Testosterone is the master male sex hormone, responsible for men's deep voices, facial hair, aggression, larger muscle size and other secondary sexual characteristics. Testosterone cream, also known as Androgel or Testim, can supplement waning testosterone levels in aging men. However, adding an exogenous or outside source of a hormone can cause side effects from hormonal imbalance.
Prostate Disease
Testosterone cream can contribute to prostate disease by converting to another similar hormone known as DHT or dihydrotestosterone. DHT attaches to prostate receptor cells and acts to enlarge the gland, which can lead to BPH (benign hyperplasia) or prostate cancer, according to the Life Extension Foundation.
Gynecomastia
The Life Extension Foundation reports that testosterone that is not utilized or converted to DHT can also aromatize into estrogen. Aromatase is the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into estrogen. Higher levels of estrogen in men can cause depression, loss of libido, weight gain and decreased muscle mass. Men may also develop gynecomastia, which is the enlargement of breast tissues, making them more prominent and glandular, similar to a woman's breasts.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Gastrointestinal side effects of testosterone cream may include vomiting, nausea and indigestion. This may be accompanied by headache and dizziness.
Heart Disease
Testosterone creams may increase some risk factors for heart disease. Hypertension or high blood pressure is one common side effect from using any type of testosterone treatment. In addition, testosterone cream can increase total cholesterol and more importantly LDL or "bad" cholesterol.
Skin Irritation
Skin irritation may occur in the location where testosterone cream is applied. Skin rash, redness, and swelling have been reported by Medicine Net.com
Others
Testosterone cream may also cause a drop in blood sugar, acne, trouble breathing, sleep apnea, difficulty urinating, testicular atrophy (or change), edema or water retention and painful erections.
