Testosterone formate

Testosterone formate

Testosterone formate is an androgen and anabolic steroid and a testosterone ester. It is used in androgen replacement therapy primarily for the treatment of male hypogonadism, and is currently under research for use as a male contraceptive.

Chemistry

Testosterone formate, or testosterone formic acid, is a synthetic estrane steroid and a derivative of testosterone. It is an androgen ester; specifically, it is the C17β formate (formic acid) ester of testosterone.

Pharmacology

As an ester of testosterone, testosterone formate is considered to be a prodrug of testosterone. When administered via intramuscular injection, it is stored in the fatty tissue and slowly released over time, resulting in a long-lasting effect. The formate ester prolongs the release of testosterone into the system, making it effective for use in androgen replacement therapy.

Medical uses

Testosterone formate is used primarily in the treatment of male hypogonadism, a condition in which the body does not produce enough testosterone. It can also be used in hormone therapy for transgender men. It is administered via intramuscular injection.

Side effects

Potential side effects of testosterone formate include gynecomastia, increased sexual desire, and various psychological changes. As with all testosterone products, testosterone formate carries a risk of serious side effects such as cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer.

Research

Testosterone formate is currently under research for use as a male contraceptive. In combination with a progestin, it has been found to effectively suppress spermatogenesis, the process of sperm cell development.

See also

• List of androgen esters
• List of testosterone esters