What It Means When You Reject Testosterone Treatment

Testosterone is the most powerful chemical in a man's body. When it is running low, depression, low libido, lack of energy and loss of muscle mass can all occur. Fortunately, testosterone is available through an endocrinologist (hormone doctor). Rarely, a man may reject treatment by reacting badly to the hormone replacement. It is important to note that it is not the testosterone that is rejected but the delivery method itself.

Considerations

• Pre-existing conditions must be taken into consideration when starting testosterone replacement therapy. Men with high testosterone are at a higher risk for prostate cancer as reported by the American Urological Association. If testosterone levels rise uncontrollably, this can be a basis for voluntarily rejecting treatment for physical safety reasons.

Suspension

• Injectable testosterone is generally mixed with cottonseed oil or sesame oil. This form of testosterone is injected into the muscle of the buttocks or the quadriceps (upper thigh). Sometimes, a person has an allergic reaction to the sesame oil and will need to switch to cottonseed oil. If the body also rejects the cottonseed oil, a doctor may suggest an alternative method of delivery such as a patch or implanted pellets.

Transdermal

• Transdermal testosterone falls under two categories. The first is a patch that is attached to the skin. The second is a gel or cream rubbed into the skin. In each case, the medication must first pass through the skin and then into the bloodstream. Occasionally, the skin will reject this form of treatment through an allergic reaction to the chemicals in the patch, gel or cream. If this occurs a doctor may prescribe injectable or implanted testosterone.

Oral

• Although rarely prescribed, oral testosterone is sometimes used in men with low testosterone. The reason most doctors do not take advantage of this form of testosterone treatment is because it is more hepatoxic (bad for the liver) than any other form of testosterone. If someone already has liver problems or consumes excessive amounts of alcohol, this form of testosterone may not be safe. A blood test revealing elevated liver enzymes is grounds to reject oral testosterone and try another method.

Warnings

• It is always best to discuss concerns with a licensed doctor. Side effects from any medication can be dangerous. It is best to read all the information that comes with a medication and be on the lookout for any type of side effect. All medications are processed by the liver and it is important to have regular blood tests to check for any liver problems.