The androgen hormone testosterone influences the development and function of body tissues including the heart, blood vessels, muscle, bones and brain. It plays a significant role in the development of gender-specific characteristics, such as patterns of facial and body hair. Testosterone levels in the body influence sexual development, fertility and sexual functioning throughout the lifespan. Doctors may prescribe injections of testosterone ethanate to correct testosterone deficiency in males or females.
Types
Testosterone enanthate can cause inappropriate gender-specific features such as a deep voice in women and enlarged breasts in men, according to the DailyMed website. Women may have irregular menstrual cycles, while men may have prolonged or frequent erections. Headache, depression, anxiety and an increase or decrease in libido are common side effects of the drug. Testosterone enanthate can cause blood clotting disorders, serious liver damage and even liver cancer. Some people develop elevated blood cholesterol along with fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
Considerations
While many side effects are minor and go away soon after the injection, certain gender-linked characteristics such as increased facial hair in women are not reversible. DailyMed recommends that women report hoarseness, increased body hair, deepening voice or new acne lesions, while men should let their provider know about breast development. Both sexes should contact the physician if they develop significant nausea, vomiting, ankle swelling or skin color changes.
Prevention/Solution
Many of the side effects of testosterone ethanate can be prevented or treated with careful monitoring. For example, health care providers order periodic liver function tests to detect early signs of liver damage in individuals receiving testosterone enanthate injections. If results are abnormal, the physician may lower the testosterone dose or even discontinue the drug to prevent high cholesterol, clotting problems and liver tumors.
Warning
Because testosterone enanthate occasionally causes a life-threatening allergy called anaphylaxis, it's a good idea to remain in the provider's office for 15 minutes after the first injection, according to Drugs.com. Since this allergic response is sometimes delayed for several hours, patients should seek immediate medical attention for any facial swelling, itching, hives or shortness of breath.
Expert Insight
Testosterone therapy is not for everyone. According to the National Institute of Aging, "Except for a relatively few younger and older men with extreme deficiencies, testosterone treatment is not deemed appropriate for most men at this time." MayoClinic.com notes that "the long-term safety of testosterone therapy for women is unknown."
