Testosterone enanthate

Testosterone enanthate is used in the treatment of low testosterone levels in men, including hormone therapy for transgender men. It is given by injection into muscle or subcutaneously usually once every one to four weeks. Side effects of testosterone enanthate include symptoms of masculinization like acne, increased hair growth, voice changes, and increased sexual desire. The drug is a synthetic androgen and anabolic steroid and hence is an agonist of the androgen receptor (AR), the biological target of androgens like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Testosterone enanthate is a testosterone ester and a long-lasting prodrug of testosterone in the body. Because it is a prodrug of testosterone, the testosterone it releases is bioidentical to the body's own hormone, which makes it useful for producing masculinization and suitable for androgen replacement therapy. Esterase enzymes break the ester bond in testosterone enanthate, releasing free testosterone and enanthic acid through hydrolysis. This process ensures a sustained release of testosterone in the body. Testosterone enanthate was introduced for medical use in 1954. Along with testosterone cypionate, testosterone undecanoate, and testosterone propionate, it is one of the most widely used testosterone esters. In addition to its medical use, testosterone enanthate is used to improve physique and performance. The drug is a controlled substance in many countries and so non-medical use is generally illicit.