Testosterone is the hormone that is responsible for the development of the sexual organs, beard growth, pubic, chest and axillary hair, deepening of the voice and the development of muscle in the male. Loss of the testicles or loss of functioning testicles are reasons for testosterone replacement. Using testosterone for athletic performance enhancement is illegal. Testosterone replacement can have serious side effects.
Genital Effects
The use of testosterone replacement in men can cause priapism, a prolonged, painful erection. Men with benign prostatic hypertrophy should not use testosterone as it can cause increased cell growth and result in urethral obstruction resulting in the inability to urinate. Prolonged use of testosterone can cause an absence of sperm. Testosterone is also known to cause gynecomastia or enlarged breasts in men. Testicular shrinkage is another known side effect.
Behavior Changes
Unlike other drugs of abuse, testosterone does not create a euphoria for the user because it does not have any influence on dopamine within the brain. Testosterone forms a complex with the male and female receptors on the cell wall. This complex then is able to insert itself into the DNA and influence replication patterns. This influence can affect the behavior of testosterone users. Aggression, psychiatric dysfunction, paranoid jealousy, irritability, delusion and impaired judgment can occur with long term use.
Other Effects
Liver damage and jaundice are associated with the use of long term testosterone. Damage to hepatocytes resulting in liver cancer have been reported in rare cases. Testosterone can cause an increase in blood pressure and result in fluid retention.. Because of the nature of the hormone severe acne is a common problem. Also, tremors and renal failure have been associated with testosterone use. Hypercholesterolemia or high cholesterol with an increase in LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol is also a side effect of testosterone use.
