Testosterone (medication)
Testosterone (medication)
Testosterone (pronunciation: tes-TOS-ter-one) is a medication and naturally occurring steroid hormone. It is used to treat male hypogonadism and certain types of breast cancer. It may also be used to increase athletic ability in the form of doping. It is unclear if the use of testosterone for low levels due to aging is beneficial or harmful.
Etymology
The word "testosterone" is derived from the words "testis", the Latin word for testicle, and "sterone", a type of steroid. The suffix "-one" is used in chemistry to denote substances that are a type of ketone.
Pharmacology
Testosterone is a steroid from the androstane class containing a keto and hydroxyl groups at the three and seventeen positions respectively. It is biosynthesized in several steps from cholesterol and is converted in the liver to inactive metabolites. It exerts its action through binding to and activation of the androgen receptor.
Medical uses
In males, testosterone is responsible for the development of male reproductive tissues such as the testis and prostate as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle, bone mass, and the growth of body hair. In addition, testosterone is essential for health and well-being as well as the prevention of osteoporosis.
Side effects
The most common side effects of testosterone treatment include acne, swelling, and breast enlargement in males. Serious side effects may include liver toxicity, heart disease, and behavioral changes. Women and children who are exposed may develop masculinization.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Testosterone (medication)
- Wikipedia's article - Testosterone (medication)
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