Doctors usually recommend testosterone injections to overcome the deficiency of the hormone. The injected hormone helps maintain the health and agility of the person, but it exhibits certain side effects too. Tap through to know the adverse effects of the therapy and the natural ways of maintaining normal hormone levels...
Testosterone is the main male sex hormone which is also known as "an androgen". In women too, it plays an important role in conception, and helps maintain the energy level and weight. In males, it is produced in the testes. The normal levels of the hormone in men are higher than in females. In males, it is essential for proper development of the reproductive system and for the development of the secondary male sex characteristics like facial hair, deep voice, muscle strength, etc.
Signs of Low Testosterone in Men
Excessive fatigue, lethargy
Severe mood changes
Increased irritability
Erectile dysfunction or poor erectile functions
Anemia
Depleted muscle strength
Osteoporosis
Lack of sexual desire
Problem concentrating
Undesired weight loss
The hormone levels vary according to the age, physiology, diet, medical history, and lifestyle. After forty years of age, at the beginning of the andropause, the levels start decreasing. The levels are at their peak at the onset of puberty.
Hypogonadism, pituitary gland problems, certain diseases like diabetes, drug abuse can affect the production of the hormone. Testosterone therapy is recommended to those who exhibit the above symptoms. The injections can be taken by both men and women as they help improve the levels of the hormone, but the dosage can be different.
Adverse Effects of the Injections
Those opting for the injections may experience allergic reaction, and may suffer from nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, acne, excessive growth of body hair, loss of scalp hair, and worsening of sleep apnea.
Some of these effects like headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and increased thirst can be temporary, and as the body gets adjusted to the doses, the symptoms may go away. Doctors may prescribe some medications to lower the symptoms.
Many patients never think about the long term effects of hormone injections, and when they come to know about that, they are shocked. The short term as well as long term side effects of the injections may vary according to the age, gender, dosage, and overall health of the person.
Since these injections help build muscles and increase muscle size, youngsters who are interested in bodybuilding opt for such therapy. Athletes also take these injections for improvement in performance. Long term adverse effects of these injections are often noticed in those who take the injections over an extended period.
Growth of facial and body hair in women
Male-pattern baldness in women (women with thin hair should avoid taking these injections.)
Deepening of voice
Baldness in men
Growth of the Adam's apple
A change in mood or personality, depression, aggression, severe mood swings that may result in violence
Liver dysfunction, jaundice, may lead to liver cancer
Numbness, tingling sensation, joint pain, and breast enlargement in men (Gynecomastia)
Decreased sperm count or lack of sperms
Prolonged, painful erections known as priapism
Shrinking of the testicles
Fluid retention and heart failure
Tremors, renal failure
Cognitive and behavioral changes, sudden change in energy levels, confusion, memory loss, and loss of concentration
Acne or other skin diseases
Enlargement of prostate (may lead to urethral obstruction), painful symptoms in the scrotum and associated areas
Adverse change in blood cholesterol levels leading to narrowing of the blood vessels, atherosclerosis, and related health complications
In women, positive effects of the hormone-replacement therapy can be canceled by these injections, leading to damaged cardiovascular system.
Testosterone may interact negatively with routine drugs canceling their effects, and creating several health problems. For example, diabetic medicines, blood clot medicines, propranolol, etc.
You should describe your health condition, and provide information about your routine medicines to the physician to avoid health complications. Patients with breast cancer or prostate cancer should consult their physician before taking these injections. You may raise the blood level of the hormone naturally by following a balanced diet and by performing exercises regularly. Changes in the lifestyle such as limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking help maintain hormone levels in the body.
Disclaimer: This story is meant for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.