Testosterone enanthate is a prescription medication used to treat hormonal imbalances in males and females. Testosterone enanthate is similar in structure to the the male sex hormone testosterone and is prescribed to treat conditions in which endogenous testosterone is deficient or completely absent in patients. Testosterone was first synthesized in 1935 and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1953. Testosterone enanthate has been studied extensively in clinical trials and post marketing research. It has proven generally safe and effective, but also causes several side effects.
Effects on Male Patients
Testosterone enanthate has several effects on males that are deficient in endogenous testosterone. According to Drugs.com., it is indicated for the treatment of underactive or nonfunctioning testicles such as hypogonadism and the delayed onset of puberty. Testosterone is essential for the development of the male sex organs and maintenance of the secondary sex characteristics. Testosterone is essential for maturation of the prostate, seminal vesicles, penis and scrotum. It also functions in the distribution of body hair, including the beard, pubic hair and chest hair. Testosterone enanthate also mediates the development of the larynx and the thickening of the vocal chords necessary for the deeper male voice. Testosterone enathate also plays a role in muscular development and fat distribution. In the May 2005 issue of the "European Journal of Endocrinology," Dr. Friedrich Jockenhovel and associates found that testosterone enanthate is substantially effective at restoring sexual health and positive mood for men diagnosed with hypogonadism.
Effects on Female Patients
Testosterone enanthate is indicated for the treatment of metastatic mammary cancer. Metastatic mammary cancer is cancer that has spread from the breast to the surrounding tissues and organs, including the ribs and breastplate. The prescribing label for Delatestryl states that testosterone enathate is used as a secondary measure for treating breast cancer in women who are five years or longer into post-menopause. Testosterone enathate may also be used with premenopausal women who have had their ovaries removed that have breast tumors linked to estrogen imbalances. In the August 2001 issue of the "International Journal of Oncology," Dr. T.W. Chan and associates found that testosterone enanthate significantly reduced the rate, number and size of breast tumors in female rats.
Side Effects
Testosterone enanthate can cause several gender specific side effects as well as general side effects. In women it can cause endocrine and urogenital side effects. The prescribing label for Delatestryl states that women may experience menstrual irregularities, inhibited secretion of the sex hormone gonadotropin, deepening of the voice and enlargement of the clitoris. Male patients may grow breasts, have frequent erections of excessive duration and have a low sperm count. General non-gender related side effects may include nausea, liver impairment, poor blood clotting function, changes in libido, anxiety, depression and headache.
References
- Endo Pharmaceuticals: Delatestryl Full Prescribing Information
- Drugs.com: Delatestryl Official FDA Information
- "European Journal of Endocrinology"; Comparison of Long-Acting Testosterone Undecanoate Formulation Versus Testosterone Enanthate on Sexual Function and Mood in Hypogonadal Men; Dr. Friedrich Jockenhovel et al.; May 2005
- "International Journal of Oncology"; Induction of Mammary Epithelial Cell Differentiation and Inhibition of Dimethylbenz(A)Anthracene-Induced Mammary Tumour by Co-Administration of a Pure Antiestrogen ICI 182,780 and Testosterone Enanthate; TW Chan et al.; August 2001
