About Androgel Abuse
Androgel is a medicated gel that is intended to aid in male hormone replacement therapy. The active ingredient of Androgel is testosterone. Unfortunately, because of its steroid-like effects in high doses, Androgel is commonly abused. The effects of abusing it can be terrible, both for society as a whole and for the abuser and their family.
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Function
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Androgel contains a small percentage of testosterone which is absorbed through the skin. Users apply the gel to their skin, usually on the abdomen, shoulders, or arms, then wait several minutes for the product to dry. As it dries some the testosterone is absorbed into the skin, but much of it simply isn't absorbed. In men who have low serum testosterone levels Androgel helps them to achieve regular levels of testosterone when taken properly. Those who are abusing it, however, are seeking to achieve superhuman serum levels of testosterone within their bloodstream.
Identification
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Androgel abuse differs from normal use of the product in several keys ways. To begin with, the hallmark of Androgel abuse is the act of using more than was prescribed. Abuse is also often characterized by the fact that the Androgel hasn't even been prescribed by a legitimate physician. Another way to tell if Androgel is being abused is if the user continues to use it at high doses even after their serum testosterone levels are known to be elevated above the normal range for a male their age.
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Size
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The exact size of the problem with Androgel abuse isn't really known. As with any illicit substance that is abused, it's very difficult to get exact numbers because those who are abusing Androgel are generally attempting to hide that fact from public view. Amongst those who already abuse steroids, however, it is believed that Androgel abuse is becoming a fast-spreading epidemic of sorts.
Geography
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Because of the fact that it is a prescription medication, Androgel is available in virtually any geographical area when prescribed by a doctor. In some jurisdictions, in fact, a prescription isn't even necessary to purchase it. Because of this fact Androgel has become an extremely popular stand-in for harder-to-find injectable steroids and oral steroids. This is especially true in areas where the more closely controlled steroid products would stand out, particularly in rural areas.
Warning
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While Androgel abuse or steroid use may seem like a good thing in the short term, the long term effects can be devastating. The effects of Androgel, when abused, are virtually the same as anabolic steroids. In the short term abusers will easily gain lean muscle mass, have more energy, and exhibit greatly increased strength. As time goes on, however, a whole host of negative symptoms will be unveiled. Severe acne, mood swings, and suicidal ideations are some of the earliest symptoms. The testes may be affected, shrink, and ultimately cease to function altogether. Males who abuse Androgel may grow breasts and are at an elevated risk for cancer and prostate problems. Finally, those who continue abuse over a long period of time will often have cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks or strokes.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Wikimedia Commons
