Side Effects of Testosterone

Testosterone is a steroid hormone released chiefly by the testes. It is also known as the male sex hormone, though a small amount is also produced in women by the ovaries. Testosterone belongs to the group of androgen hormones. Besides testes and ovaries, adrenal glands are also responsible for secreting a small amount of testosterone. The effects of testosterone in the human body can be classified into two categories, anabolic and androgenic. As an anabolic hormone, it plays a significant role in protein synthesis and thereby influences muscle growth and bone density. It affects growth and development by facilitating the conversion of food into energy. On the other hand, as an androgenic hormone, testosterone is responsible for the growth and development of male reproductive organs and the development of secondary male characteristics, like the growth of beards, axillary hair and deepening of voice.

Deficiency of Testosterone

The production of testosterone in the human body usually decreases with age, especially after 50 years. However, a severe deficiency of testosterone can be caused by the damage or disorder of the hypothalamus, testes or the pituitary gland. The deficiency of testosterone is usually associated with an impairment of bone development, underdeveloped reproductive organs, fatigue, depression, low levels of concentration and decreased sex drive. An increased risk of developing osteoporosis and heart diseases have also been observed in the case of deficient testosterone.

Side Effects of Testosterone

In Testosterone therapy, where testosterone is used for the treatment of deficiency of testosterone in men, testosterone is administered by tablets, injections, patches or implants. However, it has also been used in the treatment of post menopausal symptoms like reduction in libido in women. Earlier testosterone was very popular among athletes, weight-lifters and body builders, for enhancing their performance by increasing muscle mass and strength. However, there are many side effects of testosterone therapy, which include acne, excessive growth of body hair, loss of scalp hair and inhibition of endogenous production of testosterone.

In women, it can cause masculinization, excess growth of body hair, fluid retention, deepening of voice and enlargement of the clitoris. In addition to these, it has been observed that testosterone therapy can aggravate prostate cancer by stimulating the growth of cancerous cells. Sometimes excess testosterone can lead to the enlargement of the prostate gland. A prolonged use of testosterone is associated with liver damage, peliosis hepatitis (development of blood filled cystic spaces in the liver), cholestatic hepatitis (a condition, where bile secretion is obstructed) and liver cancer. Testosterone is also linked to a reduction in the excretory functions of the liver. Besides, it can have an adverse impact on the nervous system and thereby cause anxiety, depression and sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition, characterized by the cessation of respiration during sleep. The cardiovascular system is also affected by testosterone, which manifests itself in the form of hypertension and edema. A high level of testosterone may cause retention of sodium, potassium, calcium, and inorganic phosphates.

Due to the side effects of testosterone, the popularity of testosterone among physicians has reduced considerably. Nowadays, physicians recommend this only when the body's natural ability to produce testosterone has been impaired due to damage or disease. Therefore, it is advisable to go in for testosterone therapy, only under the supervision of a certified physician.