Testosterone
Pronunciation:tes-TOS-tuh-rohn
Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number:58-22-0
Formal Names:Androderm, Andronaq, Delatestryl, Depo-Testosterone, Hydro-
test, Malogen, Oreton, Percutacrine Androge ́nique Forte, Primoteston, Testo-
derm, Testoral Sublings, Testoviron
Type:Anabolic steroid.Seepage 24
Federal Schedule Listing:Schedule III (DEA no. 4000)
USA Availability:Prescription
Pregnancy Category:X
Uses.Testosterone was discovered in the 1930s. It is primarily a male hor-
mone but is found in females as well. Various forms of testosterone exist, and
body chemistry can transform them into still other substances. They play ma-
jor roles in maintaining male physical characteristics: genitals and prostate,
beard and other body hair, voice quality, and body build. Testosterone is
suspected of influencing thinking abilities and definitely can influence behav-
ior, such as encouraging mania and aggression. One study found high testos-
terone amounts in criminals with personality disorder, with repeat offenders
having the highest amounts. Experimenters documented that giving high
doses to mares resulted in “markedly vicious stallion-like” conduct. Low tes-
tosterone levels in men can make them tired and depressed, reduce their in-
terest in sexual activity, and cause male physical characteristics to diminish.
In contrast to high and low amounts, one study found that normal levels of
testosterone in men promoted normal behavior and feelings, such as geniality
and contentment.
Doses of the drug can supplement the body’s natural supply of male hor-
mones if the supply is abnormally low. Testosterone is a treatment for male
sexual dysfunction. Experimental use of the drug to alleviate depression and
weight loss in HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immu-
nodeficiency syndrome) patients has been successful. The drug has also im-
proved liver cirrhosis and a blood disease called aplastic anemia and is used
against a bone affliction called myelosclerosis. In experiments testosterone im-
proved the condition of heart patients suffering from angina (pain caused by
insufficient cardiac oxygen supply), and an experiment showed benefit for
coronary artery disease patients. A case report tells of success in treating