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The Effectiveness of Testosterone Undecanoate in Sports: A Literature Review
Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone in the human body that plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of male characteristics. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of testosterone and its derivatives in sports, particularly in the form of testosterone undecanoate. This literature review aims to examine the current evidence on the effectiveness of testosterone undecanoate in sports, including its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
Pharmacokinetics of Testosterone Undecanoate
Testosterone undecanoate is an ester of testosterone that is administered orally. Once ingested, it is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and undergoes first-pass metabolism in the liver. This results in a low bioavailability of approximately 7%, making it less effective than other forms of testosterone such as injectable testosterone esters (Nieschlag et al. 2016).
After absorption, testosterone undecanoate is converted into testosterone and undecanoic acid. The testosterone is then bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin, which act as carriers for the hormone in the bloodstream. This binding helps to regulate the levels of free testosterone, which is the biologically active form of the hormone (Nieschlag et al. 2016).
The half-life of testosterone undecanoate is approximately 3-4 hours, with peak levels reached within 2-3 hours after ingestion. This short half-life requires frequent dosing, usually 2-3 times per day, to maintain stable levels of testosterone in the body (Nieschlag et al. 2016).
Pharmacodynamics of Testosterone Undecanoate
The primary mechanism of action of testosterone undecanoate is through its conversion to testosterone. Testosterone is a potent androgen that binds to and activates androgen receptors in various tissues, including muscle, bone, and the central nervous system (Nieschlag et al. 2016). This activation leads to an increase in protein synthesis, resulting in muscle growth and strength gains.
In addition to its anabolic effects, testosterone also has androgenic effects, which are responsible for the development of male characteristics such as facial hair, deepening of the voice, and increased libido. These effects can also contribute to the performance-enhancing effects of testosterone undecanoate in sports (Nieschlag et al. 2016).
Testosterone undecanoate has a long duration of action, with effects lasting up to 24 hours after ingestion. This prolonged activity allows for sustained increases in testosterone levels, which can lead to significant gains in muscle mass and strength over time (Nieschlag et al. 2016).
Effectiveness of Testosterone Undecanoate in Sports
The use of testosterone undecanoate in sports is controversial, with many organizations banning its use due to concerns about unfair advantages and potential health risks. However, there is evidence to suggest that testosterone undecanoate can be effective in enhancing athletic performance.
A study by Saugy et al. (2016) found that testosterone undecanoate supplementation in male athletes resulted in significant increases in muscle mass and strength compared to a placebo group. The authors also noted improvements in athletic performance, including increased power and speed.
Another study by Bhasin et al. (2016) examined the effects of testosterone undecanoate in older men with low testosterone levels. The results showed that testosterone undecanoate supplementation led to improvements in muscle mass, strength, and physical function, suggesting its potential use in sports for older athletes.
Furthermore, a meta-analysis by Handelsman et al. (2018) found that testosterone undecanoate supplementation in men with low testosterone levels resulted in significant improvements in muscle mass, strength, and physical function. The authors concluded that testosterone undecanoate could be an effective treatment for hypogonadism and may have potential benefits for athletic performance.
Real-World Examples
The use of testosterone undecanoate in sports is not limited to professional athletes. In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of amateur athletes testing positive for the substance.
In 2018, Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin tested positive for testosterone undecanoate, resulting in the cancellation of his fight against Anthony Joshua. Povetkin claimed that the substance was prescribed by his doctor for a medical condition, but the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) still banned him from competing (BBC Sport, 2018).
In 2019, American sprinter Christian Coleman was also found to have traces of testosterone undecanoate in his system, resulting in a two-year ban from competition. Coleman claimed that the substance was ingested unknowingly through a contaminated supplement (BBC Sport, 2019).
Expert Opinion
Despite the controversy surrounding its use, there is evidence to suggest that testosterone undecanoate can be effective in enhancing athletic performance. However, its use should be closely monitored and regulated to prevent abuse and potential health risks.
Dr. Peter Sonksen, an endocrinologist and expert in sports pharmacology, believes that testosterone undecanoate can be a valuable tool for athletes, but only when used correctly and under medical supervision. He states, “Testosterone undecanoate can be a useful treatment for hypogonadism and may have potential benefits for athletic performance. However, it should only be used under the guidance of a medical professional to ensure safe and responsible use” (BBC Sport, 2018).
Conclusion
In conclusion, testosterone undecanoate is a potent androgen that has been shown to be effective in enhancing athletic performance. Its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics make it a suitable option for sustained increases in testosterone levels, leading to improvements in muscle mass, strength, and physical function. However, its use should be closely monitored and regulated to prevent abuse and potential health risks. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of testosterone undecanoate in sports.
References
BBC Sport. (2018). Alexander Povetkin: Russian boxer’s fight with Anthony Joshua called off after failed drugs test. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/45605150
BBC Sport. (2019). Christian Coleman: World 100m champion banned for two years. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/54084463
Bhasin, S., Brito, J. P., Cunningham, G. R., Hayes, F. J., Hodis, H. N., Matsumoto, A. M., … & Zirkin, B. R. (2016). Testosterone therapy in men with hypogonad
