Testosterone is a sex hormone that's produced in the testicles, the reproductive glands that also produce sperm. Women also produce testosterone but in smaller amounts, the National Institute on Aging explains. Testosterone supplementation is indicated for men with a low level of the hormone, and women may also be prescribed testosterone to increase sex drive.
Accidental Exposure to Children
Topical testosterone preparations, or testosterone that is applied to the skin, can adversely effect children who come into contact with a person who is using it, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA. Adverse effects reported in children as young as 3 months old include enlargement of the penis or clitoris, aggressive behavior, sex drive, self-stimulation and the premature development of pubic hair. To prevent this secondary exposure, wash your hands carefully after touching the gel, avoid skin-to-skin contact, and wear clothing to cover the gel after it dries. Wash skin thoroughly when it's time to remove the gel. There is evidence that towels and sheets can also cause exposure.
Adverse Effects on the Male Reproductive System
Risks for side effects related to the male reproductive system can occur from testosterone. It's not known if supplemental testosterone increases the risk of prostate cancer, the second-leading cause of cancer death among men. It may potentially cause new cases of prostate cancer or promote the growth of cancers that are already present, warns the National Institute on Aging. Patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy, or non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, may develop a blockage of the urethra, causing an inability to urinate. Priapism--an abnormal erection that can permanently damage the penis--or excessive sex drive can occur. Production of sperm can decrease or stop after prolonged use or high dosage. The testicles may shrink, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Unknown Long-Term Effects in Women
Women may be prescribed testosterone for a diminished sex drive, says the Mayo Clinic, and research shows that it is effective. Some experts believe more research is needed because the long-term effects of testosterone supplementation in women is not known. Testosterone is prescribed for women who have normal levels of estrogen and is contraindicated after menopause, unless a woman is using estrogen therapy. It is not safe for women who have disease of the heart or liver, or who have had breast or uterine cancer. Testosterone has not been approved for use in women by the FDA, although doctors can prescribe it. This practice is known as "off-label" use.
References
- National Institute on Aging: Frequently Asked Questions About Testosterone and the IOM Report
- MayoClinic.com: Testosterone Therapy: Key to Male Vitality?
- Drugs.com: Testosterone
- MayoClinic.com: Testosterone Therapy in women: Does it Boost Sex Drive?
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Topical Testosterone Gel Products (Marketed as AndroGel 1% and Testim 1%): Secondary Exposure of Children to Topical Testosterone Products
