*2.2.6 Misuse of testosterone in athletes*

As already discussed, the effects of testosterone in the body are two; (1) anabolic effects and (2) Virilizing or androgenic effects. Anabolic effects are related to protein synthesis and growth [13]. Male athletes who inject themselves with the hormone in order to make use of its anabolic effects tend to do so to make use of this advantage. This is because anabolic steroids, testosterone or related hormones, increase muscle mass and athletic performance [5]. Anabolic effects involve growth of muscle mass, increased bone density, as well as stimulation of linear growth and bone maturation [13].

Meanwhile, the Virilizing effects, also called androgenic effects, are related to the biological development of male sexual traits. This includes maturation of sex organs, specifically growth of penis and formation of scrotum in male fetus. However, at puberty, testosterone also coordinates development of masculine characteristics such as deepening of the voice and growth of facial hair [13].
