Final answer:
Anabolic steroids are the class of drugs used to treat hypogonadism by increasing characteristics typically associated with maleness, such as muscle mass and body hair, through the synthetic variation of testosterone.
Step-by-step explanation:
The class of drugs used to increase "maleness" characteristics in hypogonadism is known as anabolic steroids. These are synthetic variations of the male sex hormone testosterone, which can be prescribed by health care providers to treat conditions such as hypogonadism where there is a deficiency in natural hormone levels. Anabolic steroids stimulate the development of male secondary sex characteristics, including a deeper voice, increased muscle mass, the growth of body hair, and sperm production.
Testosterone and its synthetic equivalents promote the production of sperm and masculine characteristics. While they can be beneficial for therapeutic use, it is important to be aware that misuse of anabolic steroids can lead to substantial health risks, including cardiovascular, liver, and psychological issues.