Dangerous Testosterone Supplements

In modern society, muscly men like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone are revered for their appearance and strength. People spend hours in the gym lifting and running in an attempt to emulate brawny bodybuilders, but few are able to succeed with just exercise and diet. They often turn to testosterone supplements to bulk up. But some of these testosterone boosters come with serious safety risks.

Increased Estrogen

• Dehydroepiandrosterone, known as DHEA, is a supplement that can increase testosterone levels. But it also increases estrogen. According to nutritionist Marie Holt, an increase in estrogen in women can mean increased risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian problems, and increased susceptibility to migraine headaches, weight gain, and mood swings. For men, high levels of estrogen can cause hair loss, impotency, prostate problems, and low libido.

Lowering Good Cholesterol

• According to an article published in "Best Life" in 2007, the testosterone supplement Tribulus terrestris can decrease your level of good cholesterol. Good cholesterol helps to clear out the arteries and counteract the intake of bad cholesterol. Lowering the levels of good cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease and heart-related complications.

Damage to Major Organs

• Anabolic steroids mimic the natural testosterone within the body and are said to help burn fat and calories faster while improving muscle tone. This might sound perfect for someone who wants quick changes to their appearance, but a case report published in October 2008 suggests that regular use of anabolic steroids can cause the failure of multiple internal organs. The study outlines the treatment of a 24-year-old who was healthy before injecting himself with anabolic steroids. He ended up in the emergency room at Makassed General Hospital in Beirut with a swollen pancreas and kidney failure.

Violence

• High levels of testosterone have been linked to aggressive and violent behaviors in both men and women. A study released by the American Psychosomatic Society in 1997 explored the link between violent actions and high testosterone levels. A phenomenon known as "roid rage" received a lot of attention in 2007 when famous wrestler Chris Benoit killed his wife and his son before committing suicide. His postmortem toxicology report showed heavy use of testosterone cypionate, among other drugs.

Drug Interactions

• It is critical that you discuss the use of testosterone supplements with your health-care provider. According to Drugs.com, more than 100 medications are known to negatively interact with testosterone. For example, mixing prescription medications like anisindione and dicumarol with anabolic steroids can lead to uncontrollable bleeding. Benoit's decision to mix testosterone cypionate with Xanax and Vicodin could have affected his judgment.