Testosterone Therapy Side Effects

Testosterone therapy is a method of replacing testosterone in individuals with low levels of the hormone due to health problems or the gradual decline of testosterone that occurs with age. Testosterone therapy can help alleviate or eliminate many problems associated with low testosterone levels including erectile dysfunction, bone loss, mood changes, hair and muscle growth or low sex drive. Testosterone is typically delivered via oral pills, injections, topical agents or with medicated wearable patches. Testosterone therapy may not be for everyone, and side effects may occur. Many side effects may be helped by adjusting the amount or frequency of testosterone administered.

Liver Changes

• Liver damage is a less common side effect of testosterone therapy. This type of adverse reaction is associated with orally transmitted testosterone. The liver eventually breaks down the pills, which may lead to liver damage. As the dosage in oral testosterone becomes diluted and weakened in the bloodstream, this form of testosterone treatment is often used for pre-menopausal and menopausal women.

Prostate Growth

• For some men, testosterone therapy may cause the prostate to enlarge. As an enlarged prostate and high levels of testosterone are linked to prostate cancer and tumor growth, the studies of testosterone therapy and prostate cancer continue. According to a 2007 Johns Hopkins University report, there is no conclusive link between testosterone replacement therapy and increased instances of prostate cancer, but men undergoing treatment should be monitored regularly for prostate changes.

Mood Swings

• Mood swings may occur with testosterone therapy. These mood swings are usually attributed to incorrect dosage, or the natural increase and decrease of extra testosterone supplied by therapy. Mood swings are more apt to occur when testosterone is injected, as higher levels of the hormone are present at the initial application then wan over time.

Skin Irritation

• Skin irritation, rashes or acne may occur with topical or patch-applied testosterone treatments. A rarer side effect of topical testosterone treatment is blisters at the site of application. A newer form of testosterone therapy involves placing a tablet or strip of treated adhesive in the mouth above the gum line. Gum irritation may occur in some individuals, but the problem often goes away within two weeks.

Pre-existing Conditions

• Some individuals may find an increase in side effects for pre-existing conditions after starting testosterone therapy. Sleep apnea, when a person stops breathing for a period of time during sleep, may happen more often with increased testosterone. Fluid retention in people with pre-existing heart or blood pressure conditions may be exacerbated after starting testosterone treatment.

Other Side Effects

• Other side effects of testosterone therapy may include breast enlargement or tenderness in men, low sperm count, reduced testicle size, hair loss on the head or increased body hair. Women using testosterone therapy may experience deepening of the voice or facial hair growth. Many of these symptoms may be reduced or relieved if therapy is stopped or the testosterone dosage is reduced.