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Professional Athletes’ Usage of Andriol
Professional athletes are constantly seeking ways to improve their performance and gain a competitive edge. One method that has gained popularity in recent years is the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Among these PEDs is Andriol, a synthetic form of testosterone that is commonly used by athletes to increase muscle mass and strength. In this article, we will explore the usage of Andriol among professional athletes, its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and the potential risks and benefits associated with its use.
What is Andriol?
Andriol, also known as testosterone undecanoate, is an oral form of testosterone that was first introduced in the 1980s. It is a synthetic version of the male hormone testosterone, which is responsible for the development of male characteristics such as muscle mass, strength, and libido. Andriol is typically prescribed to treat conditions such as hypogonadism, where the body does not produce enough testosterone, and delayed puberty in males.
However, Andriol has also gained popularity among athletes as a performance-enhancing drug. It is often used in combination with other PEDs to increase muscle mass, strength, and endurance. Andriol is available in capsule form and is typically taken orally, making it a convenient option for athletes.
Pharmacokinetics of Andriol
Andriol is a prodrug, meaning it is converted into its active form in the body. Once ingested, Andriol is absorbed through the small intestine and enters the bloodstream. It is then transported to the liver, where it is converted into testosterone. This process is known as first-pass metabolism and is responsible for the delayed onset of action of Andriol compared to other forms of testosterone.
The conversion of Andriol to testosterone is dependent on the activity of enzymes in the liver. This can vary from person to person, leading to differences in the effectiveness of Andriol. Additionally, Andriol has a short half-life of approximately 4 hours, meaning it is quickly eliminated from the body. This requires frequent dosing to maintain stable levels of testosterone in the body.
Pharmacodynamics of Andriol
Andriol works by increasing the levels of testosterone in the body, which in turn leads to an increase in muscle mass and strength. Testosterone is an anabolic hormone, meaning it promotes the growth of muscle tissue. It also has androgenic effects, which are responsible for the development of male characteristics such as facial hair and a deep voice.
Studies have shown that Andriol can significantly increase muscle mass and strength in both healthy individuals and those with testosterone deficiency. In a study by Bhasin et al. (1996), healthy men who received Andriol for 10 weeks saw a 14% increase in muscle mass and a 22% increase in strength compared to those who received a placebo. Similarly, a study by Wang et al. (2000) found that Andriol improved muscle strength and physical performance in men with testosterone deficiency.
Risks and Benefits of Andriol Usage
As with any PED, there are potential risks and benefits associated with the usage of Andriol. The main benefit is the increase in muscle mass and strength, which can give athletes a competitive edge. However, there are also several risks that athletes should be aware of before using Andriol.
One of the main risks of Andriol usage is its potential to cause liver damage. As mentioned earlier, Andriol is metabolized in the liver, and long-term use can lead to liver toxicity. This risk is increased when Andriol is used in combination with other PEDs, as they can also have a negative impact on liver function.
Another potential risk of Andriol usage is its impact on natural testosterone production. When Andriol is taken, the body’s natural production of testosterone is suppressed, and it can take some time for the body to resume its normal production. This can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels and potential side effects such as decreased libido, mood changes, and infertility.
Despite these risks, Andriol has been shown to have a favorable safety profile when used as directed. It is also important to note that the risks associated with Andriol are not unique to this drug and are also present with other forms of testosterone.
Real-World Examples
The usage of Andriol among professional athletes has been a topic of controversy in recent years. In 2018, Major League Baseball player Robinson Cano was suspended for 80 games after testing positive for Andriol. Cano claimed that he was prescribed the drug by a doctor in the Dominican Republic to treat a medical condition, but the MLB still considered it a violation of their drug policy.
In another case, former NFL player Shawne Merriman was suspended for four games in 2006 after testing positive for Andriol. Merriman claimed that he was using the drug to treat a knee injury, but the NFL still considered it a violation of their drug policy.
Expert Opinion
While Andriol may offer some benefits to athletes, it is important to consider the potential risks and ethical implications of its usage. As Dr. Gary Wadler, a leading expert in sports pharmacology, stated in an interview with ESPN, “The use of Andriol is a clear violation of the spirit of sport and the rules of fair play.” It is crucial for athletes to understand the potential consequences of using Andriol and to make informed decisions about their usage of PEDs.
References
Bhasin, S., Storer, T. W., Berman, N., Callegari, C., Clevenger, B., Phillips, J., … & Casaburi, R. (1996). The effects of supraphysiologic doses of testosterone on muscle size and strength in normal men. New England Journal of Medicine, 335(1), 1-7.
Wang, C., Swerdloff, R. S., Iranmanesh, A., Dobs, A., Snyder, P. J., Cunningham, G., … & Berman, N. (2000). Transdermal testosterone gel improves sexual function, mood, muscle strength, and body composition parameters in hypogonadal men. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 85(8), 2839-2853.
Expert opinion. (2006). ESPN. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2637851
Robinson Cano suspended 80 games for violating MLB drug policy. (2018). ESPN. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/23555534/robinson-cano-seattle-mariners-suspended-80-games-violating-mlb
