Testosterone Uses
Testosterone is used in the treatment of male hypogonadism.
How Testosterone works
Testosterone is similar to the natural male hormone, testosterone. It works by replenishing the deficient testosterone levels in adult men. Lack of testosterone may cause various health problems including impotence, infertility, low sex drive, tiredness, depressive mood and bone loss.
Common side effects of Testosterone
Injection site pain, Breast pain, Leg pain, Dizziness
EXPERT ADVICE FOR TESTOSTERONE
You have been prescribed Testosterone for the treatment of low testosterone levels.
It should be taken with food.
Your doctor may get your blood tests done regularly to monitor red blood cells, liver function, testosterone, and prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels while taking Testosterone.
Inform your doctor if you experience symptoms such as frequent or persistent erections, irritability, nervousness or weight gain after starting treatment with this medicine.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR TESTOSTERONE
Testosterone
Q. What is the need of taking Testosterone when it is a naturally occurring hormone in the body?
Testosterone preparation contains a synthetic form of testosterone (a male sex hormone). Testosterone is helpful for men who either lack or have low levels of Testosterone (hypogonadism). Men with low levels of Testosterone have symptoms of tiredness, low sex drive, muscle loss, depression, impotence, and infertility. Testosterone when given restores a man’s virility.
Q. Can Testosterone be used for body building purpose?
No, Testosterone should not be used for increasing muscle mass and physical ability in healthy individuals, as this may cause harmful effects when used inappropriately. Also, in healthy individuals, if Testosterone is given externally, it may cause hormonal imbalance.
Q. How long does it take for Testosterone to show its effects?
While some of the effects of Testosterone may start showing effects after 3 weeks, some may take longer. For example, effect on sexual interest appears after 3 weeks, while changes in erections/ejaculations may take up to 6 months.
Q. Who should not take Testosterone?
Testosterone should not be given to men with breast cancer, prostate cancer and kidney disease. It should be avoided in patients who had or presently have liver cancer and in those who have increased levels of calcium in blood. It should not be used by females, children below 18 years, and elderly patients more than 65 years of age.
Q. What are the major health risks associated with Testosterone therapy?
The major health risks associated with the use of Testosterone in men are heart attack, stroke, and prostatic carcinoma.
Q. Can Testosterone have any harmful effect if I am a diabetic?
Testosterone may decrease blood glucose levels, and therefore, the dose of antidiabetic medicines should be reduced. Consult your doctor for advice.
Q. Will there be a problem if I am taking warfarin and have started Testosterone?
You should get blood tests done more frequently for checking your bleeding time (time taken to stop bleeding) when you are taking warfarin along with Testosterone, especially when starting and stopping Testosterone. Talk to your doctor for advice.