Testosterone (medication)

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Testosterone
Clinical data
Pronunciation/tɛˈstɒstərn/ teh-STOS-tə-rohn[1]
Trade namesAndroGel, Testim, TestoGel, others
Other namesAndrost-4-en-17β-ol-3-one
AHFS/Drugs.comMonograph
MedlinePlusa619028
License data
Pregnancy
category
  • AU: D[2]
  • teratogenic
    effects
pellet)
Drug classAndrogen, anabolic steroid
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
Elimination half-life2–4 hours[citation needed]
ExcretionUrine (90%), feces (6%)
Identifiers
  • (8R,9S,10R,13S,14S,17S)-17-hydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,6,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one
JSmol)
Specific rotation+110.2°
Melting point155 °C (311 °F)
  • O=C4\C=C2/[C@]([C@H]1CC[C@@]3([C@@H](O)CC[C@H]3[C@@H]1CC2)C)(C)CC4
  • InChI=1S/C19H28O2/c1-18-9-7-13(20)11-12(18)3-4-14-15-5-6-17(21)19(15,2)10-8-16(14)18/h11,14-17,21H,3-10H2,1-2H3/t14-,15-,16-,17-,18-,19-/m0/s1 checkY
  • Key:MUMGGOZAMZWBJJ-DYKIIFRCSA-N checkY
  (verify)

Testosterone (T) is a

low levels due to aging is beneficial or harmful.[10] Testosterone can be used as a gel or patch that is applied to the skin, injection into a muscle, tablet that is placed in the cheek, or tablet that is taken by mouth.[8]

Common

heart disease, and behavioral changes.[8] Women and children who are exposed may develop masculinization.[8] It is recommended that individuals with prostate cancer should not use the medication.[8] It can cause harm to the baby if used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.[8] Testosterone is in the androgen family of medications.[8]

Testosterone was first isolated in 1935, and approved for medical use in 1939.

generic medication.[8] In 2021, it was the 143rd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 4 million prescriptions.[15][16]

Medical uses

The primary use of testosterone is the treatment of males with too little or no natural testosterone production, also termed

hypoandrogenism (androgen deficiency).[17] This treatment is referred to as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or alternatively, and more specifically, as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or androgen replacement therapy (ART). It is used to maintain serum testosterone levels in the normal male range. Decline of testosterone production with age has led to interest in testosterone supplementation.[18]

A 2020 guideline from the

low levels of testosterone who have sexual dysfunction. They recommend yearly evaluation regarding possible improvement and, if none, to discontinue testosterone; physicians should consider intramuscular treatments, rather than transdermal treatments, due to costs and since the effectiveness and harm of either method is similar. Testosterone treatment for reasons other than possible improvement of sexual dysfunction may not be recommended.[19][20]

Deficiency

Testosterone deficiency (also termed hypotestosteronism or hypotestosteronemia) is an abnormally low testosterone production. It may occur because of testicular dysfunction (

congenital or acquired.[21][medical citation needed
]

Androgen replacement therapy formulations and dosages used in men
Route Medication Major brand names Form Dosage
Oral Testosteronea Tablet 400–800 mg/day (in divided doses)
Testosterone undecanoate Andriol, Jatenzo Capsule 40–80 mg/2–4x day (with meals)
Methyltestosteroneb Android, Metandren, Testred Tablet 10–50 mg/day
Fluoxymesteroneb Halotestin, Ora-Testryl, Ultandren Tablet 5–20 mg/day
Metandienoneb Dianabol Tablet 5–15 mg/day
Mesteroloneb Proviron Tablet 25–150 mg/day
Sublingual Testosteroneb Testoral Tablet 5–10 mg 1–4x/day
Methyltestosteroneb Metandren, Oreton Methyl Tablet 10–30 mg/day
Buccal Testosterone Striant Tablet 30 mg 2x/day
Methyltestosteroneb Metandren, Oreton Methyl Tablet 5–25 mg/day
Transdermal
Testosterone AndroGel, Testim, TestoGel Gel 25–125 mg/day
Androderm, AndroPatch, TestoPatch Non-scrotal patch 2.5–15 mg/day
Testoderm Scrotal patch 4–6 mg/day
Axiron Axillary solution 30–120 mg/day
Androstanolone (DHT) Andractim Gel 100–250 mg/day
Rectal Testosterone Rektandron, Testosteronb Suppository 40 mg 2–3x/day
SC
Tooltip subcutaneous injection)
Testosterone Andronaq, Sterotate, Virosterone Aqueous suspension 10–50 mg 2–3x/week
Testosterone propionateb Testoviron Oil solution 10–50 mg 2–3x/week
Testosterone enanthate Delatestryl Oil solution 50–250 mg 1x/1–4 weeks
Xyosted Auto-injector 50–100 mg 1x/week
Testosterone cypionate Depo-Testosterone Oil solution 50–250 mg 1x/1–4 weeks
Testosterone isobutyrate Agovirin Depot Aqueous suspension 50–100 mg 1x/1–2 weeks
Testosterone phenylacetateb Perandren, Androject Oil solution 50–200 mg 1x/3–5 weeks
Mixed testosterone esters Sustanon 100, Sustanon 250 Oil solution 50–250 mg 1x/2–4 weeks
Testosterone undecanoate Aveed, Nebido Oil solution 750–1,000 mg 1x/10–14 weeks
Testosterone buciclatea Aqueous suspension 600–1,000 mg 1x/12–20 weeks
Implant Testosterone Testopel Pellet 150–1,200 mg/3–6 months
Notes: Men produce about 3 to 11 mg testosterone per day (mean 7 mg/day in young men). Footnotes: a = Never marketed. b = No longer used and/or no longer marketed. Sources: See template.

Low levels due to aging

Testosterone levels may decline gradually with age.[22][23] The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated in 2015 that neither the benefits nor the safety of testosterone supplement have been established for low testosterone levels due to aging.[10] The FDA has required that labels on testosterone include warnings about increased risk of heart attacks and stroke.[10]

Transgender men

To take advantage of its

transmasculine individuals as part of masculinizing hormone therapy,[24] titrated to clinical effect with a "target level" of the average male's testosterone level.[25]

Medications and dosages used in transgender men[26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34]
Medication Brand name Type Route Dosage[a]
Testosterone undecanoate Andriol, Jatenzo Androgen Oral 40–80 mg up to three times/day
Testosterone Striant Androgen Buccal 30mg twice daily
Natesto Androgen Nasal spray 11mg three times daily
AndroGel[b] Androgen TD gel 25–100mg/day
Androderm[b] Androgen TD patch 2.5–10mg/day
Axiron Androgen TD liquid 30–120mg/day
Testopel Androgen SC 150–600mg every 3–6 months
Testosterone enanthate Delatestryl[b] Androgen IM, SC 50–100mg once/week or
100–250mg every 2–4 wks
Testosterone cypionate Depo-Test[b] Androgen IM, SC 50–100mg once/week or
100–250mg every 2–4 wks
Testosterone isobutyrate Agovirin Depot Androgen IM, SC 50–100mg once/week
Mixed testosterone esters Sustanon 250[b] Androgen IM, SC 250mg every 2–3 wks or
500mg every 3–6 wks
Testosterone undecanoate Aveed[b] Androgen IM, SC 750–1,000mg every 10–14 wks
Nandrolone decanoate Deca-Durabolin Androgen IM, SC ?[35]
GnRH analogues
Various
GnRH modulator
Various Variable
Elagolix Orilissa
GnRH antagonist
Oral 150mg/day or 200mg twice/day
Medroxyprogesterone acetate[c] Provera[b] Progestin Oral 5–10mg/day
Depo-Provera[b] Progestin IM 150mg every 3 months
Depo-SubQ Provera 104 Progestin SC 104mg every 3 months
Lynestrenol[c] Orgametril[b] Progestin Oral 5–10mg/day
Finasteride[d] Propecia[b] 5αR inhibitor Oral 1mg/day
Dutasteride[d] Avodart 5αR inhibitor Oral 0.5mg/day
  1. testes
    is between 3 and 11 mg per day.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Also available under other brand names.
  3. ^
    menses
    .
  4. ^
    scalp hair loss
    .


Women

Testosterone therapy is effective in the short-term for the treatment of

metabolic, and/or bone health.[36]

A 2014 systematic review and meta-analysis of 35 studies consisting of over 5,000

voice deepening, were also reported in some trials, but were excluded from analyses due to insufficient data.[37] The overall quality of the evidence was rated as low and was considered to be inconclusive in certain areas, for instance on long-term safety.[37]

A subsequent 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis of studies including over 3,000 postmenopausal women with HSDD similarly found that short-term transdermal testosterone therapy was effective in improving multiple domains of sexual function.[38] Androgenic adverse effects such as acne and hirsutism were significantly greater in incidence with testosterone therapy, whereas no significant differences in "increase in facial hair, alopecia, voice deepening, urinary symptoms, breast pain, headache, site reaction to the patch, total adverse events, serious adverse events, reasons for withdrawal from the study, and the number of women who completed the study" were seen relative to controls.[38]

Although testosterone has been found to be effective at improving sexual function in postmenopausal women, the doses employed have been supraphysiological.

testosterone patch for the treatment of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women.[39][40] The reasons cited were limited efficacy (about one additional sexually satisfying event per month), concerns about safety and potential adverse effects with long-term therapy, and concerns about inappropriate off-label use.[39][40] It appears that in women, rather than testosterone, estradiol may be the most important hormone involved in sexual desire, although data on the clinical use of estradiol to increase sexual desire in women is limited.[39][41][42]

There are no testosterone products approved for use in women in the United States and many other countries.

compounding pharmacies in the United States, although such products are unregulated and manufacturing quality is not ensured.[47]

Androgen replacement therapy formulations and dosages used in women
Route Medication Major brand names Form Dosage
Oral Testosterone undecanoate Andriol, Jatenzo Capsule 40–80 mg 1x/1–2 days
Methyltestosterone Metandren, Estratest Tablet 0.5–10 mg/day
Fluoxymesterone Halotestin Tablet 1–2.5 mg 1x/1–2 days
Normethandronea Ginecoside Tablet 5 mg/day
Tibolone Livial Tablet 1.25–2.5 mg/day
Prasterone (DHEA)b Tablet 10–100 mg/day
Sublingual Methyltestosterone Metandren Tablet 0.25 mg/day
Transdermal
Testosterone Intrinsa Patch 150–300 μg/day
AndroGel Gel, cream 1–10 mg/day
Vaginal
Prasterone (DHEA) Intrarosa Insert 6.5 mg/day
Injection Testosterone propionatea Testoviron Oil solution 25 mg 1x/1–2 weeks
Testosterone enanthate Delatestryl, Primodian Depot Oil solution 25–100 mg 1x/4–6 weeks
Testosterone cypionate Depo-Testosterone, Depo-Testadiol Oil solution 25–100 mg 1x/4–6 weeks
Testosterone isobutyratea Femandren M, Folivirin Aqueous suspension 25–50 mg 1x/4–6 weeks
Mixed testosterone esters
Climacterona Oil solution 150 mg 1x/4–8 weeks
Omnadren, Sustanon Oil solution 50–100 mg 1x/4–6 weeks
Nandrolone decanoate Deca-Durabolin Oil solution 25–50 mg 1x/6–12 weeks
Prasterone enanthatea Gynodian Depot Oil solution 200 mg 1x/4–6 weeks
Implant Testosterone Testopel Pellet 50–100 mg 1x/3–6 months
Notes:
Over-the-counter
. Sources: See template.
Androgen/anabolic steroid dosages for breast cancer
Route Medication Form Dosage
Oral Methyltestosterone Tablet 30–200 mg/day
Fluoxymesterone Tablet 10–40 mg 3x/day
Calusterone Tablet 40–80 mg 4x/day
Normethandrone Tablet 40 mg/day
Buccal Methyltestosterone Tablet 25–100 mg/day
SC
Tooltip subcutaneous injection)
Testosterone propionate Oil solution 50–100 mg 3x/week
Testosterone enanthate Oil solution 200–400 mg 1x/2–4 weeks
Testosterone cypionate Oil solution 200–400 mg 1x/2–4 weeks
Mixed testosterone esters
Oil solution 250 mg 1x/week
Methandriol Aqueous suspension 100 mg 3x/week
Androstanolone (DHT) Aqueous suspension 300 mg 3x/week
Drostanolone propionate Oil solution 100 mg 1–3x/week
Metenolone enanthate Oil solution 400 mg 3x/week
Nandrolone decanoate Oil solution 50–100 mg 1x/1–3 weeks
Nandrolone phenylpropionate Oil solution 50–100 mg/week
Note: Dosages are not necessarily equivalent. Sources: See template.

Available forms

Androderm testosterone skin patch

Testosterone has been marketed for use by

testosterone ester such as testosterone cypionate, testosterone enanthate, testosterone propionate, or testosterone undecanoate, which act as prodrugs of testosterone.[48][49][50] The most common route of administration for testosterone is by intramuscular injection.[48] However, it has been reported that AndroGel, a transdermal gel formulation of testosterone, has become the most popular form of testosterone in androgen replacement therapy for hypogonadism in the United States.[49]

Available forms of testosterone[a]
Route Ingredient Form Dose[b] Brand names[c]
Oral Test. undecanoate Capsule 40 mg Andriol, Jatenzo
Sublingual Testosterone Tablet 10 mg Testoral
Buccal Testosterone Tablet 30 mg Striant
Intranasal
Testosterone Nasal gel 5.5 mg/spray, 120 sprays Natesto
Transdermal
Testosterone Non-scrotal patch 2.5, 4, 5, 6 mg/day Androderm
Non-scrotal patch 150, 300 μg/day Intrinsa
Scrotal patch[d] 4, 6 mg/day Testoderm
Topical gel 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 mg/pump AndroGel, Testim
Axillary solution 30 mg/pump Axiron
Rectal Testosterone Suppository 40 mg Rektandron
Injection[e] Test. enanthate Oil solution 50, 100, 180, 200, 250 mg/mL Delatestryl
Test. cypionate Oil solution 50, 100, 200, 250 mg/mL Depo-Testosterone
Mixed test. esters[f] Oil solution 100, 250 mg/mL Sustanon
Test. undecanoate Oil solution 750, 1000 mg Aveed, Nebido
Implant Testosterone Pellet 50, 75, 100, 200 mg Testopel
Footnotes and sources:
  1. ^ This table does not include combination products with other medications/hormones. The availability of specific products may vary by country - see Testosterone (medication) § Availability.
  2. ^ These dosages may be given at varying frequencies - dosages listed are "each" (ex: per tablet, per spray, etc) and not indicative of total daily dose or equivalent.
  3. ^ Other brand names may be currently or historically marketed.
  4. ^ Potentially discontinued.
  5. subcutaneous injection
    .
  6. ^ Combination of testosterone propionate, testosterone phenylpropionate, testosterone isocaproate, and testosterone decanoate.
Sources: [52][53][54][55][56][49][57][58][59][60][51][61][62][63]

Non-medical use

Athletics

Testosterone is used as a form of

anabolic agent and is on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) List of Prohibited Substances and Methods.[64] Hormone supplements cause the endocrine system to adjust its production and lower the natural production of the hormone, so when supplements are discontinued, natural hormone production is lower than it was originally.[citation needed
]

Anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS), including testosterone and its esters, have also been taken to enhance muscle development, strength, or endurance. They do so directly by increasing the muscles' protein synthesis. As a result, muscle fibers become larger and repair faster than the average person's.[citation needed
]

After a series of scandals and publicity in the 1980s (such as Ben Johnson's improved performance at the 1988 Summer Olympics), prohibitions of AAS use were renewed or strengthened by many sports organizations. Testosterone and other AAS were designated a "controlled substance" by the United States Congress in 1990, with the Anabolic Steroid Control Act.[65] Their use is seen as an issue in modern sport, particularly given the lengths to which athletes and professional laboratories go to in trying to conceal such use from sports regulators. Steroid use once again came into the spotlight as a result of Canadian professional wrestler Chris Benoit's double murder-suicide in 2007; however, there is no evidence implicating steroid use as a factor in the incident.[citation needed]

Some female athletes may have naturally higher levels of testosterone than others, and may be asked to consent to sex verification and either surgery or drugs to decrease testosterone levels.[66] This has proven contentious, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport suspending the IAAF policy due to insufficient evidence of a link between high androgen levels and improved athletic performance.[67][68]

Detection of abuse

A number of methods for detecting testosterone use by athletes have been employed, most based on a urine test. These include the testosterone/epitestosterone ratio (normally less than 6), the testosterone/luteinizing hormone ratio and the carbon-13/carbon-12 ratio (pharmaceutical testosterone contains less carbon-13 than endogenous testosterone). In some testing programs, an individual's own historical results may serve as a reference interval for interpretation of a suspicious finding. Another approach being investigated is the detection of the administered form of testosterone, usually an ester, in hair.[69][70][71][72]

Contraindications

Absolute

congestive heart failure, various other cardiovascular diseases, and uncontrolled obstructive sleep apnea.[73] Breast cancer is said by some sources to be an absolute contraindication of testosterone therapy,[73] but androgens including testosterone have also actually been used to treat breast cancer.[74] Relative contraindications of testosterone include elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in men with a high risk of prostate cancer due to ethnicity or family history, severe lower urinary tract symptoms, and elevated hematocrit (>50%).[73]

Side effects

Adverse effects may also include minor side effects such as oily skin, acne, and seborrhea, as well as loss of scalp hair, which may be prevented or reduced with

spontaneous erections, and nocturnal emissions.[77][78][79][80]

Other side effects include increased hematocrit, which can require venipuncture in order to treat, and exacerbation of sleep apnea.[81]

The FDA stated in 2015 that neither the benefits nor the safety of testosterone have been established for low testosterone levels due to aging.[10] The FDA has required that testosterone pharmaceutical labels include warning information about the possibility of an increased risk of heart attacks and stroke.[10] They have also required the label include concerns about abuse and dependence.[82]

Injectable forms of testosterone can cause a lung problem called pulmonary oil microembolism (POME). Symptoms of POME include cough, shortness of breath, tightening of the throat, chest pain, sweating, dizziness, and fainting.[83][84] A postmarketing analysis by the manufacturer of Aveed (testosterone undeconate injection) found that POME occurred at a rate of less than 1% per injection per year for Aveed.[85]

Long-term adverse effects

Cardiovascular disease

Adverse effects of testosterone supplementation may include increased cardiovascular events (including

heart attacks, and deaths in men taking FDA-approved testosterone-replacement led the FDA to announce that it would be investigating the issue.[89] Later, in September 2014, the FDA announced, as a result of the "potential for adverse cardiovascular outcomes", a review of the appropriateness and safety of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT).[90][91][92] The FDA now requires warnings in the drug labeling of all approved testosterone products regarding deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.[93]

Up to the year 2010, studies had not shown any effect on the risk of death, prostate cancer or cardiovascular disease;[94][95] more recent[when?] studies, however, do raise concerns.[96] A 2013 study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, reported "the use of testosterone therapy was significantly associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes." The study began after a previous, randomized, clinical trial of testosterone therapy in men was stopped prematurely "due to adverse cardiovascular events raising concerns about testosterone therapy safety."[87]

However, when given to men with hypogonadism in the short- and medium-term, testosterone replacement therapy does not increase the risk of cardiovascular events (including strokes and heart attacks and other heart diseases). The long-term safety of the therapy is not known yet.[97][98]

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Testosterone therapy for patients with late-onset hypogonadism, in addition to increasing risk of cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer, may exacerbate the risk factors associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition that involves the noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which can lead to urinary symptoms.[99]

Prostate cancer

Testosterone in the presence of a slow-growing prostate cancer is assumed to increase its growth rate. However, the association between testosterone supplementation and the development of prostate cancer is unproven.[100] Nevertheless, physicians are cautioned about the cancer risk associated with testosterone supplementation.[101]

Testosterone may accelerate pre-existing prostate cancer growth in individuals who have undergone androgen deprivation.[81] It is recommended that physicians screen for prostate cancer with a digital rectal exam and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level before starting therapy, and monitor PSA and hematocrit levels closely during therapy.[22]

Ethnic groups have different rates of prostate cancer.[102] Differences in sex hormones, including testosterone, have been suggested as an explanation for these differences.[102] This apparent paradox can be resolved by noting that prostate cancer is very common. In autopsies, 80% of 80-year-old men have prostate cancer.[103]

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Testosterone is

ambiguous genitalia
.

Interactions

5α-Reductase inhibitors

3α-androstanediol from testosterone, and this may have neuropsychiatric consequences in some men.[109]

Aromatase inhibitors

Aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole prevent the conversion of testosterone into estradiol by aromatase.[50] As only a very small fraction of testosterone is converted into estradiol, this does not affect testosterone levels, but it can prevent estrogenic side effects like gynecomastia that can occur when testosterone is administered at relatively high dosages.[50] However, estradiol exerts negative feedback on the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and, for this reason, prevention of its formation can reduce this feedback and disinhibit gonadal production of testosterone, which in turn can increase levels of endogenous testosterone.[110] Testosterone therapy is sometimes combined with an aromatase inhibitor for men with secondary hypogonadism who wish to conceive children with their partners.[111]

Cytochrome P450 inhibitors

Inhibitors and inducers of cytochrome P450 enzymes like CYP3A4 have been associated with little or no effect on circulating testosterone levels.[citation needed]

Antiandrogens and estrogens

carrier protein that binds to and occupies androgens like testosterone and DHT, and thereby reducing free concentrations of these androgens.[58][113]

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

Androgenic vs. anabolic activity ratio
of androgens/anabolic steroids
Medication Ratioa
Testosterone ~1:1
Androstanolone (DHT) ~1:1
Methyltestosterone ~1:1
Methandriol ~1:1
Fluoxymesterone 1:1–1:15
Metandienone 1:1–1:8
Drostanolone 1:3–1:4
Metenolone 1:2–1:30
Oxymetholone 1:2–1:9
Oxandrolone 1:3–1:13
Stanozolol 1:1–1:30
Nandrolone 1:3–1:16
Ethylestrenol 1:2–1:19
Norethandrolone 1:1–1:20
Notes: In rodents. Footnotes: a = Ratio of androgenic to anabolic activity. Sources: See template.

Testosterone is a high

pro-sexual effects.[116]

Effects in the body and brain

The ARs are expressed widely throughout the body, including in the

seminal vesicles, fat, skin, bone, bone marrow, muscle, larynx, heart, liver, kidneys, pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and elsewhere throughout the brain.[117][118] Through activation of the ARs (as well as the mARs), testosterone has many effects, including the following:[117][48][additional citation(s) needed
]

Pharmacokinetics

Testosterone can be taken by a variety of different

aqueous), and as a subcutaneous implant.[119] The pharmacokinetics of testosterone, including its bioavailability, circulating testosterone levels, metabolism, biological half-life, and other parameters, differ by route of administration.[119]

Chemistry

Testosterone is a

hydroxyl (alcohol) group at the C17β position.[120]

Derivatives

Testosterone esters are

androstenedione, exist as well, and convert into testosterone to variable extents upon oral ingestion.[123] Unlike testosterone ester and ether prodrugs however, these prohormones are only weakly androgenic/anabolic.[123]

All synthetic AAS are

steric hindrance of C17β-position metabolism during the first-pass through the liver. In contrast, most AAS that are not 17α-alkylated, like nandrolone, are not active orally, and must instead be administered via intramuscular injection. This is almost always in ester form; for instance, in the case of nandrolone, as nandrolone decanoate or nandrolone phenylpropionate
.

Structural properties of major testosterone esters
Androgen Structure Ester Relative
mol. weight
Relative
T contentb
logPc
Position(s) Moiet(ies) Type Lengtha
Testosterone 1.00 1.00 3.0–3.4
Testosterone propionate C17β
Propanoic acid
Straight-chain fatty acid 3 1.19 0.84 3.7–4.9
Testosterone isobutyrate C17β Isobutyric acid Branched-chain fatty acid – (~3) 1.24 0.80 4.9–5.3
Testosterone isocaproate C17β
Isohexanoic acid
Branched-chain fatty acid – (~5) 1.34 0.75 4.4–6.3
Testosterone caproate C17β
Hexanoic acid
Straight-chain fatty acid 6 1.35 0.75 5.8–6.5
Testosterone phenylpropionate C17β Phenylpropanoic acid Aromatic fatty acid – (~6) 1.46 0.69 5.8–6.5
Testosterone cypionate C17β
Cyclopentylpropanoic acid
Cyclic carboxylic acid – (~6) 1.43 0.70 5.1–7.0
Testosterone enanthate C17β
Heptanoic acid
Straight-chain fatty acid 7 1.39 0.72 3.6–7.0
Testosterone decanoate C17β
Decanoic acid
Straight-chain fatty acid 10 1.53 0.65 6.3–8.6
Testosterone undecanoate C17β
Undecanoic acid
Straight-chain fatty acid 11 1.58 0.63 6.7–9.2
Testosterone buciclated C17β
Bucyclic acid
e
Cyclic carboxylic acid – (~9) 1.58 0.63 7.9–8.5
Footnotes: a = Length of
Bucyclic acid
= trans-4-Butylcyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid. Sources: See individual articles.

History

Testosterone was first isolated and

pharmaceutical drug in the form of pellets and then in ester form for intramuscular injection as the relatively short-acting testosterone propionate.[50][48][125] Methyltestosterone, one of the first synthetic AAS and orally active androgens, was introduced in 1935, but was associated with hepatotoxicity and eventually became largely medically obsolete.[125] In the mid-1950s, the longer-acting testosterone esters testosterone enanthate and testosterone cypionate were introduced.[125] They largely superseded testosterone propionate and became the major testosterone esters used medically for over half a century.[125] In the 1970s, testosterone undecanoate was introduced for oral use in Europe,[125] although intramuscular testosterone undecanoate had already been in use in China for several years.[126] Intramuscular testosterone undecanoate was not introduced in Europe and the United States until much later (in the early to mid 2000s and 2014, respectively).[7][127]

The history of testosterone as a medication has been reviewed.[128][129][130][131]

Society and culture

Usage

In the US in the 2000s, companies and figures in the popular media have heavily marketed notions of "andropause" as something parallel to

overdiagnosed and overtreated.[134] Perls and Handelsman note that in the US, "sales of testosterone increased from $324 million in 2002 to $2 billion in 2012, and the number of testosterone doses prescribed climbed from 100 million in 2007 to half a billion in 2012, not including the additional contributions from compounding pharmacies, Internet, and direct-to-patient clinic sales."[134]

Generic names

Testosterone is the

Slavic languages as testosteron.[135][136] The Cyrillic script of testosterone is тестостерон.[137]

Brand names

A vial of Depo-Testosterone (testosterone cypionate in oil) for intramuscular injection.

Testosterone is marketed under a large number of brand names throughout the world.

Omnadren, Primoteston, Sustanon, Testim, TestoGel, TestoPatch, Testoviron, and Tostran.[58][114][135]

Availability

United States

As of November 2016, unmodified (non-esterified) testosterone is available in the United States in the following formulations:[56]

  • Topical gels: AndroGel, Fortesta, Testim, Testosterone (generic)
  • Topical solutions: Axiron, Testosterone (generic)
  • Transdermal patches: Androderm, Testoderm (discontinued), Testoderm TTS (discontinued), Testosterone (generic)
  • Intranasal gels: Natesto
  • Buccal tablets: Striant
  • Pellet implants: Testopel

And the following ester prodrugs of testosterone are available in the United States in oil solutions for intramuscular injection:[56]

Unmodified testosterone was also formerly available for intramuscular injection but was discontinued.[56]

Testosterone cypionate and testosterone enanthate were formerly available in combination with estradiol cypionate and estradiol valerate, respectively, under the brand names Depo-Testadiol and Ditate-DS, respectively, as oil solutions for intramuscular injection, but these formulations have been discontinued.[56]

Unlike in Europe, Canada, and much of the rest of the world, oral testosterone undecanoate is not available in the United States.[56][138][139]

Canada

As of November 2016, testosterone is available in Canada in the form of topical gels (AndroGel, Testim), topical solutions (Axiron), transdermal patches (Androderm), and intranasal gels (Natesto).[140] Testosterone cypionate (Depo-Testosterone, Testosterone Cypionate (generic)), testosterone enanthate (Delatestryl, PMS-Testosterone Enanthate), and testosterone propionate (Testosterone Propionate (generic)) are available as oil solutions for intramuscular injection and testosterone undecanoate (Andriol, PMS-Testosterone, Taro-Testosterone) is available in the form of oral capsules.[140] Testosterone buccal tablets and pellet implants do not appear to be available in Canada.[140]

Other countries

Testosterone and/or its esters are widely available in countries throughout the world in a variety of formulations.[135]

Legal status

Testosterone and its esters, along with other AAS, are

Schedule III drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, in Canada, they are Schedule IV drugs under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and in the United Kingdom, they are Class C drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act.[141][142]

Litigation

As of 2014[update], a number of lawsuits are underway against manufacturers of testosterone, alleging a significantly increased rate of stroke and heart attack in elderly men who use testosterone supplementation.[143][needs update]

Doping in sports

There are many known cases of

doping in sports with testosterone and its esters by professional athletes
.

Research

Depression

Testosterone has been used to treat depression in men who are of middle age with low testosterone. However, a 2014 review showed no benefit on the mood of the men with normal levels of testosterone or on the mood of the older men with low testosterone.[144] Conversely, a 2009 review found that testosterone had an antidepressant effect in men with depression, especially those with hypogonadism, HIV/AIDS, and in the elderly.[145]

Heart failure

Testosterone replacement can significantly improve

exercise capacity, muscle strength and reduce QT intervals in men with chronic heart failure (CHF). Over the 3 to 6-month course of the studies reviewed, testosterone therapy appeared safe and generally effective, and (ruling out prostate cancer) the authors found no justification to absolutely restrict its use in men with CHF.[146] A similar 2012 review also found increased exercise capacity and reasoned the benefits generlizable to women.[147] However, both reviews advocate larger, longer term, randomized controlled trials.[146][147]

Male contraception

Testosterone, as esters such as testosterone undecanoate or testosterone buciclate, has been studied and promoted as a

progestin such as norethisterone enanthate or levonorgestrel butanoate, improving the contraceptive effect.[148][149]

Anorgasmia

Testosterone is under development in a low-dose intranasal formulation for the treatment of anorgasmia in women.[150]

Miscellaneous

Testosterone therapy may improve the management of type 2 diabetes.[151] Low testosterone has been associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease.[152][153]

Topical androgens like testosterone have been used and studied in the treatment of cellulite in women.[154]

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Further reading

External links