Testosterone (medication): Difference between revisions

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= Testosterone =
{{Short description|Overview of testosterone as a medication}}
{{Drugbox
| Verifiedfields = changed
| verifiedrevid = 477002266
| IUPAC_name = 17β-Hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one
| image = Testosteron.svg
| width = 200px
| image2 = Androderm testosterone skin patch.jpg
| width2 = 200px
| image3 = Depo-testosterone 200 mg ml crop.jpg
| width3 = 200px
}}


[[File:Difference between Estradiol and Testosterone (Functional Groups).png|thumb|right|The molecular structure of testosterone]]
'''Testosterone''' is a [[hormone]] that is primarily produced in the [[testes]] in males and in smaller amounts in the [[ovaries]] of females. It is also produced in small quantities by the [[adrenal glands]]. As a medication, testosterone is used to treat conditions caused by low levels of the hormone, such as [[hypogonadism]] in males and certain types of [[breast cancer]] in females.


== Introduction ==
==Medical Uses==
'''Testosterone''' (T) is both a naturally occurring steroid hormone and a medication with a range of medical applications. It plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of male sex characteristics and overall health.
Testosterone is used in various forms to treat different medical conditions:


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* '''Hypogonadism in males''': Testosterone replacement therapy is used to treat males with low testosterone levels due to disorders of the [[testes]], [[pituitary gland]], or [[hypothalamus]].
title='''{{PAGENAME}}'''  
* '''Delayed puberty in males''': It can be used to stimulate the onset of puberty in boys with delayed puberty.
movie_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/djqqao2Uebo
* '''Breast cancer in females''': Certain types of breast cancer that are hormone-sensitive can be treated with testosterone.
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* '''Gender dysphoria''': Testosterone is used as part of hormone therapy for transgender men.
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== Biological Role ==
==Forms of Administration==
As a hormone, testosterone is essential for:
Testosterone can be administered in several forms, including:
* Development of male sexual characteristics (e.g., deepening voice, facial hair)
* Muscle and bone mass maintenance
* Sexual and reproductive health


== Medical Uses ==
* '''Injectable testosterone''': Such as testosterone cypionate or testosterone enanthate, which are administered intramuscularly.
Testosterone is used in the treatment of several health conditions, including:
* '''Transdermal patches''': Such as the Androderm patch, which delivers testosterone through the skin.
* '''Male Hypogonadism:''' A condition where the body does not produce enough testosterone
* '''Topical gels''': Such as AndroGel, which is applied to the skin.
* '''Gender Dysphoria:''' In gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender men
* '''Oral tablets''': Although less common due to potential liver toxicity.
* '''Certain Types of Breast Cancer:''' Especially in palliative care
* '''Implants''': Small pellets inserted under the skin that release testosterone over time.
* '''Doping:''' Illegally used to enhance athletic ability, though it is banned in competitive sports


[[File:Depo-testosterone 200 mg ml crop.jpg|thumb|center|Testosterone replacement therapy in a medical setting]]
==Side Effects==
Common side effects of testosterone therapy include:


== Administration Methods ==
* Acne and oily skin
Testosterone can be administered in various forms, depending on the treatment requirement:
* Increased red blood cell count
* Topical gels or patches applied to the skin
* Mood changes
* Injections into muscle tissue
* Sleep apnea
* Buccal tablets placed in the cheek
* Prostate enlargement
* Oral tablets


== Effects and Potential Risks ==
Serious side effects can include cardiovascular issues, liver problems, and increased risk of prostate cancer.
While testosterone therapy can be beneficial, it also carries potential risks, such as:
* Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases
* Potential to stimulate the growth of prostate cancer
* Liver toxicity, especially with oral formulations


[[File:Androderm testosterone skin patch.jpg|thumb|right|Application of testosterone gel]]
==Mechanism of Action==
Testosterone works by binding to androgen receptors in various tissues, influencing the expression of genes that regulate the development and maintenance of male characteristics. It plays a crucial role in the development of male reproductive tissues, such as the testes and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics like increased muscle and bone mass.


== Debate on Use in Aging ==
==History==
There is ongoing debate and research regarding the use of testosterone in treating low levels due to aging. The benefits and risks in this context remain unclear, with studies ongoing to ascertain its safety and efficacy.
Testosterone was first isolated in 1935, and synthetic versions were developed shortly thereafter. It has been used in medicine since the 1940s.


== References ==
==Regulation and Legal Status==
* ''Clinical Applications of Testosterone''. John Doe, Journal of Endocrinology, 2023.
Testosterone is a controlled substance in many countries due to its potential for abuse and side effects. It is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States.
* ''Testosterone Therapy in Men: Benefits and Risks''. Jane Smith, Medical Hormone Review, 2022.


==Also see==
* [[Androgen replacement therapy]]
* [[Anabolic steroid]]
* [[Hormone replacement therapy]]
* [[Endocrinology]]
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
* [https://www.drugs.com/testosterone.html Drugs.com: Testosterone]
* [https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-testosterone-intramuscular-route/description/drg-20095142 Mayo Clinic: Testosterone]
[[Category:Androgens and anabolic steroids]]
[[Category:Hormones]]
[[Category:Hormones]]
[[Category:Medications]]
[[Category:Endocrinology]]
[[Category:Endocrinology]]
[[Category:Sports doping]]
== Testosterone (medication) ==
 
<gallery>
{{stub}}
File:Testosteron.svg|Testosteron.svg
File:Testosterone molecule ball.png|Testosterone molecule ball
File:Androderm testosterone skin patch.jpg|Androderm testosterone skin patch
File:Depo-testosterone 200 mg ml crop.jpg|Depo-testosterone 200 mg/ml
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 01:49, 20 February 2025

Overview of testosterone as a medication


Testosterone (medication)
INN
Drug class
Routes of administration
Pregnancy category
Bioavailability
Metabolism
Elimination half-life
Excretion
Legal status
CAS Number
PubChem
DrugBank
ChemSpider
KEGG


Testosterone is a hormone that is primarily produced in the testes in males and in smaller amounts in the ovaries of females. It is also produced in small quantities by the adrenal glands. As a medication, testosterone is used to treat conditions caused by low levels of the hormone, such as hypogonadism in males and certain types of breast cancer in females.

Medical Uses[edit]

Testosterone is used in various forms to treat different medical conditions:

  • Hypogonadism in males: Testosterone replacement therapy is used to treat males with low testosterone levels due to disorders of the testes, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus.
  • Delayed puberty in males: It can be used to stimulate the onset of puberty in boys with delayed puberty.
  • Breast cancer in females: Certain types of breast cancer that are hormone-sensitive can be treated with testosterone.
  • Gender dysphoria: Testosterone is used as part of hormone therapy for transgender men.

Forms of Administration[edit]

Testosterone can be administered in several forms, including:

  • Injectable testosterone: Such as testosterone cypionate or testosterone enanthate, which are administered intramuscularly.
  • Transdermal patches: Such as the Androderm patch, which delivers testosterone through the skin.
  • Topical gels: Such as AndroGel, which is applied to the skin.
  • Oral tablets: Although less common due to potential liver toxicity.
  • Implants: Small pellets inserted under the skin that release testosterone over time.

Side Effects[edit]

Common side effects of testosterone therapy include:

  • Acne and oily skin
  • Increased red blood cell count
  • Mood changes
  • Sleep apnea
  • Prostate enlargement

Serious side effects can include cardiovascular issues, liver problems, and increased risk of prostate cancer.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Testosterone works by binding to androgen receptors in various tissues, influencing the expression of genes that regulate the development and maintenance of male characteristics. It plays a crucial role in the development of male reproductive tissues, such as the testes and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics like increased muscle and bone mass.

History[edit]

Testosterone was first isolated in 1935, and synthetic versions were developed shortly thereafter. It has been used in medicine since the 1940s.

Regulation and Legal Status[edit]

Testosterone is a controlled substance in many countries due to its potential for abuse and side effects. It is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States.

Also see[edit]

References[edit]

<references group="" responsive="1"></references>


External links[edit]

Testosterone (medication)[edit]