ANSWERS: 1
  • Epitestosterone is a biologically inactive form of testosterone found in the ovaries and testes that is commonly used by athletes and other individuals to mask their use of performance-enhancing drugs.

    Function

    To analyze the presence of performance-enhancing drug use, medical professionals will look at the ratio of testosterone levels to epitestosterone levels. Individuals sometimes inject epitestosterone to lower the ratio and thus successfully mask testosterone use.

    Effects

    Because epitestosterone is not metabolized and does not stay in the body for long periods, as of 2010 there were no known direct side effects associated with injecting epitestosterone.

    Significance

    Despite the lack of established side effects, epitestosterone is still illegal in many athletic associations, because of its use to hide more dangerous and illegal substances.

    Warning

    In a 1997 study published in Bone magazine, epitestosterone was found to significantly decrease bone density in mice, but any similar connections to humans has yet to be established.

    Considerations

    Epitestosterone, though chemically similar to testosterone, does not have the ability to improve muscle mass or athletic performance on its own.

    Source:

    Bone magazine: Effect of Antiandrogens Casodex and Epitestosterone on Bone Composition in Mice

    Clinical Chemistry: Abnormal Testosterone:Epitestosterone Ratios after Dehydroepiandrosterone Supplementation

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