Androgens, hormones made by the body, are responsible in males for development of the sexual organs during puberty, according to Drugs.com. These hormones facilitate beard growth, pubic, chest and axillary hair; laryngeal enlargement, vocal cord thickening, and alterations in body musculature and fat distribution in men. Reasons for using cypionate or synthetic testosterone include loss of the testicles or loss of function of the testicles. The use of androgens for athletic performance enhancement is illegal. Cypionate, a synthetic testosterone steroid, can have serious side effects.
Urethral Obstruction, Lost Sperm, Painful Erection
Patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy, commonly referred to as an enlarged prostate, should not take cypionate. Testosterone affects cell growth. Patients may develop urethral obstruction and be unable to urinate. Using cypionate can cause an absence of sperm with prolonged use or excessive dosing. Priapism, a prolonged, painful erection, can result from using cypionate. The use of testosterone can induce testicular shrinkage and cause gynecomastia or enlarged breasts in men.
Aggression, Delusion, Impaired Judgment
The acute effects of using testosterone on the brain are unlike those of other drugs of abuse. Steroids do not influence dopamine like other drugs of abuse, and do not produce euphoria. They connect with male and female hormone receptors on the surface of a cell. This complex, when formed, is able to insert itself into the cell nucleus and influence genetic patterns of replication. Long-term abuse of steroids affects the behavior of users. These types of steroids can lead to aggression and psychiatric dysfunction. Users often suffer from paranoid jealously, extreme irritability, delusions and impaired judgment.
Liver Damage, Jaundice
The use of cypionate is associated with liver damage and jaundice. Liver cancer and prostate cancer have been noted in rare cases. Cypionate can cause an increase in fluid retention with and without heart failure, as well as an increase in blood pressure. Tremors, renal failure and severe acne are associated with testosterone use. Cypionate affects cholesterol and causes an increase in the LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol, and a decrease in HDL cholesterol or good cholesterol.
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