Is Testosterone Treatment Safe?

Testosterone treatment is a technique that uses controlled doses of artificial testosterone to increase the body's supply. The safety of this treatment varies according to a number of important factors.

Purpose

• According to the physician-reviewed Urology Channel, testosterone treatment is often used as a form of hormone replacement in cases of testosterone deficiency. The Mayo Clinic cites additional uses as an anti-aging technique in individuals with normal testosterone levels.

Methods of Treatment

• Testosterone may be administered as a skin patch, gel, intramuscular injection or adhesive that sticks to the wall of the mouth.

Side Effects

• Potential side effects of testosterone patches include itching irritation, fluid retention and temporary gynecomastia (male breast enlargement). Potential side effects of testosterone gel include headache, hair loss and acne. Potential injection side effects include inconsistent energy levels, mood or libido.

More Serious Side Effects

• Potential side effects of testosterone mouth adhesives may be more severe, and include gum abnormalities, sleep apnea, increased risk of prostate enlargement or cancer, and congestive heart failure.

Supplementing Normal Testosterone Levels

• The Mayo Clinic notes that there is not enough evidence to determine the risks of testosterone therapy when no deficiency is present. However, they underscore the potential general risks of treatment, and recommend that interested individuals consult their doctors for more information.