Testosterone – its use and effects

As far as testosterone is concerned, it is an organic chemical compound included in the androgen group. It is one of the primary male sex steroid hormones. Testosterone derivatives, i.e., esters intended for oral use or intramuscular injection with slow release, are used in therapeutic or training support processes.

What are the effects of testosterone?

It is worth remembering that testosterone is a hormone characterised by a wide range of effects. It affects many vital processes and issues. Its action is as follows:

• Effects on spermatogenesis, the process of sperm formation and maturation.
• Shaping gender and its characteristics in a person.
• The development of sexual secondary characteristics such as, for example, facial hair, voice, and physique.
• Anabolic action stimulates protein synthesis (testosterone also positively affects mass muscle gain).
• Increased libido (long-term testosterone intake causes this effect to fade).
• Influences the development of the prostate gland.

Testosterone and its effects on women

It turns out that testosterone is also found in specific quantities in women’s bodies, so that women can take it in limited amounts. In this situation, the hormone has an anabolic effect, which supports women’s training. As far as its therapeutic action is concerned, it is rarely used in women due to various side effects such as hirsutism and masculinization. The most common use of therapeutic testosterone in women is for advanced and hormonally active tumours.

What else is worth knowing?

Testosterone taken orally is completely metabolised in the liver, so intramuscular injection is effective for parenteral use. For many people, the effect of testosterone on the development of muscle mass is essential, which is why testosterone-based preparations are offered by many outlets selling items for athletes and bodybuilders.