Quick version
An estimated 50,000 to 100,000 people in Sweden use doping substances – and in the vast majority of cases, it involves testosterone. At the same time, the medical use of the hormone is also increasing, particularly among men over the age of fifty. But what actually happens in the body when testosterone levels are artificially elevated?
Testosterone – the body’s central sex hormone
Testosterone is a hormone primarily produced in the testicles in men and in smaller amounts in the ovaries in women. The hormone plays an important role in, among other things:
- muscle mass and strength
- bone density
- sex drive (libido)
- energy levels and well-being
Although testosterone is most commonly associated with men, it is important for both sexes.
Why testosterone is used for doping
Testosterone is the most common doping substance, largely due to its clear effects on the body, such as increased muscle growth, faster recovery, and improved physical performance. These effects make the hormone attractive both in sports and among individuals looking to change their body composition.
But what happens in the body when testosterone is introduced?
When the body is supplied with testosterone from external sources, it responds by reducing or completely shutting down its own production of the hormone. This is a central mechanism that is often overlooked when the short-term goal is to quickly achieve desired effects such as increased muscle mass or performance.
The consequences of testosterone doping may include:
- reduced natural hormone production
- shrinkage of the testicles
- impaired fertility
This occurs because the body’s hormonal system is regulated through a finely tuned feedback mechanism.
Increased risk of side effects
Elevated testosterone levels can affect multiple organs and systems in the body. Some of the most well-known risks include:
- changes in blood profile – the blood can become more viscous
- increased strain on the heart and blood vessels
- hormonal imbalance
The effects depend on dosage, duration of use, and individual factors.
Medical treatment and doping – not the same thing
It is important to distinguish between doping and medical treatment. Testosterone is used in healthcare when there is a confirmed testosterone deficiency, a condition characterized by both clear symptoms and repeatedly low levels in the blood.
At the same time, research shows that many individuals treated with testosterone have normal levels to begin with, raising concerns about overuse.
Read also: Erectile dysfunction and testosterone deficiency – when hormones affect potency
A growing gray area
The use of testosterone today exists in a growing gray area between medical treatment and performance enhancement. Interest in the hormone has increased, particularly in connection with symptoms such as fatigue, reduced sex drive, and low energy. However, these symptoms can have many causes and are not always due to low testosterone.
