Natural or synthetic androgen hormones used as drugs; one of the most important is testosterone. These drugs are used in the treatment of male hypogonadism (underactivity of the testes) to stimulate the development of sexual characteristics. Androgen drugs are occasionally used to treat certain types of breast cancer. They have been widely used by sportsmen wishing to increase muscle bulk and strength, a practice that is dangerous to health (see steroids, anabolic). Adverse effects include fluid retention, weight gain, increased blood cholesterol, and, rarely, liver damage. When taken by women, the drugs can cause male characteristics, such as facial hair, to develop.
Androgen drugs |
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