Andriol is a synthetic steroid used in testosterone replacement therapy. It is typically prescribed to men going through andropause, a "male menopause" that occurs late in life and decreases natural testosterone levels. Low testosterone can lead to a decreased libido, decline in physical energy, loss of muscle mass, high body fat and brittle bones.
Andriol is an oral steroid, and is taken in 40 mg capsules. Most doctors prescribe the drug in bottles of 60 or 100 pills. Like many oral drugs, doctors recommend it be taken with food.
Men taking prescribed Andriol may see the effects of low testosterone wane, but the drug also has several side effects. While it is supposed to raise a man's sex drive back to its pre-andropause levels, in some cases it can cause an unusual increase in sexual desire. The inverse is also true, and it can sometimes lower the sex drive even more. Fluid retention in body tissue is also a common side effect. The drug can also lead to priapism, or a prolonged, painful erection that must be treated by a doctor to avoid serious injury. Trouble passing urine is also a side effect for some men.
In most cases, Andriol is only prescribed for men. In recent years, however, it has been seen as an effective drug for testosterone therapy for male-to-female transsexuals. It can help transexauls loose their female characteristics, grow facial hair and lower their voices.
While the main prescribed use of Andriol is testosterone replacement, it is has also been abused as a bodybuilding supplement. Like many other anabolic steroids used by bodybuilders, it can help promote muscle mass and increase energy; both desired by bodybuilders looking to bulk up. Like all other synthetic steroids though, its abuse comes with considerable risks.
Abuse of anabolic steroids, including Andriol, can lead to any number of serious side-effects. In men, high blood pressure, infertility, shrunken testicles, and the development of woman-like breasts are all possible side effects from steroid abuse. Women can suffer from a deepening of the voice, enlarged clitoris and a disrupted menstrual cycle. For women, many of these side effects are irreversible even after abuse of the drug stops.
In the case of Andriol, abuse of the drug to promote muscle growth is not very effective. Even groups that use of steroids say that using the drug does not lead to a substantial increase in muscle mass.
