Sustalad 250 mg/ml (Sustanon)

• Active ingredients: Testosterone isocaproate 60 mg, testosterone phenylpropionate 60 mg, testosterone propionate 30 mg, testosterone decanoate 100 mg
• Type: Anabolic steroid (Testosterone derivative)
• Form: Injections

Description

Testosterone is an essential sex hormone in both men and women, playing a vital role in the development of reproductive tissues, muscle and bone mass, body hair, and overall well-being. It is widely recognized for its anabolic properties, promoting muscle growth, protein synthesis, and glycogen supply to muscles. Testosterone is crucial for maintaining health and preventing conditions like osteoporosis. While testosterone is commonly associated with muscle building and athletic performance, it is also used in medical treatments for gender dysphoria, male hypogonadism, and certain types of breast cancer.

Mechanism of action

Testosterone binds to androgen receptors and serves as a precursor to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a biologically active androgen formed through the action of the 5α-reduction enzyme on testosterone. DHT exhibits a stronger binding affinity to androgen receptors. These hormone-receptor interactions trigger changes in gene activity within cells, leading to androgenic effects. Testosterone can also convert to estrogen through aromatization, although predominantly estrogens, rather than testosterone itself, regulate the hypothalamus-pituitary-testes axis and suppress endogenous testosterone production when exogenous testosterone is administered.

Medical Use

Testosterone is included in the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines and is utilized in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). It is employed to address gender dysphoria, male hypogonadism, and certain breast cancer cases. Age-related decline in testosterone levels necessitates HRT or TRT to maintain overall health and quality of life. Testosterone deficiency in men may lead to frailty, bone loss, and other abnormalities. It also influences cognitive functions, such as mood, spatial ability, attention, memory, and may impact the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Testosterone for seniors

Men over 35 who experience diminished well-being are often advised to test their blood testosterone levels. If levels fall below 12 nmol/l, hormone replacement therapy is recommended. This approach offers several benefits, including improved body composition with increased muscle and decreased fat, rejuvenating effects, and enhanced sexual function. It is crucial to monitor lipid profiles, blood parameters, and hormone levels during therapy. For individuals seeking to conceive, additional therapy with gonadotropins may be necessary, as testosterone therapy suppresses natural gonadotropin production.

Testosterone in sports

Testosterone is favored by athletes and bodybuilders for its ability to increase muscle mass and strength. It exhibits both anabolic and androgenic effects, binding to androgen receptors to activate gene expression and promote muscle growth. Testosterone also enhances regeneration processes, improves oxygen capacity and nitric oxide production, and has a positive impact on stamina and exercise performance. It is commonly used in sports at dosages ranging from 250-500 mg per week, with adjustments made based on individual factors such as body weight and response. Aromatase inhibitors are often employed to mitigate estrogenic side effects.

Dosages

• Beginner: 250 mg per week
• The average dosage: 300-750 mg per week
• High dosage: 750+ mg per week

Effects

• Increased muscle mass
• Development of male sexual characteristics
• Enhanced spermatogenesis and male behavior
• Fat burning
• Increase in strength
• Heightened libido
• Reduced blood cholesterol levels
• Lower risk of heart ischemia and coronary heart disease
• Stimulation of erythropoiesis and redistribution of subcutaneous fatty tissue
• Influences nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism

Side effects

• Increased blood pressure
• Heightened sexual behavior
• Hemoconcentration (blood clotting)
• Potential for blood clots in arterial and venous vessels
• Water retention (edema)
• Masculinization
• Aggression, agitation, irritability
• Alopecia (scalp baldness)
• 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

• Do not use after the expiry date
• Store at temperatures between 8ºC and 30ºC
• Avoid freezing
• Protect from light