Possible Side Effects of Testosterone Therapy
Low T in most men and women can be easily treated with testosterone hormone replacement, but as with any type of medical treatment, there are possible side effects of testosterone therapy that require discussing with medical personnel before beginning this course of action.
The adverse effects associated with testosterone replacement are often separated by category – based on whether they are merely a nuisance in a person’s life, such as edema, headaches, or irritation at the injection site (men), or worrisome and possibly dangerous, as in the case of blood clots, higher risk of stroke, or prostate cancer.
There has been much controversy over the latter – prostate cancer – and whereas the thought was once that testosterone therapy led to an increased risk of developing this serious concern, research has now led many experts to believe that it is actually the lower level of testosterone in the male body that can contribute to prostate cancer. An entire report on this website shows the possible benefits of testosterone treatment for the prevention of prostate cancer.
Although treatment for Low T does carry some risks of testosterone replacement therapy side effects, as will be shown in this report, the level of safety that is provided by working with a hormone replacement therapy expert negates and minimizes these concerns in most cases.
List of Possible More Common Side Effects
Although this list may seem extensive, it is separated – in degrees – based on severity and likelihood of the issues that could arise. Again, most people will never notice any side effects of testosterone replacement therapy, but it is necessary to show what is possible before treatment begins.
The most common side effects include:
- Edema – mild fluid retention
- Oily skin or adult acne
- Breast enlargement
- Irritation at the injection site
- Changes in hair growth
- Skin irritations
- Mood swings
- Deepening of the voice
- Reduction in sperm count, producing infertility (especially in younger men)
- Decreased testicular size
It may seem surprising to people who have already read about the benefits of testosterone therapy to find that mood swings, changes in hair growth, testicular size, and decreased sperm count are on a list of possible testosterone therapy side effects when this treatment has also been shown to benefit these areas. Careful supervision by a hormone specialist is required to ensure that only positive results without negative effects are achieved.
Less common, but more concerning side effects of testosterone therapy include:
- Increased risk of stroke
- Increased risk of developing prostate cancer – many experts believe that research has shown the opposite
- May increase risk of heart attack
- Increase in PSA
- Changes in cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Stimulation of prostate tissue, with possible increased urination symptoms such as a decreased stream or frequency
- Higher risk of blood clots
- Worsening of sleep apnea
- Increased red blood cell count – in many cases, this is a benefit
Symptoms that must be attended to at once include:
- Breathing difficulty
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech or inability to speak/li>
- Weakness in one side of the body
- Severe, rapid onset headache
This last group is often a sign of testosterone overdose, and extremely rare. Medical help should be sought immediately if any of these issues appear.
How to Avoid and Minimize Side Effects of Testosterone Therapy
The majority of people receiving testosterone replacement therapy to reverse the symptoms of Low T will never notice any adverse effects on their body. For those who do experience unwanted symptoms associated with treatment, the doctor can take the simple action of lowering the dosage of medication in most cases.
The best way to avoid or minimize any chance of adverse side effects of Low T testosterone therapy is to find a hormone replacement specialist to test for and treat declining testosterone levels. These individuals have the higher level of expertise in raising declining hormone levels in adults.
Here are the basic guidelines for getting the best possible results while minimizing the actual risk factor of Low T treatment:
- Work with a hormone replacement specialist
- Have blood tested for hormonal imbalance, CBC, cholesterol, thyroid, and other crucial markers
- Get a physical examination
- Complete a comprehensive health history report
- Follow all instructions regarding use of testosterone hormone replacement therapy
- Report any adverse reactions or side effects at once to the prescribing doctor
If these steps are clearly followed, the chance of developing any adverse side effects of Low T testosterone replacement therapy will be minimized, and superior benefits should be received.
The professional team at National HRT welcomes questions and provides complimentary phone consultations to adults throughout the US. Contact us today to learn how treatment for Low T or other hormonal imbalances and deficiencies might make a difference in your life.
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.