Contraindications: Not indicated for individuals diagnosed with prostate carcinoma, male breast cancer, or pre-existing severe hepatic impairment. Individuals with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes should ensure endocrinologist oversight before initiating any exogenous androgen protocol, given the compound's direct influence on insulin signalling dynamics.
Side Effects: Potential adverse effects include erythrocytosis (elevated red cell mass), acne at androgen-sensitive sebaceous sites, accelerated androgenetic alopecia in genetically predisposed individuals, and oestrogen-related effects (water retention, gynaecomastia) arising from aromatase-mediated conversion. Mood changes and libido fluctuation may occur, particularly during dose-transition phases.
Monitoring: Full blood count — haematocrit in particular — should be measured at 6-week intervals. Lipid panels, liver function tests, and the insulin-sensitivity markers outlined above (fasting glucose, HOMA-IR) are equally relevant. Serum total testosterone and oestradiol should be assessed mid-cycle to guide any ancillary aromatase inhibitor adjustments.
PCT: Post-cycle therapy with a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM such as Nolvadex or Clomid) is recommended to facilitate hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis recovery. Allow sufficient washout time after the final injection — typically determined by the ester's elimination kinetics — before initiating SERM therapy; starting PCT prematurely while depot levels remain high reduces its efficacy.