Testosterone Enanthate Injection Side Effects

Written by Ben Bunting: BA, PGCert. (Sport & Exercise Nutrition) // British Army Physical Training Instructor // S&C Coach.

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With the increasing popularity of testosterone enanthate injection as a performance-enhancing drug, it's essential to be aware of the potential side effects before considering its use.

While this form of testosterone is widely used for medical purposes, its misuse can lead to numerous health risks.

One of the most common side effects of testosterone enanthate injection is the suppression of natural testosterone production in the body.

This can result in a range of symptoms, including decreased libido, infertility, and mood swings.

Furthermore, excessive administration of the hormone can cause liver damage and increase the risk of cardiovascular issues.

It's important to note that testosterone enanthate injection should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

Self-administration or misuse of this medication can be harmful and may lead to serious complications. If you are considering using testosterone enanthate injection, ensure you fully understand the potential side effects and consult with a healthcare professional for guidance.

Your health and well-being should always be the top priority when making decisions about medication use.

Testosterone Health Benefits

Testosterone is often thought of as the "male sex hormone", yet it serves many important health purposes for both men and women alike.

We require healthy levels of testosterone in our lives for development to take place properly, to remain strong, develop our sexual drives (libido), grow facial and pubic hair as well as build muscles, bones and sex organs.

Men need higher levels than women but both genders relying on it equally for full lives; low testosterone levels (known as hypogonadism) leading to muscle loss as well as depression or heart disease among other problems.

Testosterone plays an essential role in cardiovascular health by stimulating red blood cell production. An abundance of these cells allows oxygen to reach muscles and other tissues more effectively, decreasing your risk for vascular diseases such as heart attack or stroke.

Another key advantage of increasing testosterone is increasing bone-mineral density, which reduces osteoporosis risk and hip fracture.

Testosterone therapy also has numerous psychological advantages including improving mood, alleviating irritability and fatigue and decreasing depression.

Studies have demonstrated that maintaining healthy testosterone levels may protect against metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obesity by reducing chronic inflammation.

This occurs because testosterone helps boost liver and kidney function in order to flush out harmful metabolites from your system - so raising testosterone levels could be an excellent way to build lean muscle mass while simultaneously losing fat.

When coupled with diet and strength training programs, increasing testosterone can be an excellent way to build lean muscle mass while keeping fat at bay - all while maintaining weight stability and remaining at an ideal weight.

What is Testosterone Enanthate?

Testosterone Enanthate is a androgen and anabolic steroids (AAS) medication that is used to treat low testosterone levels in males. This medication is also used for hormone therapy in transgender men.

The medication is usually injected into the muscle or subcutaneously once every one-four weeks.

In 1954, the first testosterone enanthate for medical use was introduced.

It is one of the most commonly used testosterone esters, along with testosterone undecanoate and testosterone cypionate.

It is also used to enhance physique and performance.

In many countries, the drug is a controlled substance and therefore non-medical usage is illegal.

It is the most commonly used form of testosterone for androgen replacement therapy.

The medication has been approved in the United States for the treatment hypogonadism among men, late puberty among boys, and cancerous breasts among women.

It is also used for masculinizing hormonal therapy in transgender males.

When used as a intramuscular injection, testosterone enanthate has an elimination half-life of 4.5 days the mean time of residence is 8.5 days.

The testosterone levels are initially elevated and supraphysiological, but they fluctuate dramatically after a weekly dose.

Testosterone 17b-heptanoate is a synthetic androstane and a derivative from testosterone. It is an ester of testosterone.

Testosterone Enanthate is, along with AAS, a controlled substance under schedule III in the United States, under the Controlled Substances Act, and under schedule IV in Canada, under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Effects of Testosterone Enanthate

Testosterone Enanthate has been show to produce predictable yet important benefits, such as increased myogenesis and osteogenesis (muscle-bone mass and strength), improved physical function, reduced anxiety, increased mood,and increased cognition (i.e.attention,visual scanning ability, executive function and psychomotor speed).

A study found that 200mg of testosterone enanthate coupled with resistance training and a calorie restriction resulted in the following:

• Weight loss
• Improved lean mass
• Improved body composition
• Improved health status

A 2016 study also found that in both groups of patients that received testosterone enanthate, saw an increase of plasma testosterone and reduced plasma hsCRP. It also improved insulin sensitivity.

Risks of Testosterone Enanthate 

In a contraceptive study, testosterone enanthate was administered.

The effects were significant, but reversible, on skin, muscle and liver functions, as well as lipid metabolism and hemopoietic function.

These effects reflect the relatively large peak levels and fluctuations in plasma T produced by weekly T-enanthate regimen.

Breast tissue cancer

A 2012 body of research surmises that although there is no direct link between testosterone and breast cancer, high testosterone levels may increase aromatization into an active estrogen derivative, which may ultimately stimulate breast tissue receptors, increasing the risk of male cancer.

Polycythemia

A clinical trial from 1995 demonstrates that polycythemia can be a side effect of TRT. While testosterone has a positive impact on men with anemia, over 20% of men who are treated with TRT can develop polycythemia.

Polycythemia can lead to an increase in vascular events such as stroke, myocardial ischemia, and deep vein thrombosis, with possible pulmonary embolism.

Sleep apnea

Some studies have shown that obstructive sleeping apnea can occur in men who are taking testosterone replacement therapy. When the supplementation is stopped, obstructive sleeping apnea is resolved. 

Behavior

Reports have shown that when testosterone levels are above the therapeutic range, adolescent testosterone users exhibit aggressive behavior. They also commit suicide at higher rates.

Fertility

With exogenous testosterone supplementation, the pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone is blunted and the release of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone are depressed. 

As a result, spermatogenesis decreases which can lead to infertility.

Skin conditions

Up to 60% of users of intramuscular and topical testosterone injectables experience a variety skin reactions. These include erythema, pruritus and rash.

In addition, acne can occur when serum testosterone levels are raised.

Aromatization

Exogenous testosterone is known to cause an imbalance in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. As such, testosterone is converted to estrogen through aromatization.

A 2008 review reports that 10-25% of men taking TRT results in excess estrogens which can cause gynecomastia or breast pain.

Is there a safe alternative?

Military Muscle - A Testosterone Booster

Military Muscle has created a supplement specifically crafted for soldiers, athletes and fitness enthusiasts participating in demanding workouts like army boot camp and CrossFit.

This formula was created over years of research using natural botanicals and nutrients that will boost performance to its maximum.

Boron is a key component in their supplement that boosts testosterone levels and decreases inflammation.

Furthermore, ashwagandha root extract is linked to relaxation and stress relief which reduces cortisol production. As this is a factor that also affects testosterone production.

In addition, vitamin A plays an essential role in supporting hormone balance as well as vision health - all important aspects for successful testosterone production.

Stinging nettle root extract is another key ingredient believed to help boost testosterone.

Commonly referred to as Urtica dioica, this herb can combat high cortisol levels that have an adverse impact on testosterone production.

Furthermore, our supplement also includes fenugreek as an organic testosterone booster and works by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen.

Military Muscle is comprised of ingredients backed by scientific studies and clinical trials that all work to increase testosterone production.

Furthermore, this supplement can be taken as a post cycle therapy purposes if desired; and none of its ingredients appear on any banned substances lists; making it suitable for vegans too!

Conclusion

Testosterone enanthate is an anabolic compound with proven results in providing significant muscle gains while simultaneously burning body fat, making it a favorite choice among beginner and experienced bodybuilders alike.  

However, this medication is a controlled substance and may lead to serious side effects, including heart problems, liver diseases, high blood pressure and abnormal hair growth (hirsutism).

These risks increase significantly when taking higher than prescribed doses, or combining it with other steroid or hormone-altering drugs such as estrogen or prolactin-affecting medications.

Misuse or abuse may also lead to mental health problems like depression, hallucinations or aggression. 

Still, some doctors advise against jumping to this type of treatment too quickly. Before seeking hormone therapy, they suggest trying to address other underlying issues first such as diet, exercise and sleep issues.

Furthermore, doctors who prescribe the treatment must monitor for any side effects such as high blood pressure or polycythemia causing elevated levels of red blood cells; and liver issues like hepatitis or cirrhosis as these could potentially occur as side effects.