Testosterone is a medication used to treat delayed puberty, impotence and testosterone deficiency. Normally, testosterone is made in the testes and ovaries. When testosterone levels decline, the aforementioned conditions occur. According to Drugs.com, testosterone can also treat breast cancer that has already metastasized (spread to different parts of your body). Testosterone is available as an injection. Inject 200mg of it every two to four weeks or as your doctor prescribes.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, testosterone typically causes acne, depression, anxiety, and swelling or pain at the injection site. Testosterone also causes parasthesias (numbness or tingling), menstrual irregularities, male-pattern-baldness and gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men). These side effects are not life-threatening, but inform your physician if they become bothersome. Your doctor may adjust your testosterone dosage to prevent the occurrence of these side effects.
Serious Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine says that testosterone has been associated with the development of hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels), hepatocellular carcinoma and prostatic carcinoma. Signs of hypocalcemia include tingling around the mouth, petechiae (tiny red or purple spots on the skin) and muscle spasms. Manifestations of hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) include jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin), stomach pain, clay-colored stools and nausea. Prostatic carcinoma's (prostate cancer) symptoms include difficulty urinating, back pain and unintentional weight loss. In children, testosterone can promote puberty, though it may stunt linear growth.
Additional Concerns
Avoid testosterone if you suffer from any form of cancer, bleeding or blood-clotting problems, heart disease, an enlarged prostate gland, or liver or kidney disease. Testosterone may worsen these medical conditions.
Do not use testosterone while pregnant as it can cause birth defects, says Drugs.com.
Tell your doctor if you take insulin, warfarin, prednisone or glyburide. Testosterone can interact with these medications and cause the aforementioned effects.
