Testosterone replacement therapy has been found to be beneficial for some men to alleviate the natural decline in testosterone--an androgen hormone--that begins after the age of 30. The significance of this decline is controversial and poorly understood. In other instances, serious athletes consider testosterone in order to improve their competitive drive and give them a performance edge. In either case, the use of supplemental testosterone may have some significant side effects.
Pediatric Exposure
According to RxList, children can have significant health problems if they come into contact with topical testosterone gel. Accidental exposure can occur when an adult gel user forgets to wash his hands or cover the treated area, and then has close contact with a child. Over time, exposure can lead to premature development of male characteristics in both boys and girls.
Acne
According to MayoClinic.com, both men and women who take testosterone as a performance-enhancing drug can experience severe facial acne and body acne as a result. Individuals who are using testosterone as part of replacement therapy under the close supervision of a physician, may not have the same experience because of the different levels of hormone in the body.
Sex Characteristics
The use of supplemental testosterone carries with it the risk of sexual side effects, including gynecomastia, a medical term used to describe breast enlargement and tenderness in men. Both men and women may find that their sex drive is reduced, and men may experience a decrease in the size and shape of the testicles. Men may also experience a reduced sperm count that can result in infertility.
Prostate Cancer
According to the Cleveland Clinic, men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer should not undergo testosterone replacement therapy or use it as a performance-enhancing drug. Additional testosterone can stimulate the growth of the prostate gland and increase the rate at which prostate cancer is growing.
Mental and Emotional Effects
The use of additional testosterone in the body will also affect emotional and mental stability. According to MayoClinic.com, both men and women may experience aggressive behaviors that lead to rage or violence, as well as psychiatric disorders such as depression. Individuals may experience more mood swings and difficulty controlling their emotions.
Drug Interactions
Although testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone in the body, additional amounts may interact with other drugs an individual may already be taking. According to RxList, these drugs include insulin, corticosteroids and oral anticoagulants. Individuals using testosterone may find that the metabolic effects of the androgen can decrease blood glucose and affect insulin requirements. Physicians have also found changes in anticoagulant activity of the blood when individuals use testosterone. This will require more monitoring, especially at the initiation and termination of androgen use.
