Testosterone Injections Side Effects

Testosterone is a type of steroid hormone, secreted naturally by the adrenal glands and sex organs of the body, i.e., testes in men and ovaries in women. The main function of testosterone in men is to regulate the development of reproductive organs and secondary sex characteristics, while in women, it controls bone mass and enhances sex drive. Other than these functions, testosterone is responsible for maintaining healthy mood, energy level, and fertility.

The causes of low testosterone can be genetic or related to diet, medication, obesity, underlying health conditions, advancing age, and lifestyle habits. Whatever is the reason behind lack of testosterone, it negatively affects the health in many ways. Symptoms of this hormonal deficiency include mood disorder, irritation, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. Before we delve more into testosterone injection side effects, let's discuss in brief about the basics of this hormone therapy.

Testosterone Injections: Basic Info

Take any kind of hormonal therapy and it is always associated with certain adverse effects. The same is applicable to delivering testosterone shots. Hence, a preliminary testosterone test is performed to check the level of this steroid hormone in the body. Based on the diagnostic result, testosterone therapy, either in the form of injections or gels, is prescribed to combat the discomfort symptoms.

Testosterone Injections for Men
The amount of testosterone secretion in men differs with age. High production of this steroid hormone is observed during puberty, while the level decreases considerably after the age threshold of 50. For treatment of testosterone deficiency in men, testosterone injections are delivered at a specific dosage (200 - 300 mg in 2 to 3 weeks) for a particular period.

Testosterone Injections for Women
Though testosterone is categorized as a male sex hormone, it is also produced in females in a lesser amount. This normal secretion is disturbed by several factors, such as surgical removal of ovaries and menopause. In such cases, oral testosterone or intramuscular injections are recommended for reducing the symptoms of low testosterone.

Testosterone Injections Vs. Gel
Testosterone injections are much cheaper in comparison to testosterone gels and creams. Injections are administered less frequently (once in two or three weeks), whereas gels are applied more often. Also, injections are safer than gels as any form of topical formulation causes serious complications in children who come in direct or indirect contact with it.

Testosterone Injections Cost
While speaking about the cost, a 10 cc vial is available at approximately USD 10, which is sufficient for 15 weeks. A person who has basic knowledge in nursing skills can administer testosterone injections at home but with the approval of the concerned physician. With this option, one need not visit the doctor's office every time, whenever he/she needs testosterone shots.

Testosterone Injections: Side effects

Similar to any other hormonal therapy, testosterone injections are not free of health risks. The worst adverse effect is that administration of external testosterone disturbs the body's own metabolism for natural secretion of this hormone. Eventually, hormonal therapy becomes a necessity to restore normal bodily processes. For your understanding about the safety of these injections, other probable side effects of this hormonal therapy are discussed below.

Allergic Reactions
In some people, allergic reactions are manifested immediately after delivering testosterone injections. Signs of allergies include skin rash, hives (itching), nausea, and vomiting. Besides these, injection site complications, like swelling, bleeding, and skin irritation are manifested in many patients.

Medicine Interactions
Testosterone injections may alter the effects of other medications, if taken at the same time. Some of the known drugs that change their actions and effectiveness while administered with testosterone injections are diabetic medicine, blood clot medicine, propranolol, and other steroidal formulations.

Prostate Enlargement
Another possible side effect of testosterone replacement therapy and/or injections is enlargement of the prostate glands. Hence, patients with prostate cancer and breast cancer should take proper medical advice prior to taking such treatment injections. Some patients even report painful symptoms in the scrotum and associated areas.

Peliosis Hepatis
The most dreadful side effect that may be observed after taking testosterone injections is peliosis hepatis. This is a life-threatening condition, in which blood-filled cysts are formed inside the liver and spleen organs. In addition, androgen therapy increases the risks for jaundice, hepatic carcinoma, hepatic neoplasms, and liver abnormalities.

Cholesterol Level Fluctuation
Like other steroid hormones, testosterone is produced from cholesterol present in the body. Administration of external testosterone affects the balance of cholesterol in the bloodstream, which at times causes narrowing of the blood vessels, atherosclerosis, hypertension, water retention, and cholesterol related complications.

Gynecomastia
In men, repeated use may lead to abnormal breast development. This is because of the hormonal fluctuation in the body. Unfortunately, gynecomastia is a long-term adverse effect. Hence, those who have existing gynecomastia condition should avoid hormonal therapy.

Spermatogenesis Suppression
Another negative effect of receiving external testosterone by male patients is seen in the development of spermatozoa. The follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is responsible for formation and maturation of spermatozoa. And elevated amount of testosterone inhibits FSH, thereby suppressing sperm cell development.

Cognitive Changes
Long-term effects of exogenous testosterone include cognitive and behavioral changes in the receiver. In majority of the patients who have received testosterone injections, sudden fluctuations in energy level is seen. The receiver may suffer from confusion, mood swings, memory loss, and loss of concentration.

Virilization
As stated earlier, children who get exposed to testosterone directly or indirectly exhibit serious complications. This androgenic hormone causes enlargement of genitalia, increased libido, untimely development of pubic hair, aggressiveness, and advanced bone age. While most symptoms improve after removing testosterone source, some are persistent.

Other Side Effects
Testosterone injection may also result in unusual symptoms, such as numbness, tingling sensation, loss of appetite, increased thirst, and male patterned baldness in men. In some women patients with breast cancer, worsening of the symptoms are manifested after delivering testosterone injections. Those diagnosed with diabetes may experience a sudden drop in blood glucose levels.

To conclude with, external delivery of testosterone affects nearly all the systems of the body. While adopting androgen therapy, extra care is necessary for both the sexual partners. Any negligence in handling and using this male sex hormone will result in mild to severe medical problems. And in case of suspected side effects, immediate medical attention should be taken to prevent serious complications.