Testosterone Injection Side Effects for Men and Women
Women and men are prescribed testosterone therapy to combat the symptoms of Low T, and the concern about cream and injectable testosterone side effects is very real, although relatively rare when doctors’ instructions for the use of this medication are followed.
The risk is greater in men, who are most likely going to be using an injectable form of bioidentical testosterone than for women, who have typically prescribed treatment in the form of a cream.
The most common testosterone injection side effects for men are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in skin color
- Headache
- Oily skin or acne
- Breast swelling
- Hair loss
- Changes in sexual desire
- Anxiety or depression
- Swelling, redness, or pain at the injection site – most common of all
Women may experience the following testosterone therapy side effects:
- Changes in menstrual periods
- Enlarged clitoris
- Deepening of the voice
- Acne
- Hair growth on the chest or chin
Please note that all of these potential side effects are rare and are readily reversible by contacting the prescribing doctor at once to notify of these changes and receive a lowering of the dosage to administer.
Symptoms Of Overdose
Adults who are prescribed testosterone therapy following blood analysis for Low T will be given an exact dosage and treatment schedule to follow. The doctor who has provided this authorization will use careful calculations to determine the proper dosage to avoid any side effects of testosterone injection overdose.
In the rare situation where a person does have a reaction due to administering too much testosterone, the following warning signs will require immediate emergency help:
- Slurred or incoherent speech
- Sudden and severe inability to speak
- Blurred or double vision
- Temporary blindness
- Sudden and severe weakness in an arm or leg on one side of the body
- Unusual headache
- Seizures
Complete List of Testosterone Side Effects
Some of the testosterone side effects that will be shown here are for other types of testosterone besides injections. The overall consensus is that the majority of side effects associated with the use of testosterone replacement therapy are due to the body getting used to an increase in the amount of testosterone in the bloodstream. These effects often subside within a few weeks after beginning therapy for Low T.
Contact your prescribing physician if any of these side effects occur. A lowering of the dosage and gradual increase may be suggested.
Overall side effects of testosterone therapy include:
More common
- Gum or mouth irritation – most often seen with oral testosterone use
- Rash or itching at the site of injection, patch, or gel application
- Swelling or enlargement of breast tissue
- Anxiety
- Headache
- Male-pattern baldness
- Increased facial or body hair
- Numbness
- Changes in sexual interest – increase or decrease
Less common
- Dry mouth, redness and swelling of the gums, bleeding gums, blisters, toothache, mouth ulcers, or gum pain
- Acne or blemishes on the skin
- Dizziness
- Irritability, fear, nervousness, anxiety
- Unpleasant change in taste
- Feelings of sadness, discouragement, or emptiness
- Indigestion or loss of appetite
- Rapidly changing moods, mood swings, euphoria, or dysphoria
- Quick to react or overreact emotionally, crying
- Diarrhea, stomach cramps, pain, fullness, passing of gas, or discomfort
- Pain in the lower back or side
- Nausea or vomiting
- Insomnia, trouble sleeping
- Cough or hoarseness
- Painful or difficult urination
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Fast or slow heartbeat
- Depersonalization
- Itching skin
- Stinging of the lips
- Tiredness or fatigue, overall weakness
- Loss of sexual interest or pleasure
- Heavy breathing
- Paranoia
- Nasal swelling
- Pounding in the ears
- Trouble concentrating
The risk of these symptoms is extremely small when testosterone therapy has been prescribed by a specialist following careful blood analysis.
How to Avoid and Minimize Side Effects of Testosterone Injections
The best way to minimize or avoid the risk of side effects of testosterone injections in males or adverse reactions from the cream for women is to work with a physician who is a hormone replacement therapy specialist. In this way, the proper dosage can be carefully prescribed.
It is essential to follow all directions exactly as prescribed in order to avoid accidental overdose. The doctor may prescribe anastrozole or HCG along with testosterone therapy for men. If so, the instructions for the use of these medications should also be adhered to at all times.
It is imperative to follow-up with the doctor if any adverse signs are detected in order to avoid undue side effects from occurring.
Here at National HRT, our doctors and entire professional staff work closely with each person to ensure that the desired results are being achieved while minimizing any risk associated with testosterone injection side effects.
Please complete the form on this page to request a call from a medical advisor at our national clinic, or call us direct at the number provided. We are happy to offer complimentary consultations and answers to any applicable questions.
National HRT Staff
Please note that the information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.