Identification

• Andriol is a form of oral testosterone that is prescribed to treat specific medical conditions. Testosterone is a type of androgen hormone that is produced in the testicles of men and in the ovaries of women. Men produce higher levels of testosterone than women. Testosterone is regarded primarily as a male sex hormone that is responsible for male sexual development and maturation.
  
  

Significance

• Andriol is prescribed to treat conditions associated with low testosterone levels such as hypogonadism, decreased levels of testosterone in aging males, and erectile dysfunction. In rare cases, Andriol is used to stimulate puberty in adolescent males who are experiencing severely delayed puberty.
  
  Body builders sometimes use oral testosterone supplementation in an attempt to increase their muscle mass, energy and to maximize their workout times. However, Andriol is not medically approved for this type of use and cannot legally be used for these reasons.
  
  

Effects

• Any type of hormone medication has the potential to cause side effects, and Andriol is no exception. Common Andriol side effects include: sore or enlarged breasts, an increased urge to urinate, and painful erections that last longer than four hours.
  
  Less common side effects of Andriol include: acne, diarrhea, shrinking testicles, hair loss, decreased or increased sexual drive, abdominal pain, sleeplessness, upset stomach, dizziness, headache, flushing and itching of the skin, weight gain, bloating, fatigue, vomiting and yellowing of the skin or eyes. In severe cases, Andriol side effects may include damage to the liver and kidney, sore throat, fever, hives, black tarry stools and vomiting blood.
  
  Andriol may also cause an increase in cholesterol levels, a decrease in sperm production and prostate enlargement.
  
  

Considerations

• Andriol is not legally prescribed in the United States. People living in the United States who are suffering from low testosterone levels should talk with their physician about what types of medications may be prescribed to help them boost their testosterone.
  
  Andriol must never be used without the care and advice of a physician. Continual blood tests and physical examinations are required while one is taking Andriol to check for any signs of liver or kidney toxicity and to ensure that testosterone blood levels are normal.
  
  

Warning

• Andriol should never be used by people who have had kidney or liver problems or alcohol or drug dependencies. Andriol may have significant side effects on the prostate; for this reason, Andriol should never be used by men who have had prostate cancer in the past or who are suffering from an enlarged prostate.