Testosterone gels, patches and creams are used to treat the symptoms of low testosterone in men, and less often, women. Symptoms of low testosterone can included reduced libido and sexual response, erectile dysfunction and low energy levels. Supplemental testosterone may cause some symptoms, or side effects of its own, including a tendency toward baldness, increased growth of body hair and a deeper voice. More serious side effects include liver toxicity, breast cancer, sleep apnea and prostate enlargement.
Liver Toxicity
Liver toxicity is a risk for both men and women taking testosterone supplements. Complications with the liver are quite rare, and typically associated only with oral testosterone supplements. While opting for supplemental hormone therapy is quite safe for most people, if you have liver disease, like hepatitis, or take other medications that strain the liver you should consider testosterone supplements only under close physician supervision, reports Dr. Richard A. Bebb.
Prostate Enlargement
Testosterone supplements typically enlarge the prostate. If you already suffer from an enlarged prostate, testosterone may worsen the condition. MedlinePlus recommends that men taking testosterone have more frequent prostate cancer screenings, including both a rectal exam and blood testing. Testing should occur prior to beginning testosterone therapy and regularly throughout.
Breast Cancer
Testosterone may increase the risk of breast cancer in both men and women. Men should avoid supplemental testosterone if they have been diagnosed with breast cancer, while women at high risk of breast cancer or a recurrence of breast cancer should not consider testosterone therapy, according to MayoClinic.com
Sleep Apnea
Testosterone supplements may worsen sleep apnea and increase the frequency of breathing episodes during sleep, according to Dr. Richard A. Bebb. If you have sleep apnea, you should discuss potential complications of testosterone therapy with your health care provider.
Minor Side Effects
Most of the minor side effects of testosterone do not pose a significant problem for men. These include increased body hair, more muscle mass and an increased tendency toward balding. Women may notice these side effects, particularly at higher doses, according to Seattle pharmacist Brock Smith at Project-Aware.org.
