Men with low levels of testosterone often experience symptoms that include hair loss, weight gain and weak libido. In women, some doctors prescribe estrogen together with small amounts of testosterone as part of menopause-related hormone replacement therapy. In both cases, testosterone is used to alleviate symptoms that can impact quality of life. Testosterone is often prescribed in pill, injection, cream or patch form to increase testosterone levels and help relieve symptoms. Although most side effects are mild and tolerable, testosterone use requires careful medical monitoring to keep side effects in check.
Skin Conditions
It is not uncommon for patients who use testosterone creams, gels or the transdermal patches to experience a mild allergic rash around the application sight, according to the University of Maryland Medical System. A more serious allergic rash known as erythema can also occur. UMM also cites less common skin problems associated with testosterone treatments including acne, alopecia, dry skin, and even an increase in pubic hair growth known as hirsutim.
Central Nervous System Symptoms
Drugs.com lists a number of testosterone side effects pertaining to the central nervous system which are relatively rare when the drug is taken according to doctor's orders. These include mood disorders such as anxiety (fewer than 3 percent of those using the gel experienced this), hostility, and depression (fewer than 1 percent of those who used the topical gel experienced depression). Other less common side effects included sensations such as dizziness, and a "pins and needles" feeling known as paresthesia. Drugs.com points out that 3 percent of those who took the time-released testosterone tablet known as Buccal, and 4 percent of those who used the topical gel, experienced headaches.
Prostate Problems
The University of Maryland Medical System says that, in men, testosterone in any form can produce hormonal changes. These changes could lead to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an increased growth rate in prostate tumors in instances of existing prostate cancers. The risk for developing prostate cancer might be increased, as well. UMM further cautions doctors about prescribing testosterone in elderly patients or those who are at an increased risk for BPH and prostate cancers.
