

Testosterone is the primary male androgen, responsible for maintaining secondary male sexual characteristics. Elevated levels of testosterone are likely to produce androgenic side effects including oily skin, acne, and body/facial hair growth. Men with a genetic predisposition for hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) may notice accelerated male pattern balding. Those concerned about hair loss may find a more comfortable option in nandrolone decanoate, which is a comparably less androgenic steroid. Women are warned of the potential virilizing effects of anabolic/androgenic steroids, especially with a strong androgen such as testosterone. These may include deepening of the voice, menstrual irregularities, changes in skin texture, facial hair growth, and clitoral enlargement.

Side Effects (Hepatotoxicity):

Testosterone and estrogen do not have hepatotoxic effects; liver toxicity is unlikely.

Side Effects (Cardiovascular):

Anabolic/androgenic steroids can have deleterious effects on serum cholesterol. This includes a tendency to reduce HDL (good) cholesterol values and increase LDL (bad) cholesterol values, which may shift the HDL to LDL balance in a direction that favors greater risk of arteriosclerosis. The relative impact of an anabolic/androgenic steroid on serum lipids is dependant on the dose,

route of administration (oral vs. injectable), type of steroid (aromatizable or non-aromatizable), and level of resistance to hepatic metabolism. Testosterone tends to have a much less dramatic impact on cardiovascular risk factors than synthetic steroids. This is due in part to its openness to metabolism by the liver, which allows it to have less effect on the hepatic management of cholesterol. The aromatization of testosterone to estradiol also helps to mitigate the negative effects of androgens on serum lipids. The added estrogens in this product may further help to offset some of the androgenic effect on lipid values, and the preparation may, therefore, have a weaker impact on cholesterol than a comparably dosed straight testosterone product. Anabolic/androgenic steroids may also adversely affect blood pressure and triglycerides, reduce endothelial relaxation, and support left ventricular hypertrophy, all potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction.

To help reduce cardiovascular strain it is advised to maintain an active cardiovascular exercise program and minimize the intake of saturated fats, cholesterol, and simple carbohydrates at all times during active AAS administration. Supplementing with fish oils (4 grams per day) and a natural cholesterol/antioxidant formula such as Lipid Stabil or a product with comparable ingredients is also recommended.

Side Effects (Testosterone Suppression):

All anabolic/androgenic steroids when taken in doses sufficient to promote muscle gain are expected to suppress endogenous testosterone production. Testosterone is the primary male androgen, and offers strong negative feedback on endogenous testosterone production. The added estrogens will also provide negative-feedback suppression. This preparation should have a strong effect on the hypothalamic regulation of natural steroid hormones. Without the intervention of testosterone stimulating substances, testosterone levels should return to normal within 1-4 months of drug secession. Note that prolonged hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism can develop secondary to steroid abuse, necessitating medical intervention.

The above side effects are not inclusive. For more detailed discussion of potential side effects, see the Steroid Side Effects section of this book.

Administration (General):

Testosterone propionate is often regarded as a painful injection. This is due to the very short carbon chain of the propionic acid ester, which can be irritating to tissues at the site of injection.

Many sensitive individuals choose to stay away from this steroid completely, their bodies reacting with a pronounced soreness and low-grade fever that may last for a few days after each injection.

Administration (Men):

Estandron is not approved for use in men. Prescribing guidelines are unavailable. When used for physique- Or performanceenhancing purposes (very rarely), this steroid preparation is usually included in a stack with other compounds, in an effort to offset some of the negative effects of testosterone on lipid values. Here, it is administered at a dosage of 1 ampule per week, and usually taken for no longer than 6-12 weeks. This level will provide a replacement level dose of testosterone to help support muscle growth during a bulking phase, and should also provide a sufficient level of estrogen to affect lipids positive (compared to testosterone alone). Higher doses are likely to exacerbate estrogen-related side effects, and are generally not advised. This product is not widely used by male athletes and bodybuilders due to the estrogen content.

Administration (Women):

Estandron is used with women to treat a loss of libido and energy with menopause, when estrogens alone were insufficient to elicit a desired response. The recommended dose is 1 ampule every 4 weeks. This interval may be extended if the level is deemed to provide too much androgenic stimulation. Estandron is not generally recommended for women for physique- or performanceenhancing purposes due to its strong androgenic nature, tendency to produce virilizing side effects, and slow acting characteristics (making blood levels difficult to control). For those that choose to administer the drug, it is recommended to stay within normal prescribing guidelines, as increasing the dose above the recommended level is very likely to induce significant virilizing side effects.

Availability:

Given the extremely poor demand for mixed testosterone and estrogen preparations in general on the black market, Estandron is scarcely seen in circulation. It does occasionally appear, and when it does it is usually trusted, as it is highly unlikely this drug will be counterfeited. There is very little financial motive to do so (and in all probability it would be a losing investment for anyone that tried). The various Organon/MSD preparations are generally considered legitimate when located.