Androgens in men - uses and abuses
Article Abstract:
Testosterone stimulates differentiation and maturation of the male reproductive organs and maintains their function. It also plays a role in male secondary characteristics such as body and facial hair and increased muscle mass. It has other more global effects on such things as lipid metabolism, bone density, blood formation, and the immune system. Testosterone can be administered by injection, orally, in patches worn on the scrotum, or via implantable pellets. Testosterone is used to treat testosterone deficiency in adults, delayed puberty, certain anemias, and endometriosis in women. Research is ongoing into using it to retard aging or as a male contraceptive. Side effects include acne, mild breast growth in males, sleep apnea, and overproduction of red blood cells. Testosterone abuse is common among athletes, but its effects on strength and performance are unknown. The large doses commonly taken by athletes increase the risk of incurring side effects, including life-threatening liver complications, a complication rarely seen with therapeutic doses.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1996
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Female development - all by default?
Article Abstract:
The over expression of WNT4 up-regulates DAX1 and may cause sex reversal by means of the same mechanism to which Xp21 duplication is ascribed. WNT4 should now be added to a list of genes such as SRY, SOX9, WT1, DAX1, and SF1 whose study in isolated cases of sex reversal has contributed a number of pieces to the jigsaw puzzle of human sexual development.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2004
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