Testosterone Side Effects

Men having low or high testosterone levels in the body, usually develop side effects like acne, breathing disorders, hair loss, prostate cancer, etc. Scroll down to know more about testosterone side effects with this article.

Testosterone is an androgenic hormone, which is mainly produced by the male testicles. It is the endocrine system, where the production and maintenance of hormone levels occurs in the body. Amongst other androgenic hormones, testosterone is most abundantly found in the male body and is responsible for the development of the male reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics including facial hair, chest hair and a broader bone structure. However, some amounts of testosterone is also produced in woman's ovaries and the adrenal system.

Testosterone Side Effects

Normal levels of testosterone are necessary throughout a male's life, as abnormal levels i.e. either too high or too low, can cause side effects that may disrupt normal body's functionality and growth.

Low Testosterone Side Effects

Men with low testosterone levels in the body may have decreased sex drive, moodiness and fatigue. As the testicular function slows down with age, this phenomenon is commonly seen in men after the age of thirty. Besides aging, supplementation of the hormone also tends to decrease the body's natural ability to produce testosterone. Hence, boys with low testosterone levels may suffer improper or late development of sexual organs with increased bone mass, muscle strength and higher levels of body fat. While adult men with low testosterone levels, especially due to removal of one or both of the testes as a result of trauma or cancer, may suffer hair loss, weight gain, lack of libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, infertility, aching joints and all other typical aging symptoms.

High Testosterone Side Effects

Testosterone therapy due to removal of one or both testicles, or excessive intake of testosterone supplements can increase the testosterone levels in the body. Prolonged use of artificial testosterone can cause shrinking of testicles, gynecomastia (breast growth in men), decreased or increased sex drive, decreased sperm production, clitoral enlargement, male pattern baldness, and water retention. Also, there are many other serious allergic reactions like acne, vomiting, nausea, swelling of the arms and legs, yellowing of the skin and eyes, difficulty in breathing, etc. which can be seen in men having high testosterone levels.

Women with increased testosterone levels as a result of steroid use or overuse of prescribed synthetic testosterone are likely to develop side effects like hoarseness, male-pattern baldness, deepening of voice, excessive hair growth, and menstrual irregularities. Unlike men, women have a naturally occurring increase in their testosterone levels, which usually occurs after a hysterectomy, or during and after menopause. However, let us have a look at some of the common testosterone supplements and their probable side effects due to their excessive or prolonged use. Read more on side effects of testosterone therapy in women.

Testosterone Cypionate Side Effects

Men taking testosterone cypionate may suffer acne eruptions, high or low sex drive, hair loss, headaches and a strange or bitter taste in the mouth. Some oral problems like gum swelling, tender gums and gum pain can also occur eventually.

Testosterone Enanthate Side Effects

Likewise, men taking testosterone enanthate may develop a bitter taste in the mouth, acne, hair loss headaches, changes in their sex drive and many other oral problems.

Testosterone Gel Side Effects

Testosterone gel can cause breast tenderness and enlargement in both men and women. Lack of libido and skin irritation especially at the site where the gel is applied, are common testosterone gel side effects.

Testosterone Patch Side Effects

Just like other forms of testosterone, the testosterone patch can cause low sex drive, oral problems, headaches, fatigue, hair loss, skin irritations and many other allergic reactions. More on side effects of testosterone.

Read more on:

Side Effects of Testosterone Boosters

Testosterone Injections Side Effects

Side Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Hence, due to these testosterone side effects, one should avoid taking testosterone supplements or medications, especially if the person is suffering benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), bleeding disorders, high cholesterol, any type of cancer, liver or kidney disease, heart disease, etc. Moreover, these supplements can cause birth defects in an unborn baby, hence, should be avoided by a pregnant woman or should only be taken under supervision of a certified physician.