Testosterone is a sex steroid produced naturally by the body. In men it is predominantly produced in the testes, and in the adrenal glands in women. Testosterone and drugs similar to it called anabolic steroids are used by prescription to treat some medical conditions and illegally by bodybuilders and other athletes to improve performance, but use as a performance enhancing drug comes with side effects.
History
According to an article in "Endocrine Abstracts" by E. Nieschlag, the biological effects of testosterone have been known since antiquity. The name testosterone was coined in 1935 when it was isolated from bull testes, though the isolation had been attempted since at least 1786. In the 1950s and 1960s chemical modifications to testosterone resulted in the creation of different types of testosterone. While previously used mostly in injectable form, in 2000 a skin patch become available, followed by a long acting injectable form and short acting form which can be applied to the gums.
Prevalence of Abuse
A 2007 study by Dr. Gary Green of UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine found from self-reports of high school students that 1 percent reported anabolic steroid use, 15 percent believe some of their teammates use steroids, and over 50 percent estimated that about 10 percent of all athletes at their schools used steroids. Other studies have revealed a prevalence of use by youth from 1 to 3 percent. Most of these studies have been limited by a bias of self-reporting, however.
Synthesis, Structure & Types
In the body, testosterone is synthesized from cholesterol, a fat soluble, four ringed molecule. Since it is fat soluble, it can move into cells where it enters the nucleus. This structure contains the cell's DNA and acts as the control center of the cell. Testosterone may be converted to dihydrotestosterone, also known as DHT, which is a very potent hormone. Synthetic testosterone comes in many forms with slight differences, such as the ability to prevent actions more specific to DHT such as balding, or prevent conversion into estrogen by the enzyme aromatase, according to Linda Costanzo's 2009 text "Physiology."
Medical Applications
According to the MayoClinic.com, testosterone and similar anabolic steroids are used to treat certain anemias, problems with weight loss in HIV and cancer, some types of breast cancer, a condition of body swelling called hereditary angioedema, and as hormone replacement in those with low testosterone. It has not been approved for use to boost athletic performance, in part due to concerns over side effects.
Side Effects
One potential side effect of steroid use is liver disease, including liver damage and possibly cancer, according to Drugs.com. It can also lead to aggression or other psychological disturbances. Additional side effects include ongoing erection that can damage the penis, bone pain, allergic reactions, acne, cessation of periods in women, the development of male characteristics in women such as facial hair and a deep voice, suppression of testicular function, breast swelling, high cholesterol, increased red blood cells, infections, among others.
