Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy Safe?
Testosterone replacement therapy is a popular treatment for mood swings, fatigue, muscle loss and decreased sex drive in men. If you suffer from any of these symptoms and are considering testosterone replacement, it’s important to understand the risks.
Let’s look at the potential side effects of taking testosterone and how to safely approach treatment.
4 Risks of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Only a small percentage of men experience side effects from testosterone treatment. But, for those who do, these issues may occur:
1. Skin Problems, Including Acne
Testosterone can increase your production of sebum, the substance that protects and moisturizes your skin. Too much sebum can lead to acne, rashes and itchy or irritated skin.
2. Breast Enlargement
It may seem odd, but increasing your testosterone levels can lead to gynecomastia, or breast enlargement. It’s possible that your body will metabolize the testosterone into estradiol, a form of estrogen that triggers breast growth, even in men.
3. Sleep Issues
Testosterone treatment has been known to disrupt breathing during sleep. Besides causing fatigue, this can also lead to lower blood oxygen levels. If you already suffer from sleep apnea, testosterone replacement therapy could make it worse.
4. High Red Blood Cell Count
Testosterone can stimulate excessive red blood cell production, which, in turn, can lead to increased blood clots. The biggest risk is a pulmonary embolism, in which a loose clot travels through your bloodstream and lodges in your lungs.
How Can I Treat Decreased Testosterone?
For most men looking to alleviate the symptoms of testosterone loss, replacement therapy is a safe and effective treatment. An article from Harvard Medical School suggests that a cautious approach, supported by a professional physician, is the best way to ensure proper care. They outline the following steps:
Evaluate Your Overall Health
Understand the cause of your symptoms. Is it biological, or is it due to stress, fatigue, relationship problems or other factors? Have you tried lifestyle changes or other remedies?
Get an Accurate Assessment
Consulting a physician and getting an accurate measurement of your current hormone levels can provide valuable insight. Your physician can confirm the cause of your symptoms, and if you do have an imbalance, they can discuss ways to remedy the issue.
Be Mindful of the Risks
If you decide that testosterone replacement is the best course of action, proceed in a carefully supervised program. If you do experience side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
Set Realistic Expectations
Hormone therapy offers significant relief to most patients, but it’s good to temper your expectations based on your age and overall health. You may get a well-needed boost of energy, but it won’t make you feel like you’re 20 again.
Talk to a Testosterone Expert
The caring physicians at Balance Hormone Center help men navigate issues around mood, physical health and libido every day. Call and schedule your appointment today. Together, we can assess your hormone levels and determine whether testosterone replacement therapy is the safest and best course of treatment for you.
