Androgens are natural male hormones that can cause your bone marrow bone marrow: The soft, spongy tissue inside most bones. Blood cells are formed in the bone marrow. to make more red blood cells. This can improve anemia anemia: (uh-NEE-mee-uh) A condition in which there is a shortage of red blood cells in the bloodstream. This causes a low red blood cell count. Symptoms of anemia are fatigue and tiredness. . Androgens are sometimes used to treat aplastic anemia aplastic anemia: (ay-PLASS-tik uh-NEE_mee-uh) A rare and serious condition in which the bone marrow fails to make enough blood cells - red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The term aplastic is a Greek word meaning not to form. Anemia is a condition that happens when red blood cell count is low. Most… and PNH.
Androgens that may be used include:
- Danazol (Danacrine®)
- Fluoxymestrone (Halotestin®)
- Oxymetholone
- Stanazolol (Winstrol®)
- Testosterone
What are common side effects?
The main side effect of androgens is that they tend to make you more masculine.
If you are a man:
- Your breasts may grow.
- Your prostate may grow.
If you are a woman:
- Hair may grow on your face.
- You may get more muscular.
- Your clitoris may grow.
- Your voice may deepen.
Androgens can cause other side effects as well. They can:
- Cause acne
- Increase liver enzymes; this can cause yellow skin (jaundice) and liver damage
- Because of the side effects of androgens, their use has been limited. They are normally used only in people who rely on blood transfusions blood transfusions: A blood transfusion is a safe and common procedure. Most people who have a bone marrow failure disease like aplastic anemia, MDS or PNH will receive at least one blood transfusion. When you receive a blood transfusion, parts of blood from a donor are put into your bloodstream. This can help some… .