The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism noted in its July 2000 issue that testosterone was first isolated and synthesized in 1935. Since then, the journal said, there has been a big increase in the medicinal indications for the use of testosterone and its commonly available injectible long-acting esters, such as testosterone propionate. Traditionally, testosterone has been used in males with delayed sexual development. Now there are studies suggesting that testosterone hormone therapy may benefit aging males. However, there are some risks involved with testosterone injections.
Increased Irritability, Anxiety, Aggression, Numbness, Mania
The National Institute on Drug Abuse discusses the various behavioral side effects to testosterone use. Many studies have linked the use of anabolic steroids to increased irritability, anxiety, aggression and violent behavior. It can also cause bouts of headache and depression, tingling and numbness all over the body. Also, the use of testosterone can precipitate states of violent delusions, or mania, in people with psychiatric illnesses or those who are susceptible to them.
Shrinking Testes, Acne, Shrinking of Female Breasts, Enlarged Male Breasts
The Merck Manual Online Medical Library lists many unattractive complications of testosterone propionate. Testosterone products cause testes to shrink in size, increase incidence of acne and oily skin, and can cause baldness. Female breasts shrink in size. Males develop breast enlargement known as gynaecomastia. Females also suffer from deepening and masculinization of the voice. If the treatment is long term, these changes become irreversible.
Increased Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, testosterone use is associated with increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. This increase risk of cardiovascular diseases is regardless of age; it is present even in young athletes. The higher incidence of heart disease stems from the effect testosterone has on cholesterol and fat metabolism. Steroids increase the levels of fats in the blood. This leads to the development of hyperlipidemia, which is a risk factor for atherosclerosis and strokes and heart disease. Atherosclerosis is the condition in which fats deposit in the walls of the arteries. This stiffens and eventually clogs them. If the blockade affects brain vessels, the patient suffers a stroke. An interruption in the heart's blood supply results in a heart attack.
