{"id":62296,"date":"2023-12-26T18:24:57","date_gmt":"2023-12-26T23:24:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=62296"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:20:17","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:20:17","slug":"testosterone-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/testosterone-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Testosterone side effects and how to avoid them"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Testosterone is the male sex hormone or androgen responsible for male characteristics, sexual organ function, and sperm production. As a prescription drug, testosterone is used as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for men who have low testosterone levels (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/low-testosterone\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">low T<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) or symptoms of hypogonadism. It&rsquo;s also used to treat teen males with delayed puberty. Some healthcare providers may prescribe it <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/blog\/a-logical-approach-to-treating-erectile-dysfunction-201211275583\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">off-label for erectile dysfunction<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or to women for certain conditions.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A variety of testosterone products are available. Intramuscular injections and transdermal gels are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK534853\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">among the most common<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but other forms include subcutaneous injection, oral capsules, topical gels, topical solutions, implanted pellets, and nasal gel. These various forms may have unique side effects, but they all share a number of common side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"common-side-effects-of-testosterone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects of testosterone<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side effects of testosterone depend upon the form taken, but the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/mens-health\/is-testosterone-therapy-safe-take-a-breath-before-you-take-the-plunge\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most common side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are acne, ankle swelling, disturbed breathing while sleeping, and breast tenderness or swelling.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each formulation has commonly experienced side effects unique to the way it&rsquo;s taken:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Injection site reactions such as pain, redness, swelling, or itching are among the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/drugs\/18031-testosterone-injection\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most common side effects of testosterone injections<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/drugs-supplements\/testosterone-transdermal-route\/side-effects\/drg-20068985?p=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most common side effects of testosterone transdermal and topical formats<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are application site reactions such as skin irritation and itching. Testosterone gels can cause side effects in other people who come in contact with the gel or the skin it&rsquo;s applied to.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many of the most common side effects of testosterone nasal gel are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=68d0447b-f75a-4fb2-96ba-de822b74aebb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nose-related <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and include runny nose, nosebleeds, nasal irritation, nasal dryness, scabs, and congestion. Other unique side effects of testosterone nasal gel include sinus problems, upper respiratory infections, smell disorders, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/bronchitis-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bronchitis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"serious-side-effects-of-testosterone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects of testosterone<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Testosterone hormone therapy has several serious side effects. The most common severe adverse effect is an increase in red blood cells called polycythemia or erythrocytosis. The estimated incidence is between 1% and 14%.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other serious side effects of testosterone include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electrolyte abnormalities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/hypertension-treatments-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood clots<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bleeding<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prostate enlargement<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased risk of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/prostate-cancer-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prostate cancer<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased risk of heart attack<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased risk of stroke<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased risk of liver cancer (rare)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Priapism (persistent and painful erections)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe allergic reactions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abuse<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dependence<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"how-soon-do-testosterone-side-effects-start\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How soon do testosterone side effects start?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many testosterone side effects can begin immediately, particularly reactions to an injection, gel, or nasal gel. Allergic reactions can also happen shortly after application.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most of the common side effects <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/?drugLabelId=Striant-testosterone-1166\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">start early in treatment,<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> including elevated blood pressure, nausea, and mood swings. Other side effects are delayed, such as breast growth, weight gain, irritability, blood changes, prostate problems, and many of the severe side effects, such as heart attack, stroke, or polycythemia. People will require regular monitoring and blood tests throughout therapy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-long-do-testosterone-side-effects-last\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long do testosterone side effects last?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side effects such as administration reactions, headaches, and nausea may improve as the body gets accustomed to the drug. Other side effects, such as mood changes and acne, may last as long as testosterone therapy lasts. Breast growth, unwanted hair growth, prostate problems, and blood changes may also be long-term effects that may worsen as therapy continues.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-long-term-side-effects-of-testosterone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the long-term side effects of testosterone?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Testosterone therapy has some side effects that are due to long-term use, including breast development (gynecomastia), weight gain, and prostate enlargement. The worsening of existing conditions like sleep apnea is also a longer-term side effect. Many of the most hazardous side effects of testosterone, such as heart attack, stroke, and cancer, become more likely the longer therapy lasts. Some side effects may be permanent. For instance, testosterone causes women to develop male characteristics such as a low voice or facial hair, a condition called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.merckmanuals.com\/home\/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders\/adrenal-gland-disorders\/virilization\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">virilization<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which may become permanent in cases of long-term testosterone treatment.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"testosterone-interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Testosterone interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Testosterone has relatively few drug interactions, but there are three types of drug interactions that healthcare providers are concerned about:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although the combination isn&rsquo;t dangerous, healthcare providers do not use testosterone injections in people taking <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/gonadotropin-releasing-hormone-agonists\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">drugs designed to decrease testosterone levels,<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/prostate-cancer-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prostate cancer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> drugs histrelin or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/leuprolide-acetate\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">leuprolide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These drugs have the opposite effect of testosterone, so they will cancel each other out.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Testosterone increases the ability of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/warfarin-sodium\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">warfarin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a member of the vitamin K antagonist class of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/anticoagulants\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anticoagulants<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, to thin the blood&mdash;thereby increasing the risk of bleeding problems. The combination may require close monitoring and dosage adjustments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Testosterone injections may decrease blood glucose levels, so people taking <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/insulins\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">insulin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/diabetes-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diabetes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> medications may require dosage adjustments.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"safety-measures-while-using-testosterone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safety measures while using testosterone<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"what-are-the-fda-warnings-about-testosterone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the FDA warnings about testosterone?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has multiple boxed warnings for testosterone therapy. Warnings on testosterone undecanoate mention the risk of pulmonary oil micro-embolism with intramuscular injection and blood pressure elevation with the oral form. Similarly, subcutaneous <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/testosterone-enanthate\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">testosterone enanthate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> carries a warning about raising blood pressure, too. Transdermal testosterone gels and solutions have warnings about the virilization of children who are exposed to the product by touching the application site of the individual. In addition, the FDA has <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/drug-safety-and-availability\/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-cautions-about-using-testosterone-products-low-testosterone-due\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cautioned<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> against the use of testosterone in older men to treat age-related testosterone decline because of the risk of severe side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"who-should-never-take-testosterone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who should never take testosterone?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with any of the following medical conditions should avoid taking testosterone:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergies to any substance in the drug<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/breast-cancer-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breast cancer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/prostate-cancer-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prostate cancer<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious heart disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe liver disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe kidney disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Polycythemia (high red blood cell count)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"who-should-use-caution-with-testosterone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who should use caution with testosterone?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because of its numerous side effects and risks, testosterone is used cautiously in several types of patients with certain conditions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mild or moderate cardiovascular disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mild or moderate kidney disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mild or moderate liver disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Risk factors for prostate cancer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/high-cholesterol-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High cholesterol<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excess weight<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Obstructive sleep apnea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enlarged prostate<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Older men should also practice caution when considering testosterone therapy and speak with their healthcare provider about potential side effects. Adolescent teens taking testosterone for delayed puberty are at risk of bone growth issues, so prescribers may monitor bone development during therapy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Women are at risk of developing male characteristics such as facial hair, deep voice, and menstrual changes. Healthcare professionals will monitor for these changes and discontinue testosterone treatment if they occur.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"does-testosterone-cause-drug-abuse-or-dependency\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does testosterone cause drug abuse or dependency?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The FDA has classified testosterone drugs as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dea.gov\/drug-information\/drug-scheduling\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schedule III controlled substances<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> because of their potential for abuse and dependency. Some people abuse testosterone and other anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass, raise energy levels, and improve athletic or bodybuilding performance. Nontherapeutic use of testosterone is dangerous and can cause severe side effects, including <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/congestive-heart-failure-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">heart failure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, heart attack, stroke, and severe psychiatric disorders.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"can-you-overdose-on-testosterone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you overdose on testosterone?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An overdose is unlikely because testosterone is either administered by a healthcare provider or used in slow-release formats. However, overdose is possible, especially if it&rsquo;s being abused. Persistent overdoses over time can lead to severe side effects, but there isn&rsquo;t much information about a one-time overdose. If too much testosterone is taken, call <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at 800-222-1222 for medical advice or get medical treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"is-testosterone-safe-to-take-when-pregnant\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is testosterone safe to take when pregnant?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. Testosterone is contraindicated in pregnant women because it can harm the fetus or cause congenital disabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"is-testosterone-safe-to-take-while-breastfeeding\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is testosterone safe to take while breastfeeding?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Testosterone can affect milk production. High levels of testosterone may suppress lactation, and testosterone can be detected in breast milk, leading some to recommend avoiding testosterone therapy while breastfeeding.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"is-testosterone-safe-for-children\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is testosterone safe for children?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Testosterone is not FDA-approved for use in children younger than 12 years old. Boys 12 years and older can be prescribed testosterone for delayed puberty. Testosterone affects the bones, so healthcare providers will monitor bone development during therapy.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"is-testosterone-safe-for-seniors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is testosterone safe for seniors?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Testosterone can be prescribed for people older than 65, but the FDA has cautioned that it shouldn&rsquo;t be used for testosterone deficiency due to aging because of the increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and prostate cancer.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-avoid-testosterone-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to avoid testosterone side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Testosterone side effects are commonly experienced, and some people are at risk for serious side effects. There are ways to minimize the possibility of side effects:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1-tell-your-prescriber-about-all-medical-conditions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Tell your prescriber about all medical conditions.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People are more likely to experience severe side effects if they have certain types of common medical conditions, so your prescriber needs to know about other conditions you might have, particularly:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breast cancer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prostate cancer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coronary artery disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">History of blood clotting problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Urination problems&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleep apnea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High cholesterol or triglycerides<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High red blood cell counts<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"2-tell-your-doctor-about-all-medications-youre-taking\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Tell your doctor about all medications you&rsquo;re taking.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure your prescriber knows about all prescription drugs, OTC medications, and dietary supplements you&rsquo;re taking. In particular, your prescribing healthcare provider needs to know about insulin, diabetes medications, and blood thinners.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3-ask-your-doctor-about-side-effects-unique-to-the-format-prescribed\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Ask your doctor about side effects unique to the format prescribed.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each type of testosterone product can have different side effects, so ask your prescriber about the specific side effects, how to protect yourself from them, and what to do if you experience them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4-inform-your-prescriber-about-all-adverse-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Inform your prescriber about all adverse effects.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if a side effect or change seems minor, tell your prescribing healthcare provider about it. Minor physical or psychological complaints may be a sign of a more serious problem caused by testosterone therapy. For instance, high red blood cell counts are a potentially serious side effect of testosterone because it increases the risk of blood clots. You can&rsquo;t see high red blood cell counts. But you may get headaches, blurred vision, nosebleeds, fatigue, more bruises on the skin, or shortness of breath. Your prescriber needs to know about these side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"5-do-not-take-anabolic-steroids-along-with-testosterone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Do not take anabolic steroids along with testosterone.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anabolic steroids taken to increase muscle mass or improve athletic performance have the same effects as testosterone. Combining them with testosterone therapy will increase the risk of potentially hazardous adverse effects.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-treat-side-effects-of-testosterone\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to treat side effects of testosterone<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Testosterone side effects are common, but most are bearable. Some side effects, however, will require medical attention, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any sign of heart problems, such as chest pain, heartbeat irregularities, and shortness of breath<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any sign of liver problems, such as fatigue, bruising, bleeding, weakness, or yellowing of the skin or eyes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any sign of prostate problems, such as decreased urination, difficulty urinating, painful urination, or frequent urination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any sign of high red blood cell counts, such as bruising, nosebleeds, dizziness, or shortness of breath<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms of a blood clot, such as leg pain, difficulty breathing, or sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any worsening of sleep apnea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/anxiety-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anxiety<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/depression-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">depression<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, mania, paranoia, and other psychiatric disorders<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In women, the development of male sexual characteristics such as deep voice, facial hair, male-pattern baldness, or enlargement of the clitoris<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"bottom-line-is-testosterone-safe\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bottom line: Is testosterone safe?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Testosterone replacement therapy has benefits and potential risks. Because of the benefits, the balance between benefits and risks makes it a reasonable drug to take for low testosterone, hypogonadism, and delayed puberty. However, it can cause many serious side effects, particularly in people with certain risk factors. Patients should get medical advice from a healthcare professional about balancing benefits and risks. Upon starting testosterone therapy, it&rsquo;s important to watch vigilantly for side effects or symptoms of severe side effects. Finally, people should be ready and willing to discontinue testosterone therapy if side effects warrant it.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Testosterone is the male sex hormone or androgen responsible for male characteristics, sexual organ function, and sperm production. As a prescription drug, testosterone is used as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for men who have low testosterone levels (low T) or symptoms of hypogonadism. It&rsquo;s also used to treat teen males with delayed puberty. Some healthcare [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":62297,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[12752],"coauthors":[8861],"class_list":["post-62296","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-medication-side-effects","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Testosterone side effects and how to avoid them<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Acne, ankle swelling, and breast tenderness are common testosterone side effects. 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