Testosterone is a male hormone. If it is not enough, it must be replenished. For example, testosterone tablets can be used. If there is not enough testosterone in the body, then many male functions will be weakened or suspended. There are alternative ways to replenish testosterone (injections, for example). But before taking these pills or injecting, you should understand what testosterone is and how it affects the body.
male sex hormone
As already mentioned, testosterone is a male sex hormone. But one should not think that women do not have such a hormone. It's just that its amount in a woman's body is much less. Testosterone is involved in the formation and strengthening bone tissue, protein synthesis and has an anabolic effect. That is why the body of a man, as a rule, is characterized by a more powerful skeleton, developed muscles and muscle mass and less perception of pain. These properties of testosterone formed the basis of many hormonal drugs, which are prescribed for women in case of corresponding diseases.
For some diseases, testosterone tablets or testosterone-based hormonal preparations can be prescribed not only for men, but also for women. This is due to the fact that some diseases arise precisely because of the weakness of the skeleton or a violation of the process of protein synthesis, where testosterone is indispensable.
Testosterone is produced from cholesterol by cells of the adrenal cortex, in small amounts by the ovaries in women, and by cells of the testes in men. And if women need this hormone in minimal amounts (in the absence of corresponding diseases), then for men it is a vital hormone. In addition to the synthesis of proteins and the formation of bone tissue, it stimulates the functioning of the reproductive system.
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natural and synthetic
Testosterone tablets can be divided into two large types: natural and synthetic. Natural testosterone is made from legumes. It differs from synthetic in that it is not very well absorbed by the body in tablet form. The fact is that testosterone is a hormone that partially breaks down when it enters the acidic environment of the stomach. To prevent this from happening, special protective additives are required. When injected, the degree of digestibility is much higher. But even here it should be noted that testosterone, which is produced by the body of each person, has individual characteristics. Therefore, even the injection method of administration does not guarantee complete digestibility in the body. Synthetic testosterone tablets in this regard are more effective than natural ones. It contains special substances that protect it in the acidic environment of the stomach before being absorbed into the blood.
Comparing the effects of synthetic and natural testosterone, you should know that natural, due to its low digestibility, does not create a stressful state for the body. It is absorbed scantily, and therefore gradually accustoms the body to increasing its dose in the blood. Synthetic can create a hormonal shock if used carelessly. Its dosage should be significantly less with a gradual increase to normal. Therefore, from the financial side, it may be more efficient to take synthetic, but in this case you need to be more careful with dosages.
Dosage
Take pills containing testosterone, should be strictly prescribed by the doctor and in the dosages that he indicated. If you replace one tablet with another, it is not enough to recalculate the hormone content in proportion, it is important to know what kind of testosterone it is - synthetic or natural. If you replace synthetic tablets with tablets with the same natural content and take them in the same mode, it is likely that the course of treatment will be extended by an insufficient amount of absorbed hormone. There is a chance to delay the treatment of the disease and "heal" the body (to create a period of adaptation to the drug for the disease, then at these doses the treatment will no longer be effective). And if, on the contrary, you replace natural testosterone with tablets with the same concentration of synthetic, then it may well be that the body will fail as a result of excess testosterone.
Excess testosterone leads to excessive irritability, mental excitability, even aggressiveness. On a chemical and biological level, this will result in the release of additional "calming" hormones into the blood, which can interfere with effective treatment, one of the elements of which was the introduction of testosterone.
Injections are much cheaper than the tablet form, since this case testosterone requires a lower dosage due to better absorption. But the method of administering testosterone through injections requires a qualified nurse who knows how to make this kind of injection, sterile syringes and sufficient control of the situation on the part of doctors (the absorption of the drug is high, and there may be unforeseen situations related to the individual condition at the time of injection). If a person is away from the doctor (for example, in the country), then the tablet form looks much more preferable and safer.
Characteristic
Do not think that the introduction of testosterone into the body will make a person more courageous. Hormones should not be overestimated. If a man thinks he doesn't look or act masculine enough, it's not a testosterone problem. This is a psychological moment that must be addressed by psychological measures (going in for sports, developing a life line of behavior, etc.). Solving psychological problems by chemical methods is the last thing. It should be understood that the concept of "male hormones" is conditional, it characterizes not a psychotype, but only a physiological affiliation. And that is not absolutely, but only to a greater extent. Women also produce this hormone. But the main thing is that this hormone is not the only thing that distinguishes a man from a woman. There are many differences, not only in physiological terms, but also in the chemical composition of the blood, for example.
Purpose
Unreasonable self-administration of testosterone can lead to very bad consequences, for example, with the liver. The doctor, prescribing hormonal drugs, is guided not only by the task of defeating the disease, but also by the principle of "do no harm." You don't have to play with hormones. In our body, everything is very precisely verified, folded and adjusted. Each change entails a chain of changes throughout the body. Everything is interconnected. If you want to be more courageous, work on it. Something needs to be changed in the way of life, and not in the chemical composition of the blood.
The introduction of any drug leads to changes in the work of all (or many) organs. Qualitative changes happen slowly. Establishing work and treatment takes time and a competent approach.
In relation to bodybuilding, testosterone is one of the most important elements that help in building the body. It is often used, but only in injectable form. The low digestibility of tablet forms makes it impossible to use them for this sport. You can, of course, take handfuls of pills, but in this case there is a chance of worsening liver function. It should be understood that what did not enter the bloodstream in the form of testosterone will enter the body in a different form. But first it will be filtered by the liver. At the moment, such hormonal preparations have been developed that are absorbed into the blood before entering the liver. They are called prohormones. These drugs are good because they do not create swelling of the liver, are well absorbed and do not suppress the natural production of testosterone in the body.
The hormone testosterone is of great importance in the lives of men and women. This hormone is involved in the formation of bones in the body, in the synthesis of proteins (anabolic action), is responsible for androgenesis (sexual desire, secondary sexual characteristics). In addition, the amount of male hormone is an important factor in the sexual behavior of a person, the control of his sexual functions.
The lack of a hormone in the human body can be filled with testosterone tablets.
Classification of testosterone tablets
According to their origin, the types of testosterone are divided into synthetic and natural.
natural testosterone
Natural testosterone is made from food plant origin: beans, yams, soy. Under laboratory conditions, hormones are created that are close in composition to the natural testosterone produced by the male reproductive system. This type of testosterone is produced in small, micron doses and is not fully absorbed by the body.
Micronized testosterone has a long duration of action, keeping hormone levels high throughout the day. There is an increase in sexual desire, energy, general well-being, tone improves, bone density increases. However, taking micronized testosterone can lead to side effects such as increased blood pressure, fluid retention, and increased blood cholesterol levels.
Synthetic Testosterone
Synthetic testosterone differs from natural testosterone in its own way. chemical composition. It is quickly absorbed by the body through the blood and has a pronounced effect.
Tableted testosterone preparations are more convenient and comfortable to take than injections, but they are less effective and more expensive.
When a person takes synthetic testosterone pills, blood levels of the hormone can fluctuate significantly. A sharp increase in hormonal levels after taking can lead to feelings of anxiety, aggression, some irritability, muscle spasms, and headaches. Over time, as hormone levels drop, a feeling of weakness may occur.
Methyltestosterone
One of the permitted types of synthetic testosterone in tablets is Methyltestosterone (Methandren, Testoral). Hormones of this type do not break down and are completely absorbed human body. A side effect of methyltestosterone is manifested in violations of the liver. And for this problem, the device has not received wide medical use.
Andriol (Androkson)
Undecanoate - a drug released in the 80s - does not show a pronounced toxic effect on the liver. Undecanoate is also available under the names Androxon, Andriol. Synthetic forms of testosterone in the drug enter the lymph without involving metabolic processes in the liver.
This type of synthetic testosterone is actually a prohormone. The active ingredients of the drug do not lead to water retention in the body, do not cause a significant suppression of the body's production of natural testosterone.
Based sports practice, such a tablet form of the hormone does not have a significant anabolic effect.
In athletes using Androxon, there was no significant increase in muscle mass. The effects of anabolism, muscle growth was manifested only after the use of excess (240 mg per day) doses. This excess dosage increased the risk of side effects of the hormone.
The drug is used in medicine for disorders of the body associated with a lack of testosterone hormone:
- violation of spermatogenesis;
- infertility;
- eunuchoidism;
- impotence.
For women, Androxon is indicated for the following diseases:
- violation of the menopause;
- uterine fibroids;
- osteoporosis.
Hormonal preparations can be used only after consulting a doctor. The dosage is selected depending on the patient's condition, his gender and age. Taking testosterone tablets begins, according to the instructions, with a daily dose of 120 to 160 mg. Taking the drug with this dosage is prescribed depending on the patient's condition for a period of up to 3 weeks. Further, maintenance therapy is prescribed - up to 120 mg of the drug per day.
Testosterone tablets are taken orally (by mouth) after a meal.
In men, before prescribing testosterone preparations, an examination of the prostate gland is performed. During the course of treatment, it is necessary to control the level of hormones and hematocrit, that is, the content of red blood cells in the blood plasma.
Side effects
When prescribing testosterone preparations as a replacement therapy, side effects of drugs may occur in the form of anisocytosis, erythrocytosis. There may also be increased sexual desire, an increase in the number of erections, a decrease in the volume of ejaculate.
In high doses, long-term use of the drug can manifest itself in a decrease in sperm production, the appearance of prostate tumors, fluid retention in the body.
In some cases, there is alopecia areata, gynecomastia, dizziness, nausea, progression of sleep apnea.
Contraindications for testosterone replacement therapy
A contraindication to the appointment of testosterone is the presence in patients of prostate cancer, prostatic hyperplasia, erythrocytosis, severe cardiovascular insufficiency, liver failure.
Content
To correct hormonal imbalances in women and men, testosterone preparations are used. Such drugs are presented on the pharmacological market in tablets, capsules. The hormone regulates many functions of the body, and its deficiency negatively affects the quality of life.
What is testosterone
The hormone testosterone is one of the most important elements in the regulation of the human body. The primary form of this substance is inactive, because. associated with a transporter protein and androgen receptors. AT active view(dihydrotestosterone) it is converted under the influence of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is synthesized by the adrenal cortex and testicles. Hormone production is influenced by pituitary hormones: follicle-stimulating and luteinizing.
This hormone primarily controls the development and functioning of reproductive system. It contributes to the formation of secondary sexual characteristics, maintaining libido, normalizes spermatogenesis, egg maturation. In addition, testosterone regulates:
- mood;
- development of muscle mass and bone system;
- anabolic processes;
- formation of long-term memory and ability to learn.
Classification of drugs in tablets
The male hormone testosterone in tablets is divided into two groups: natural and synthetic. In the first case, the substance is made from plant materials, in the second case it is synthesized in the laboratory. Preparations containing a natural hormone are much better absorbed by the body and provoke fewer side effects. In addition, all medications to increase testosterone levels are divided into products that directly contain it, and supplements that stimulate its production.
Natural
Preparations with natural male hormone are produced from beans, soy, yams. Such drugs are close in their chemical composition to the natural hormone, which is synthesized by the male reproductive system. Medicines are released in microdoses, so that it is fully absorbed by the body. Micronized drugs act for a long time, stabilizing the amount of the hormone at the proper level throughout the day.
Thanks to the action of natural testosterone, sexual desire (libido) is normalized or increased, overall well-being is significantly improved, a surge of energy is felt, bone density and muscle tone increase. Remember that the uncontrolled use of micronized testosterone can cause side effects (increased arterial pressure, elevated blood cholesterol levels).
Synthetic
Artificially synthesized male sex hormone differs from natural in chemical composition. The active substance of the drug is quickly absorbed, has a pronounced effect. Synthetic hormone can provoke side effects: anxiety, aggression, irritability, headache and muscle spasms. Women often have symptoms of masculinization. Synthetic testosterone preparations include:
- Methyltestosterone;
- Methandren;
- Testoral;
- Andriol;
- Androxon.
Drug properties
After oral administration, the active ingredient medicinal product absorbed into the bloodstream and lymphatic system. The bioavailability of the drug is about 7%. Compared with injection solutions, the drug in tablets is more convenient for use, does not have a toxic effect on the liver. The therapeutic effect comes faster. A feature of the use of the hormone in tablets is the need for daily intake. Among the shortcomings note the rapid metabolism of the components of the drug.
Indications for use
According to the instructions of the drug, the use of testosterone is indicated for hormone replacement therapy against the background of a primary or secondary deficiency of this substance. The main indications for the use of drugs are:
- hypopituitarism (insufficient function of the pituitary gland);
- eunuchoidism (insufficient function of the gonads);
- osteoporosis caused by androgen deficiency.
Testosterone preparations for men
The sex hormone testosterone in men regulates the processes of spermatogenesis, sexual behavior. In addition, the substance stimulates the growth of muscle mass, provides calcium deposition in the bones. Testosterone preparations are prescribed for men in such cases as:
- postcastration state;
- endocrine impotence;
- male menopause;
- infertility due to impaired spermatogenesis.
Application for women
In a woman's body, the male sex hormone is responsible for the maturation of the follicle in the ovary. With its reduced content, the maturation of the follicle and the ovulatory cycle are disrupted. In addition, women are prescribed male sex hormone in the following cases:
- with osteoporosis;
- with uterine myoma;
- during the menopause.
Method of application and dosage
The appointment of the drug Testosterone Undecanoate (Testosterone Undecanoate) is carried out only by a doctor after receiving the results of the tests, the initial examination and the collection of anamnesis. The dosage of the drug depends on the sex and age of the patient. Taking testosterone in capsules or tablets should begin with an amount of 120-160 mg per day for 2-3 weeks. After that, therapy is continued at a maintenance dose - up to 120 mg / day.
special instructions
Testosterone tablets for men should be used with caution in patients aged 12–18 years, as there is a high risk of developing side effects. The appointment of the drug for patients suffering from chronic pathologies (epilepsy, migraine, cardiovascular pathologies) should be carried out after assessing the state of health.
drug interaction
Testosterone may increase or decrease glucose sensitivity and reduce the need for hypoglycemic agents and insulin in people suffering from diabetes. In addition, the synthetic analogue may enhance the effects of anticoagulants. Sometimes the drug increases the binding of drugs containing thyroid hormones, and reduces their content in the blood.
Side effects and contraindications
Side effects include sodium and water retention in the body, increased libido, oligospermia (a decrease in the amount of sperm during ejaculation) and priapism (prolonged painful erection). It is not recommended to take pharmacy testosterone in the following cases:
- in the presence of androgen-dependent carcinoma of the prostate or breast;
- with hypercalcemia;
- with prostatic hyperplasia;
- during pregnancy and lactation;
- with individual intolerance to the components of the drug.
Terms of sale and storage
Testosterone tablets for men are dispensed from pharmacies only by prescription. The drug should be protected from exposure to direct sunlight. The drug is recommended to be stored at a temperature of 8-25 °C. The shelf life is 3 years.
Testosterone analogs
If the patient has absolute or even relative contraindications for the use of the drug, as well as with severe side effects after taking the tablets, analogues of this drug are prescribed. These include:
- Virigen. The drug is prescribed for pathologies provoked by a lack of a hormone: infertility, hypopituitarism and eunuchoidism. The drug is used for male menopause or impotence.
- Andriol. Synthetic male sex hormone with androgenic activity. Provides the formation of secondary sexual characteristics, the processes of spermatogenesis. It is prescribed, as a rule, for hypogonadism, osteoporosis, dysfunctional uterine bleeding. The average cost of a medication is 760 rubles.
- Androxon. Synthetic analogue of testosterone. The active substance of the drug is testosterone undecanoate. Apply with insufficient synthesis of its own hormone. The approximate price of the drug is 820 rubles.
The price of testosterone tablets
The cost of the drug depends on the form of release of the drug, the manufacturer and the purity (degree of quality) of its components. Check out the approximate price of the drug:
Video
From year to year, any organism physiologically wears out. biological processes slow down internal organs lose their functionality, the synthesis of hormones decreases, and the body begins to fail. This is especially reflected in the male body, in which a deficiency of the male hormone can lead to androgen deficiency.
Therefore, doctors recommend treatment in the form of hormone replacement therapy. As a rule, intramuscular injections of testosterone cypionate are one of the types effective drugs for men. Preparations containing testosterone are sold in any pharmacy - in the public domain and without a prescription.
Testosterone preparations on the pharmacological market are presented as:
- testosterone injections;
- Testosterone tablets - oral route of administration;
- Testosterone patch and testosterone gel - transdermal method of application;
- Suspension of testosterone;
- subcutaneous implants.
Artificial testosterone has not only a positive effect on the body of men, but also side effects from taking it. The most popular type of testosterone is the hormone in ampoules, namely testosterone cypionate. Hormone injections according to their duration and effectiveness of exposure are divided into injections of short, medium and long-acting.
A short-acting testosterone, such as propionate, should be taken every 3 days. The hormonal course in this case will take a long period of time and will affect the unpleasant pain at the injection site.
Testosterone cypionate, as well as enanthate, sustanol and testosterone depot, are medium-acting drugs. They need to be pricked only once every 2-3 weeks. This is quite convenient, besides, the effectiveness of such drugs is greater than that of analogues.
Taking a long-acting hormone, such as nebido undeconate, has a fairly long interval - about 14 weeks. Throughout this time, the hormonal background in men is maintained in the normal range. This drug has virtually no side effects. The hormone, as a rule, is excreted from the blood without sharp fluctuations in the general hormonal background in the blood. This leads to the fact that men retain sexual function, libido and mood during this time. A significant disadvantage of undeconate is the price of the drug.
Popular hormone ester
Testosterone cypionate is the most affordable and popular activator of anabolic processes in the body of men today. Male hormone injections are presented in the form of an oil solution. A solo cycle of testosterone cypionate is combined with other anabolic drugs for weight gain.
The action of testosterone cypionate in the body is aimed at regulating physical and emotional processes. Thanks to this hormone, a voice and primary sexual characteristics are formed in men, muscle growth is activated, and sexual function is regulated. Solo course of the drug is indicated for use in sports pharmacology. The hormone activates the synthesis of nitrogen in the body, and this, in turn, is a natural process of growth and development of muscle protein.
The negative side of testosterone cypionate is that the esters of the drug are aromatized into estrogens. This negatively affects the body of men, since an excess of the female hormone leads to the formation of the mammary glands along female type, stagnation of fluid in the body, as well as excessive weight gain. Long-term use of testosterone cypionate leads to testicular atrophy in men and a decrease in libido.
Side effects can be prevented if the course of the drug is combined with excipients, namely Nolvadex and Clomid. It is also worth noting that after taking testosterone cypionate, there may be such negative consequences as increased secretion of sebum, dermatological diseases, and baldness. Side effects can be eliminated with the help of the drug propecia.
The course of testosterone cypionate is quite long. Injections of the drug should be done every week in the amount of 200-250 mg. To avoid side effects, you should not raise this dose to 800 mg.
To block the synthesis of the male hormone into estrogen, tamoxifen is additionally injected at a dosage of 10 mg per day or more, depending on how you feel. If the testosterone cycle lasts more than 4-5 weeks, then gonadotropin is additionally used.
The testosterone stimulator has a relatively low cost, which makes it affordable for all categories of the population.
Testosterone for oral administration
Testosterone tablets are intended for oral administration. Synthetic hormone is easily absorbed by the body. The course of the hormone in tablets helps to increase energy, the formation of sexual arousal in men, increases the density of bone and muscle mass, and also improves the physiological state of the body as a whole.
It is much easier and more convenient to use the male hormone in tablets. But, if testosterone injections are rapidly absorbed into gastrointestinal tract, then the half-life of the tablet preparation is much longer.
The pharmacological market presents the male hormone in tablets in the following range: methyltestosterone, androlala, testoral, andriol, androxon, virigen. Despite the convenience of using the drug in the form of tablets, they are still rarely recommended for use. This is due to the low effect of testosterone. The course of the drug in a high dosage does not entail a significant change in the physiological state of the body. For example, the increase in muscle mass in this case will be only 7%, while testosterone injections form muscles by 40%.
For men with androgen deficiency solo, a course of testosterone tablets is not recommended for use. the only possible form treatment, this is a combination of a tablet hormone and a steroid nandrolone.
Water solution
Testosterone injections are indicated for use in the form of an aqueous solution of the hormone. Testosterone suspension has a number of side effects. Basically, testosterone suspension is used in sports pharmacology in men involved in heavy sports. The advantage of suspensions is that their complete disintegration and utilization from the body occur within a day. While other synthetic analogues of the hormone do not have such an effect.
Testosterone suspension is one of the very first artificially derived anabolic steroids. Since the molecular structure of the drug is presented without ether in the composition, the testosterone suspension in 100 mg is presented exclusively in the form of a pure substance without impurities. Hormone analogs cannot demonstrate the same performance, since the same enanthate from 100% of the substance gives the body only 73%, everything else disappears with the ether.
Instructions for use of the drug testosterone suspension:
- The minimum half-life of the active substance;
- Accelerated anabolic effect on the body, manifested in the first 24 hours from the moment of injection;
- High androgenic activity of the drug.
Testosterone suspension has a number of side effects that are not hidden by any instructions for use. The drug is prone to cause dermatological diseases, gynecomastia, increased sebum secretion. Also, an aqueous solution of testosterone has a negative effect on the liver. To avoid adverse reactions of the body, it is necessary to inject each dose of the drug in a new place. To reduce pain, the hormone in suspension is combined with vitamin B12.
Analogues of the artificial male hormone are also presented in the form of a gel and a patch containing a small amount of the hormone. They are prescribed to patients diagnosed with hypogonadism (low testosterone levels). An increase in the level of the hormone occurs while the gel penetrates the epithelium.
Testosterone patches are recommended for the elderly to prevent androgen deficiency.
A significant disadvantage of transdermal testosterone preparations is their short-term effect - only 24 hours. Then you need to glue a new patch or apply the gel to the skin. Gel Androgel and plaster Androderm have a high cost, which makes them inaccessible to the general population. Reception hormonal drugs must be carried out only after a doctor's prescription. Self-medication can lead to adverse effects.
It will be about injections of testosterone - the main male sex hormone, which is normally produced in a healthy man by the testes. Women also have a small amount of testosterone in the blood - this is normal and natural. In the female body, it is produced by the ovaries. In both men and women, the adrenal cortex is involved in the synthesis of testosterone. The adrenal cortex produces little testosterone, but this is enough to maintain a normal hormonal background. In women, this hormone in a small amount is responsible for the stable functioning of brain cells, the normal secretion of the sebaceous glands, and the maturation of follicles in the ovaries.
In other words, this is a completely natural substance that the body provides itself with. But among men, especially among young athletes, it has become customary to inject drugs with testosterone esters or with its aqueous solution. The consequences, if you inject testosterone thoughtlessly and not as prescribed by a doctor, can be very dangerous for men's health. In addition, female athletes sometimes also inject themselves with this drug. For them, the use of the male sex hormone is doubly dangerous, since high concentrations of androgen are normal for men, and pathological for women.
What is testosterone and its role in the body
Testosterone is a sex hormone, androgen, which is responsible for the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics in adolescents, for virilization (the appearance of masculine features in boys), for the production of spermatozoa in all men of reproductive age.
In addition, he is involved in the formation of bone and muscle tissue (as a result, athletes begin to inject themselves with testosterone, believing that testosterone injections will help them quickly gain muscle mass and acquire relief forms). In addition, testosterone affects the mood of a man, making him more emotionally stable. Women who take testosterone also become less impressionable, harsh, rude, less receptive.
Normally, the hormone is synthesized from cholesterol. In violation of lipid metabolism in the body, the production of sex hormones is disrupted. In turn, hormonal imbalance leads to a violation metabolic processes, including lipid metabolism. Testosterone preparations do not contain the hormone in pure form, but include its esters or aqueous solutions of synthetically obtained androgen. Essentially, esters are substances alien to the body, have a hepatotoxic effect on the body and interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system. Therefore, their use should be accompanied by supportive therapy for the liver.
The level of testosterone in the blood depends on a number of factors: the age of the man, his state of health, physical activity, quality of nutrition, lifestyle. Men are not subject to cyclical changes, like women, but at the same time, their sex hormone levels can change in much the same way as women in different periods menstrual cycle.
Testosterone is an estrogen (female sex hormone) antagonist. With an excess of testosterone in the female body, changes begin to occur with the voice, hairline, figure, behavior of a woman - they are like men's. Such changes are irreversible.
artificial testosterone preparations
Artificial preparations based on water and esters perform a number of functions inherent in the sex hormone produced by naturally. They affect the development and function of the male external genital organs, the development and functioning of the prostate gland, and the functioning of the seminal vesicles. In addition, drugs cause signs of masculinity or virilization: a low timbre of voice, more pronounced than in a woman, hairline, developed muscles, male type figures. Among other things, testosterone preparations form sexual and social behavior men, activate libido, maintain potency, ensure normal spermatogenesis.
Testosterone retains phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur in the body and directs them to protein synthesis. In addition, it fixes calcium in the bones and stimulates the growth of muscle tissue. Because the hormone has an anabolic effect, testosterone preparations have become actively used by athletes. Therefore, foreign preparations of the hormone contain detailed instructions and annotations, which reflect the entire spectrum of the effects of testosterone on the body and highlight the consequences of its use.
Who and why are testosterone injections prescribed?
Testosterone is used as part of replacement therapy. It is used to correct and treat the following conditions and diseases:
- testicular disease,
- diseases of the pituitary gland
- Brain diseases that provoke hypogonadism or insufficiency of the secretion of sex hormones,
- Decreased natural testosterone levels associated with old age.
- Eunuchoidism is the development of the male body according to the female type.
- Impotence with endocrine causes.
- Post-castration syndrome experienced by patients of both sexes during surgical removal of the internal genital organs.
- Oligospermia is a significant decrease in the volume of sperm ejected during ejaculation.
- Osteoporosis of a hormonal nature (arising against the background of androgen deficiency).
- Hormone dependent female diseases.
Other reasons justifying the use of a synthetic hormone have not been confirmed. Specialists are advised to use testosterone in injections and in other dosage forms in the absence of a positive therapeutic effect from the use of other drugs.
Testosterone preparations are produced on an aqueous and ether basis. The former are more accessible but less secure. Firstly, the very injection of the drug is very painful, secondly, painful infiltrates often form at the injection site, thirdly, suppuration and inflammation of an infectious nature are possible at the injection site, and fourthly, the water-based drug acts less time. The drug based on esters retains its effect for up to a month, as it is slowly excreted by the body.
How testosterone affects the body
Most often, testosterone is used in injections. The dosage form in the form of tablets is not readily available and is considered less effective in gaining muscle mass. Indeed, with active training aimed at "pumping" the muscles, the use of testosterone preparations contributed to the acceleration of muscle mass gain by 2-3 times. This technique also worked for female athletes, but a more pronounced and stable effect was observed in men.
In men, there is an increased mood, a positive attitude towards their occupation, endurance increases, which allows them to more actively engage in mass building. At the same time, part of the gained mass is represented by water, which is retained by testosterone. After discontinuation of the drug, the liquid leaves, and the mass decreases accordingly.
The drug strengthens bones due to the content of calcium. This reduces the risk of injury, especially during power loads. Those who took testosterone preparations note that they have increased potency, increased the number and improved the quality of sexual intercourse. At the same time, more or less long-term use of drugs causes side effects.
Official studies on the effects of a synthetic analogue of the male sex hormone on the body were carried out in a number of Western countries. According to their results, we can confidently say the following:
- Preparations based on artificial testosterone significantly increase the risk of developing heart attacks and diseases of the heart muscle.
- The likelihood of strokes, thrombosis, and other circulatory disorders increases.
- Skin problems develop: seborrhea, acne and others.
A very serious problem is that through the use of products with artificial testosterone, athletes lose the ability to produce their own testosterone over and over again, which leads to severe hormonal and endocrine disorders. The treatment of this failure is long and requires the use of a number of drugs to restore the synthesis of one's own hormone.
On the female body testosterone-based drugs act depressingly.
- First, a woman changes outwardly, acquires masculine features, her voice becomes rougher and dark hair begins to grow on her face, arms, legs, sometimes on her back and chest.
- Secondly, a woman's mood often changes. She becomes irritable, notes flashes of unmotivated aggression.
- There is a pastosity of the face - puffiness, puffiness.
- The woman is disturbed menstrual cycle stop ovulation. The onset and preservation of pregnancy are questionable.
- If a woman is in a state of pregnancy, then the pregnancy is interrupted, and the fetus dies due to the inability of the uterus to stretch under the influence of a foreign hormone. The walls of the uterus, although they become elastic, cannot expand to the necessary limits and allow the fetus to develop and grow.
- Mammary glands and ovaries are oppressed. This can lead to the development of tumor processes or serious disturbances in the work of the woman's reproductive system.
It is very difficult to equalize the hormonal background of a woman after the use of testosterone. secondary sexual characteristics that have developed while taking testosterone in a woman remain forever.
Rules for the use of testosterone
The drug is prescribed by a doctor on the basis of a complete examination. The dosage is determined individually, based on the clinical picture, the patient's condition and his individual characteristics. If a patient develops androgen-dependent effects, testosterone treatment should be discontinued. After the effects of the drug are reduced, the doses of the drug are reduced and treatment is resumed.
It is necessary to constantly monitor the condition of patients with early stages kidney, heart and liver failure, severe migraine, epilepsy, high blood pressure. Testosterone preparations, either in injections, or in tablets, or in any other form, should not be used in the presence of the following diseases:
- Prostate cancer (you can try Britov's vaccine);
- Violation of the functions of the kidneys and liver;
- Gynecomastia;
- Teenage and elderly age in patients;
- Severe asthenization;
- Heart failure of the last degrees.
Side effects of testosterone use
Currently, the following unpleasant moments have been identified when taking the drug:
- Nausea and vomiting, cholestatic jaundice may develop.
- Often edema due to fluid retention, hypercalcemia due to calcium retention.
- There are also local allergic reactions at the injection site: redness, burning, swelling, redness, itching.
- In men, long-term use of testosterone preparations leads to priapism - painful erections prolonged in time up to several hours, not associated with sexual arousal, which do not disappear after ejaculation.
In men, as a result of hormonal failure, lipomastia and gynecomastia can develop. Lipomastia is an excess deposition of fat in the area of the mammary glands. She cleans up with diets and exercise. Gynecomastia is an increase in the mammary glands in men and the appearance of formations of the type female breast. Gynecomastia in advanced form can only be eliminated surgically.