The term "anabolic testosterone" is often used to refer to synthetic testosterone that is used in medical treatment or as a performance-enhancing drug. There are several legitimate uses for anabolic testosterone, ranging from weight management in AIDS patients to treating certain types of cancer. As a performance-enhancing drug, anabolic testosterone is explicitly prohibited by several sports organizations due to health concerns and the belief that it gives athletes an unfair advantage.
Testosterone is a steroid hormone classified among androgens, hormones associated with the development of male sexual characteristics. Both men and women naturally produce testosterone, although men produce much more, and production increases rapidly during puberty. This steroid hormone is anabolic in nature, meaning it builds up, in contrast to catabolic steroids, which are designed to help the body break things down.
In the body, testosterone helps build muscle tissue, which explains why men build up during puberty. This same trait can be very useful in medical treatment and weight management, as patients can be given controlled doses of anabolic testosterone to encourage weight gain. Athletes and bodybuilders are interested in anabolic testosterone for the same reason as it can build muscle which can help them perform at a higher level.
Natural testosterone is rapidly used and eliminated by the body, making it unsuitable for medical treatment. As a result, the testosterone that is put into the body must be synthetic, in a formulation that allows it to remain in the body in order to be effective. Some anabolic testosterone disperses in as little as a day, while other types can last up to three weeks. The medicine can be given by patch, injection, or pill.
Common side effects of anabolic testosterone, whether used legitimately or not, include weight gain, acne development, fat deposition, flu-like symptoms, water retention, high blood pressure, liver toxicity, and gynecomastia. For this reason, the drug is usually taken in cycles that allow the body to build up without risking side effects. It should also be taken under the supervision of a doctor who can provide proper nutritional recommendations and monitor the patient's health.
Steroid abuse is a major problem in many competitive sports. In addition to unscrupulous athletes using anabolic testosterone despite bans, some athletes trying to stay steroid-free are exposed to it through sports supplements containing synthetic testosterone that has not been disclosed in the ingredient list. Athletes, doctors, sports fans, and coaches have raised concerns about the widespread illegitimate use of steroids, including testosterone, and its effects on sports in general, as well as the health of individual athletes.