Synthetic anabolic steroids
Synthetic anabolic steroids sold in the form of patches, creams, pellets, and tablets are chemically different from the testosterone made by the body and do not accomplish the same effect as natural testosterone. These drugs are aimed primarily at the musculo-skeletal system and are known to have myriad toxic side effects, including causing serious heart and kidney complications. They are sometimes abused by athletes and bodybuilders who want to build muscle mass. A few of the synthetic testosterone drugs that men should avoid using on a long-term basis are methyltestosterone, danazol, oxandrolone, testosterone propionate, cyclopentanepropionate, and enanthate.
Testosterone patches, creams, pellets and tablets. Scientists learned decades ago how to make the identical testosterone that a man’s body produces. However, because natural testosterone could not be patented, drug companies developed all kinds of synthetic testosterone analogues. Currently available recommended natural testosterone drugs include testosterone transdermal patches and testosterone creams, pellets, and sublingual tablets.
Both synthetic testosterone and natural testosterone require a prescription. A physician should prescribe testosterone only after a man’s blood tests have verified that he has a testosterone deficiency.
Alternative physicians usually prescribe testosterone creams (available at compounding pharmacies). Conventional physicians are more likely to prescribe testosterone patches. All forms of natural testosterone are the same and all will markedly increase free testosterone in the blood and saliva.
