Testosterone Therapy Side Effects

The testosterone hormone is produced in greater amounts in males as compared to females. For females, testosterone helps in maintaining the muscle mass, bone density, and libido. Testosterone in males is produced in testes and is responsible for the development of masculine traits, bone density, fat distribution, sex drive, muscle mass, strength, production of RBC, and sperms. Testosterone level usually step-ups during adolescence, but as the age increases the testosterone level decreases. If there is unusual decrease in testosterone level, then it may result into hypogonadism, wherein the sex glands do not produce adequate amount of hormones. Testosterone therapy may work to reverse this problem, but you must be aware of the side effects before you plan to get this treatment for yourself.

Side Effects

Hypogonadism can be reversed by testosterone therapy, but it's still not clear if the therapy would be beneficial or not. Some people think that testosterone would bless them with revitalized energy and youth, but the results have been a bit dicey. For example, studies have shown that in a few men, the use of this therapy has resulted in increase of muscle mass, but gain in strength has been negligible. Some of the very common risks of the therapy include a serious sleep disorder known as sleep apnea, in which breathing stops and starts randomly while you sleep. It may excessively increase the RBC count and consequently increase the risk of heart diseases. This therapy may also contribute to benign prostatic hyperplasia, enlarged breast, or shrinking of testicles. This therapy can be used for men, women, and boys who have complaints of late puberty. But, the side effects for men and women vary, and may include ailments like cancer, appearance change, and problems with internal organs.

In Men
Some very common side effects are nausea, vomiting, acne, headache, noticeable and sudden increase in appetite, liver damage, swelling in ankles, and priapism (a long-lasting erection that may require immediate medication). Many testosterone supplements are available like synthetic testosterone, which is being used widely. It's observed that these testosterone supplements provide energy to the athletes, fixes erectile dysfunction, and increases sex-drive. But the therapy might have some damaging consequences if not used with proper directions. It may be harmful for those who have high cholesterol level, heart problem, or prostate cancer. Excessive testosterone has been known for activating few cancerous cells in prostate. So, it is essential for men to undergo a complete prostate cancer screening before starting the therapy.

In Women
Testosterone level in women decreases gradually with the age. Change in testosterone level is not due to natural menopause, but it may be because of surgical menopause. This therapy can be in the form of pills, injections, gel, or creme. It is generally recommended for those women who have sufficient estrogen level in their body. But it is not recommended for women who have a history of heart or liver disease, or uterine or breast cancer. Also, this therapy has some side effects like increase in acne and facial hair, liver problems, enlarged breast and clitoris, peliosis hepatis, depression, change in moods, and lowering of voice.

We have seen that the therapy is associated with many side effects. At times, it is better to use natural testosterone supplements and follow healthy ways to maintain the hormone level rather than taking pills and injections. Some easy ways to overcome these problems are: less intake of fatty food, healthy diet, reduced stress, sound sleep, and less consumption of alcohol.

If you are planning to go ahead with this therapy, then it is recommended to consult a specialist before you start this treatment. Consider all the side effects before going for it. If you have started the treatment, follow healthy eating habits and go for regular exercises for better results of testosterone therapy.