<unk>  is used as a medication for the treatment of male hypogonadism, gender dysphoria, and certain types of breast cancer. This is known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or<unk>  replacement therapy (TRT), which maintains serum<unk>  levels in the normal range. Decline of<unk>  production with age has led to interest in androgen replacement therapy. It is unclear if the use of<unk>  for low levels due to aging is beneficial or harmful.<unk>  is included in the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines, which are the most important medications needed in a basic health system. It is available as a generic medication. It can be administered as a cream or transdermal patch that is applied to the skin, by injection into a muscle, as a tablet that is placed in the cheek, or by ingestion. Common side effects from<unk>  medication include acne, swelling, and breast enlargement in males. Serious side effects may include liver toxicity, heart disease, and behavioral changes. Women and children who are exposed may develop virilization. It is recommended that individuals with prostate cancer not use the medication. It can cause harm if used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. 2020 guidelines from the American College of Physicians support the discussion of<unk>  treatment in adult men with age-related low levels of<unk>  who have sexual dysfunction. They recommend yearly evaluation regarding possible improvement and, if none, to discontinue<unk> ; physicians should consider intramuscular treatments, rather than transdermal treatments, due to costs and since the effectiveness and harm of either method is similar.<unk>  treatment for reasons other than possible improvement of sexual dysfunction may not be recommended.
Testosterone
Counterregulatory hormone
Menotropin
Luteinizing hormone
Orexin
Adrenocortical hormone
Androgen
Adrenalone