Long-Term Side Effects of Testosterone

Testosterone may be used for hormone replacement, treating anemia, treating breast cancer in women, and correcting growth and sexual development problems. Testosterone therapy can be used by both men and women as well as by boys with delayed puberty. The side effects of long-term testosterone vary between men and women and include changes in appearance, inflammation of internal organs and cancer.

Voice

• Women who use testosterone for long periods of time may have a permanent, more masculine sound to their voices.

Enlarged clitoris

• Use of testosterone treatments in women can cause enlargement of the clitoris, which can cause problems with arousal during sexual activity.

Mental changes

• Depression, aggression and mood disorders are side effects of long-term testosterone therapy in both men and women.

Hepatitis

• Long term use of testosterone therapy can cause peliosis hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that can impair liver function.

Liver cancer

• According to the Mayo Clinic, testosterone therapy used for long periods of time may cause cancer of the liver.

Enlarged prostate

• Men who use testosterone may experience an enlargement of the prostate, which can cause problems with urination and sexual dysfunction.

Prostate cancer

• Testosterone treatments in men may promote the development of existing prostate cancer or cause a new tumor to grow.