Long Term Effects of Testosterone Injections

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone which is also known as 'an androgen'. In women also, it plays an important role in conception and maintaining the energy level and weight. In males, testosterone is produced in the testes. The normal levels of testosterone in men are higher than in females. In males, it plays an important role in the development of the reproductive system and in the development of the secondary male sex characteristics like facial hair, deep voice, muscle strength, etc.

Signs of Low Testosterone in Men

There exist several causes of low testosterone. Testosterone levels vary according to the age, physiology, diet, medical history and lifestyle. After forty years of age, at the beginning of the andropause, testosterone levels start decreasing. The levels are at their peak at the onset of puberty. Hypogonadism, pituitary gland problems, certain diseases like diabetes, drug abuse can affect testosterone production. Here follows the list of signs of low testosterone:

• Excessive fatigue, Lethargy
• Severe mood changes
• Increased irritability
• Erectile dysfunction or poor erectile functions
• Anemia
• Depleted muscle strength
• Osteoporosis
• Lack of sexual desire
• Problem concentrating
• Undesired weight loss

Testosterone therapy is recommended to those who exhibit the above symptoms of low testosterone levels. The injections are taken by both men and women to improve testosterone levels. The dosage for men and women can be different.

Adverse Effects of Testosterone Injections

Those opting for the injections may experience allergic reaction and may suffer from nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, acne, excessive growth of body hair, loss of scalp hair and worsening of sleep apnea. Some of these effects like headache, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and increased thirst can be temporary and as the body gets adjusted to the doses, the symptoms may go away. Doctors may prescribe some medications to lower the symptoms. Many patients never think about the long term effects of testosterone injections and when they come to know about them, they are shocked. The short term as well as long term side effects of the injections may vary according to the age, gender, dosage and overall health of the person. Since these injections help build muscles and increase muscle size, youngsters interested in bodybuilding opt for the injections. Athletes also take these injections for improvement in performance. Long term effects of these injections are often noticed in those who take the injections over an extended period.

• Growth of facial and body hair in women
• Male-pattern baldness in women. (women with thin hair should avoid taking these injections.)
• Deepening of voice
• Clitoral engorgement in women
• A change in mood or personality, depression, aggression, severe mood swings may result in violence
• Liver dysfunction, jaundice, may lead to liver cancer
• Baldness in men
• Growth of the Adam's apple
• Numbness, tingling sensation, joint pain and breast enlargement in men (Gynecomastia)
• Decreased sperm count or lack of sperms
• Prolonged, painful erections known as priapism
• Shrinking of the testicles
• Fluid retention and heart failure
• Tremors, renal failure
• Cognitive and behavioral changes, sudden change in energy levels, confusion, mood swings, memory loss and loss of concentration
• Adverse change in blood cholesterol levels leading to narrowing of the blood vessels, atherosclerosis and other health complications.
• Acne or other skin diseases.
• In women, positive effects of the hormone-replacement therapy can be canceled by testosterone injections, leading to damaged cardiovascular system.
• Testosterone may interact negatively with routine drugs canceling their effects and creating several health problems. For example, diabetic medicines, blood clot medicines, propranolol, etc.
• Enlargement of prostate (may lead to urethral obstruction), painful symptoms in the scrotum and associated areas. Patients with breast cancer or prostate cancer should consult their physician before taking these injections.

You should consult a physician before opting for testosterone injections. You should describe your health condition and provide information about your routine medicines to the physician to avoid health complications. You may raise the level of testosterone in your blood naturally by following a balanced diet and by performing exercises. Changes in the lifestyle such as limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking help maintain hormone levels in the body.