Testosterone Therapy Side Effects

Are you looking for testosterone therapy side effects? This article might have some answers to your queries.

The testosterone hormone is produced in greater amount in males than in females. For females, testosterone maintains muscle mass, bone density and libido. Testosterone is males is produced in testes and is responsible for the development of masculine traits, bone density, fat distribution, sex drive, muscle mass, strength and 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. Testosterone therapy may work to reverse this problem, but you must be aware of the testosterone therapy side effects before you plan to get this treatment for yourself.

Testosterone Therapy Side Effects

Hypogonadism can be reversed by testosterone therapy, but it's still not clear if testosterone 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, the studies have shown that in few men the use of testosterone therapy has resulted in increase of muscle mass, but gain in strength has been negligible. Some of the very common risks of testosterone therapy may be a serious sleep disorder known as sleep apnea in which breathing frequently stops and starts. It may excessively increase the RBC count and consequently increase the risk of heart diseases. Testosterone therapy may also contribute to benign prostatic hyperplasia, enlarged breast or shrinking of testicle. 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 like cancer, appearance change and problems with internal organ.

Testosterone Therapy Side Effects in Men

Some very common side effects of testosterone therapy 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. Its observed that these testosterone supplements provide energy to the athletes, fixes erectile dysfunction and increases sex-drive. But testosterone 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. Excess of testosterone has been known for activating few cancerous cells in prostate. So, it is essential for men to undergo complete prostate cancer screening before starting testosterone therapy.

Testosterone Therapy Side Effects 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. Testosterone therapy can be in the form of pills, injections, gel or creme. Testosterone therapy is generally recommended for those women who have sufficient estrogen level in their body. But it is not appropriate 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 hepatitis, depression, change in mood and lowering of voice.

We have seen that testosterone 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 try testosterone therapy, then it is recommended to consult a specialist before you start this treatment. Consider all testosterone therapy 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.