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The basic structure of testosterone is the sterol structure, that is also the basis of cholesterol. Usually testosterone has to be administered by injection, or most recently as a gel that is rubbed on the skin. In order to give it orally, the methyl group must be added. Anabolic steroids taken by mouth contain a methyl group. The testosterone molecule is also changed by this simple double bond. Once it gets to this form it cannot be converted by aromatase to estrogen, so it stays only as an androgen agent. These subtle changes have profound effects on gender and identity. |