Testosterone abuse among athletes is clearly a problem. Yet there are many legal uses of prescribed testosterone for both men and women. Sometimes this relates to hormone levels, but it has other uses too.

Definition

Testosterone is a hormone that is found in both men and women; men have far more than women do.

Legal Use in Men

Some men have naturally lower levels of testosterone than the average. When this descends to abnormal levels, they might be given testosterone. A male contraceptive using testosterone is also being developed.

Legal Use in Women

Testosterone is one of the drugs used to treat menopause-related issues. It can also be used to treat symptoms of terminal breast cancer.

Legal Use in Sex Transition

Biological females who are transitioning to males are often prescribed testosterone.

Illegal Use

Athletes and bodybuilders have used testosterone illegally to enhance muscle strength. 80 per cent of positive illegal drug tests among athletes are due to testosterone and two related drugs.