what are the side effects of low testosterone treatment

What are the risks of low testosterone treatment?

Jun 04, 2019 · Some of the reported possible, though rare, side effects or cautions associated with the use of testosterone therapy include: Increase risk of blood clots Enlarged breasts Increased risk of sleep apnea Acne Hair growth or premature puberty in girls or women who come into contact with gels or ...

What is the best treatment for low testosterone?

Feb 28, 2019 · Decreases in testosterone can lead to physical changes including the following: increased body fat decreased strength/mass of muscles fragile bones decreased body hair swelling / tenderness in the breast tissue hot flashes …

What are the side effects of low testosterone levels?

The potential adverse effects of TRT in men include: Exacerbated (worsening) sleep apnea. Impaired sperm production. Abnormally high red blood cell production (erythrocytosis). Increase in acne. Breast tissue growth (gynecomastia). Growth of pre-existing prostate cancer and/or non-cancerous benign ...

What are the benefits of low testosterone?

Mar 16, 2022 · Some men on testosterone therapy may develop hair loss. And, if you’ve been on testosterone therapy for a long time, your testicles may begin to shrink.

How long does it take to recover from low testosterone?

Most men feel improvement in symptoms within four to six weeks of taking testosterone replacement therapy, although changes like increases in muscle mass may take from three to six months.

What are the long term effects of low testosterone?

Men diagnosed with low testosterone have an increased likelihood of cardiac problems, particularly the risk of heart attack after age 50. Cardiac concerns may not be directly linked to low testosterone, but rather, other symptoms that affect the heart, such as weight gain, lack of exercise and fatigue.Aug 16, 2019

What is the best treatment for low testosterone?

The most common treatment for low testosterone is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). TRT is given as an injection, a skin patch, or a topical gel containing testosterone that replaces the testosterone missing from your body. Though this treatment is common, TRT is known to have some risks and side effects.

What are the disadvantages of low testosterone?

In addition to causing physical changes, having low levels of testosterone can affect you on an emotional level. The condition can lead to feelings of sadness or depression. Some people have trouble with memory and concentration and experience lowered motivation and self-confidence.

Can you live with low testosterone?

If you're dealing with depression, reduced sex drive, or other health problems, you might need to take a look at your testosterone levels. Low levels of testosterone can have multiple negative effects on your health and quality of life.

Can a man live with low testosterone?

The mortality risk for men with low testosterone dropped to 68 percent after the researchers reanalyzed the data to eliminate men who had died within the first year of follow-up. This was done to control for dips in testosterone levels that can occur shortly after surgery, trauma or critical illness.Aug 14, 2006

How long does it take to feel the effects of testosterone injections?

Most individuals will start to notice significant changes within 4 to 6 weeks of beginning treatment with testosterone injections, but some changes may actually be felt and seen much earlier.

What are side effects of testosterone therapy?

What Are the Side Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy?Acne or oily skin.Mild fluid retention.Stimulation of prostate tissue, with perhaps some increased urination symptoms such as a decreased stream or frequency.Increased risk of developing prostate abnormalities.Breast enlargement.Increased risk of blood clots.More items...•Nov 22, 2021

What are the side effects of testosterone injections?

People may experience some mild side effects from testosterone injections, such as:breast enlargement or pain.acne.a deeper voice.tiredness.hoarseness.back pain.redness, bruising, pain, bleeding, or hardness at the injection site.trouble sleeping or staying awake.More items...•Dec 6, 2019

How does low testosterone make you feel?

Fatigue is a common effect of low testosterone. You might feel like you just don't have the energy that you're used to. Or you might be incredibly tired. But many other things can sap your energy, too, including normal aging and depression.

What are the symptoms of low testosterone in a man?

Symptoms of low testosterone depend on the age of person, and include the following:Low sex drive.Erectile dysfunction.Decreased sense of well-being.Depressed mood.Difficulties with concentration and memory.Fatigue.Moodiness and irritability.Loss of muscular strength.Apr 10, 2018

Will low testosterone make you tired?

About 5 million men in the Unites States have low testosterone, and fatigue is one of the ailment's most common and debilitating symptoms, along with loss of muscle strength, mood changes, and lack of interest in sex.Jan 16, 2014

The Benefits of Testosterone Treatment

When you look at the many well documented benefits of testosterone treatments, it is easy to see that the benefits of testosterone therapy, far outweigh the minimal risk of any potential side effects. We have also found that the safest and most effective form of testosterone treatment, is prescription testosterone injections.

Testosterone Treatment and the Risk of Heart Disease and Cancer

Despite testosterone therapy being generally regarded as safe, there remains a lot of misinformation out there about the risks of testosterone treatment.

Benefits of Testosterone Treatment Vs the Side Effects

By now, we hope you have come to realize that the many benefits of testosterone treatment far outweigh the possible side effects of testosterone replacement. As you now know, the potential dangers of testosterone treatment have been largely exaggerated, and the risk of side effects can be kept to a minimum. Weigh that against the advantages of:

How to Avoid Testosterone Treatment Side Effects

When it comes to avoiding any potential side effects of testosterone replacement therapy, who you get your testosterone injections from can make a big difference.

What happens if you have low testosterone?

A number of physical changes can happen to your body if you have low testosterone levels. Testosterone is sometimes referred to as the “male” hormone. It helps increase muscle mass, leads to body hair, and contributes to an overall masculine form.

How does testosterone affect you?

In addition to causing physical changes, having low levels of testosterone can affect you on an emotional level. The condition can lead to feelings of sadness or depression. Some people have trouble with memory and concentration and experience lowered motivation and self-confidence.

Why does testosterone decrease with age?

Testosterone helps maintain a number of important bodily functions in men, including: Because testosterone affects so many functions, its decrease can bring about significant physical and emotional changes.

What hormones affect libido?

Testosterone is the hormone most responsible for sex drives and high libidos in men. A decrease in testosterone can mean a decrease in libido. One of the biggest worries faced by men with declining testosterone levels is the chance that their sexual desire and performance will be affected. As men age, they can experience a number ...

What is the normal testosterone level for men over 65?

published in Clinical Endocrinology, the testosterone-level goal for men over 65 is approximately 350–450 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter). This is the midpoint of the normal range for the age group.

Can testosterone replacement cause sleep apnea?

Testosterone replacement therapy may contribute to or cause sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that causes your breathing to stop and start repeatedly while you sleep. It can disrupt your sleep pattern in the process and raise your risk for other complications, like having a stroke. .

Can low testosterone cause ED?

As men age, they can experience a number of symptoms related to sexual function that may be a result of lowered levels of this hormone. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is not commonly caused by low testosterone production. In cases where ED accompanies lower testosterone production, hormone replacement therapy may help your ED.

What is the treatment for low testosterone?

The most common treatment for low testosterone, as we mentioned earlier, is called testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Two primary types of TRT are performed on US patients.

Why is testosterone low in men?

Decreased testosterone in men is most often triggered by a condition called hypogonadism in which the male testes produce insufficient supplies of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone.

What is TRT with synthetic testosterone?

TRT with synthetic testosterone. This type of TRT typically involves regular injections of synthetic (lab-produced) testosterone in patients over the course of several months, although other delivery methods exist that we will explore below.

What is bioidentical testosterone?

In this therapeutic modality, hormonal pellets are inserted under the skin, where they gradually release a type of testosterone referred to as “bioidentical” that mimics the molecular structure of naturally-occurring testosterone in the body. TRT with synthetic testosterone.

How can the risk of unwanted effects of TRT be minimized?

As we mentioned previously, the risk of unwanted effects of TRT can be minimized by visiting a licensed physician to discuss individual risk factors and by submitting to routine blood tests before, during, and at the conclusion of therapy to catch any developing negative consequences before they become unmanageable .

How much testosterone does a man lose?

Most men in the US lose about 1% of their testosterone each year. The effects of these testosterone losses can be brutal and are not limited to impaired sexual function. Symptoms associated with low T include: Loss of interest in sex. Sexual dysfunction. Inability to achieve and maintain erection. Muscle loss.

What are the long term effects of low T?

In addition to causing short-term pain, declined testosterone seriously jeopardizes the health of patients who suffer from low levels of testosterone . Such effects of low T in both men and women include: Heart (cardiovascular) disease. Tumor growth stimulation and corresponding increased risk of cancer.

Is testosterone dangerous for cardiovascular health?

In the United States in 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a special advisory stating that, despite conflicting results, testosterone labels must alert consumers of a possible increased cardiovascular risk. Keep in mind that testosterone therapy carries various other risks, including contributing to sleep apnea, ...

Does testosterone therapy increase the risk of death?

Some research even shows a lower risk of death in men receiving testosterone therapy compared with those not receiving therapy. A large 2016 study following more than 1,000 men for three years found that testosterone therapy did not increase the risk of cardiovascular events.

Does testosterone cause heart attacks?

Some studies have reported that testosterone therapy might increase the risk of a heart attack in men age 65 and older, as well as in younger men who have a history of heart disease. Other studies have found a higher frequency of death and heart problems in men who had coronary artery disease and received testosterone therapy.

How to help with low testosterone?

This happens more often when testosterone levels are extremely low. You can also feel sadness and other symptoms of depression. To help, take steps to ease stress. Try meditation, yoga, exercise, or massage.

What to do if your testosterone is low?

If your work or home life has changed dramatically for the worse, a full medical checkup might help find the cause. A blood test can show whether you have low testosterone levels. If you have low T, healthy lifestyle changes are important, along with any testosterone therapy your doctor might suggest. Swipe to advance.

How to get a good night's sleep when your testosterone is low?

To help get a good night's sleep, have a relaxing bedtime routine. Go to bed and wake up at the same time, even on weekends. Make your bedroom dark, quiet, and comfortable, and only use it for sleep and sex.

Why does testosterone help build muscle?

Because testosterone helps build muscle, when it gets low, so does your muscle mass and strength. When you work out you don't see the results that you would normally expect from exercise.

Why does my sex drive drop?

A drop in your sex drive can be due to low T. So can erectile dysfunction. Low testosterone alone is rarely the only reason for weaker and fewer erections. Other medical problems can be to blame, such as heart disease or diabetes. Check with your doctor.

Does low testosterone cause fatigue?

Fatigue is a common effect of low testosterone. You might feel like you just don't have the energy that you're used to. Or you might be incredibly tired. But many other things can sap your energy, too, including normal aging and depression. Getting enough sleep may help raise your energy levels.

Can you gain muscle with low testosterone?

More Body Fat. Not only can you lose muscles with low testosterone, you can also gain fat. If you're not building muscle with the calories you take in and the physical activity you do, then your body turns the calories into fat. Eat a healthy diet.

What are the side effects of a syringe?

severe or sudden headache. slurred speech. temporary blindness. weakness in the arm or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.

Can medicine cause side effects?

Side Effects. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

When does testosterone peak?

Testosterone levels generally peak during adolescence and early adulthood. As you age, your testosterone level gradually declines — typically about 1% a year after age 30 or 40. For older men, it's important to determine if a low testosterone level is due to normal aging or if it is due to a disease (hypogonadism).

Can low testosterone cause a decrease in self confidence?

Swollen or tender breasts (gynecomastia) and body hair loss are possible. You might have less energy than you used to. Emotional changes. Low testosterone can contribute to a decrease in motivation or self-confidence. You might feel sad or depressed, or have trouble concentrating or remembering things.

Can hypogonadism cause low testosterone?

Testosterone replacement therapy, in the form of injections, pellets, patches or gels, can improve the signs and symptoms of low testosterone in these men.

Does testosterone help with sexual function?

Guidelines from the American College of Physicians indicate that testosterone therapy might improve sexual function somewhat in some men, but there's little evidence that it improves other functions, such as vitality and energy.

Can low testosterone cause depression?

It's also possible that these conditions cause low testosterone levels, so treatment might result in increase of testosterone levels. A blood test is used to diagnose ...

Is testosterone therapy good for age?

By Mayo Clinic Staff. As you age, testosterone therapy might sound promising. But there are a lot of misconceptions about what the treatment can and can't do for you. Testosterone therapy might seem like the ultimate anti-aging formula. Yet the health benefits of testosterone therapy for age-related decline in testosterone aren' t clear.

How to diagnose low testosterone?

Diagnosing low testosterone. Doctors diagnose low testosterone based on a physical exam, a review of symptoms, and the results of multiple blood tests since levels can fluctuate daily. If your doctor diagnoses low testosterone, other tests may be considered before therapy.

What are the risks of testosterone?

Prostate cancer is another concern, as testosterone can fuel its growth. As a result, the Endocrine Society recommends against testosterone supplementation for men in certain situations, including those who: 1 have prostate or breast cancer 2 have an elevated blood level of prostate-specific antigen (a blood test used to screen for prostate cancer) 3 have a prostate nodule that can be felt during a rectal exam.

How long does it take for testosterone to work?

Most men feel improvement in symptoms within four to six weeks of taking testosterone replacement therapy, although changes like increases in muscle mass may take from three to six months. – By Matthew Solan. Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch.

What causes low testosterone levels?

While falling testosterone levels are a normal part of aging, certain conditions can hasten the decline. Low t risk factors include: injury or infection. chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer. medications, especially hormones used to treat prostate cancer and corticosteroid drugs. chronic illness.

Why do men need testosterone replacement?

Millions of men use testosterone replacement therapy to restore low levels and feel more alert, energetic, mentally sharp, and sexually functional. But it's not that simple. A man's general health also affects his testosterone levels. For instance, being overweight, having diabetes or thyroid problems, and taking certain medications, ...

What is testosterone responsible for?

Produced by the testicles, it is responsible for male characteristics like a deep voice, muscular build, and facial hair. Testosterone also fosters the production of red blood cells, boosts mood, keeps bones strong, and aids thinking ability. Lack of testosterone, often nicknamed, low-t, can cause unwanted symptoms.

How long does it take for testosterone to come down after a syringe?

Various formulations are injected every seven to 14 days . Testosterone levels can rise to high levels for a few days after the injection and then slowly come down, which can cause a roller-coaster effect, where mood and energy levels spike before trailing off.