Testosterone is the male sex steroid hormone that is produced through stereoidogenesis from cholesterol. It is produced by Leydig cells in the testis. Testosterone is important for normal development of men. During the pubertal age, testosterone levels are at their highest. The testosterone binds to androgen receptors and causes increased protein synthesis. Increase in protein synthesis is the way by which testosterone manifests its anabolic nature.
The anabolic effects of testosterone includes increased muscle mass due to increased protein levels in the body. The hormone is also responsible for secondary male sexual characteristics. This includes deepening of the voice, broadening of the shoulders, facial hair growth, increased testicular and penile size and reduction in body fat.
Testosterone levels decrease as men get older placing them at a higher risk of impotence and osteoporosis. Testosterone supplements have been developed for replacement therapy in such men. Testosterone has also found a wide market in the fitness industry because of its beneficial anabolic effects.
To buy testosterone, one has to first decide which type of testosterone to buy. Testosterone for sale comes in two formulations, injectable and oral. One can buy the different testosterone pills online. They can also be purchased in pharmacies with a prescription. Best testosterone pills for sale is usually in one of the four types, Testosterone Cypionate, Testosterone Enanthate, Testosterone Undecanoate and Testosterone Propionate.
Testosterone undecanoate is the only testosterone supplement that is available in the oral formulation, while the rest are in the form of injections. It is also sold online and in pharmacies in the form of gel or cream. The topical formulations although enticing, are not used for performance enhancement as the amount of testosterone absorbed is too little to cause the desired effects. They are however reserved for people using the hormone for treating symptoms of low testosterone. The oral formulation is usually taken with food in 2 to 3 divided doses.
Testosterone undecanoate is also available in an intramuscular formulation. The intramuscular depot injection has a long half life. For performance enhancement a dose of up to 240 milligrams is needed in a day and the dose can be increased depending on individual tolerance of side effects. For hormone replacement therapy, it is given as 1000 milligrams every 12 weeks. Some athletes and bodybuilders may combine both the oral and intramuscular forms. The intramuscular steroid provides the slow release levels of testosterone while the oral form provides a maintenance dose.
Testosterone Cypionate is another synthetic testosterone ester that is available as a depot intramuscular injection. It has a similar profile to testosterone enanthate. It has a long half life of 3 to 8 days subject to individual variability. It is excreted by the kidneys in urine. Its use is associated with increased sexual drive, muscle mass, muscle strength and bone strength.
Testosterone enanthate is the most commonly used testosterone ester. It is available as a depot injection for intramuscular use. It has an elimination half life of 4 to 5 days and is usually administered once weekly. For performance enhancement, the dosages range from 400 to 750 milligrams weekly depending on side effects.
Testosterone propionate was one of the earliest testosterone ester to be synthesized. It is available as an intramuscular injection. It is potent but has a short half life that requires administration every other day. This is hectic and it is the least preferred ester. The usual dose for performance enhancement is 50 to 100 milligrams. The potency also makes it have harsher side effects.
Correct dosing is necessary to avoid the side effects. Combining exercise, diet and other anabolic steroids leads to faster and more pronounced benefits.