If you are considering testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to reverse the symptoms of Low T (testosterone deficiency, low testosterone), you should know that doctors have been prescribing this medication for over 80 years. It is one of the oldest forms of hormone replacement therapy available today. Most people will find they can safely use this hormone treatment without any testosterone therapy side effects. Of course, there is no such thing as a medication that does not have risks. That even goes for over-the-counter remedies.
In this report, we will cover the potential side effects of testosterone therapy for men and women. In this first section, we look at those adverse reactions that can affect anyone – male or female. However, before we do, it is important to note that the primary cause of side effects of testosterone replacement therapy is abuse or overuse. People who purchase testosterone without a prescription are at the biggest risk of negative reactions from the treatment. Those at the forefront of this category are bodybuilders and athletes who turn to steroids for enhancement purposes.
When TRT is medically prescribed to treat low testosterone levels, the risk of side effects is extremely minimal. Hormone specialists carefully calculate how much testosterone to prescribe for each person as this is a customized treatment protocol.
When the body registers too much testosterone in the bloodstream, these are the most common symptoms:
- Oily skin
- Adult acne
- Headaches
- Hair loss from the scalp
- Increased hair growth on face or body
- Hot flushes
- Changes in sex drive
- Weight gain
- Changes in mood
Ignoring ongoing symptoms of elevated testosterone levels could result in potentially serious symptoms such as:
- Sleep apnea
- Edema
- Blood clots
- Adverse changes in cholesterol levels
- Polycythemia
- High blood pressure
- Breathing difficulty
Side effects from testosterone therapy are extremely rare when treatment is medically prescribed by a hormone specialist.
What Are the Side Effects of Testosterone Therapy for Women?
Testosterone therapy is a safe alternative to estrogen replacement for many women. TRT does not carry the same risks of breast cancer as estrogen and progestin supplementation. It is rare for a woman receiving testosterone treatment to increase her levels to the point of developing adverse reactions. However, in addition to the testosterone therapy side effects mentioned in the previous section, there are some other issues of concern to women.
Testosterone does not have the plethora of research data for females as it does for males, yet there are studies that speak to the many benefits of testosterone therapy for women. Side effects are not as much of an issue because women receive a much lower dosage than males. Those most at risk are women who use testosterone for sports or bodybuilding. Doing so increases the incidence of the following reactions:
- Deepening of the voice
- Clitoral enlargement
- Breast shrinkage
- Male pattern balding
- Irregular periods
- Aggressive behavior
Other side effects of testosterone therapy in women can affect anyone if testosterone levels get too high, including:
- Low libido
- Mood changes
- Infertility
- Obesity
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Testosterone therapy is extremely safe for women experiencing symptoms of testosterone deficiency.
What Are the Side Effects of Testosterone Therapy for Men?
Most men who use TRT under doctor supervision will never experience any testosterone replacement therapy side effects. Those most at risk of the illegal steroid users who want to bulk up their muscles or improve their athletic abilities. Doing so is dangerous, and not recommended by RXHormone medical clinic.
What are the side effects of testosterone therapy that could occur?
The following additional male-oriented testosterone therapy side effects may happen if testosterone levels in the bloodstream get too high:
- Infertility – supplemental testosterone bypasses the testes so it cannot help spermatogenesis
- Aggressive or risk-taking behaviors
- Elevated PSA levels
- Gynecomastia (male breast enlargement)
- Testicular shrinkage
- Urinary issues
- Prolonged erections
Other issues that are treatment type specific include:
- Injection site reactions such as redness, itching, swelling, or pain. These issues are short-lived and resolve themselves and are of no worry.
- Rash, hives, allergic reactions, or itching of the skin from testosterone patches or gels.
- Cross-contamination to others. While this is not a direct issue for a man, it is for his partner, children, or pets that come into contact with the treated skin or used patch.
Avoiding the illegal use of testosterone can help reduce the risk of any unwanted side effects.
How Do You Avoid Testosterone Therapy Side Effects?
The first way to avoid side effects of low testosterone therapy is to reread the “bottom line” sentence above. Quite simply put – do not use testosterone unless it is prescribed by a doctor to treat testosterone deficiency.
Overuse or abuse is the most common cause of side effects. Testosterone replacement therapy is an extremely safe form of hormone treatment. Your body will tell you if you are having a reaction via the symptoms mentioned at the start of this article. By knowing what to look for, you can address a situation before it gets out of hand.
If you notice any adverse testosterone therapy side effects, call your doctor at once. The treatment may be as simple as lowering your dosage of medication. Do not make these changes yourself. Doctor supervision is the only safe way to use testosterone therapy.
If you have any question about testosterone treatment, benefits, or side effects, please contact RXHormone medical clinic. Consultations are confidential and provided at no cost or obligation.