Treating Testosterone: The Good, The Bad & The “Hairy” :)
Many of us can recognize body builders using testosterone at the gym. Huge muscles, lifting huge weights, minuscule body fat percentages- sounds great! Sign up? Well, there may be more to consider with testosterone replacement.
Testosterone is commonly given to both men and women for symptoms of fatigue, libido, mental clarity, improve muscle mass, erectile dysfunction. It can be given in creams, gels, troches, injections and pellets and can easily raise testosterone levels in the blood. Many body-builders will use without supervision from a medical provider, but are there reasons you should avoid using from that guy in the gym?
There are many reasons that you may want a medical provider to evaluate you and determine your need for testosterone. Testosterone is a controlled substance for a reason. While, it is a wonderful treatment for many to feel refreshed, youthful, strong, sexy and energetic, there are also risks of taking. There are also side effects that are important to consider prior to starting therapy.
Hair loss.
Testosterone treatments can lead to hair thinning at the scalp. The conversion of testosterone to DHT at the scalp causes inflammation at the follicle and produces weaker, thinner hair follicles.
2. It could elevate your estrogen levels.
This may be helpful in postmenopausal women, but if you have a history of breast/ovarian cancer, it could put you at higher risk. For men, the extra estrogen could result in production of tissue in the breast, called gynecomastia. Men may also feel more emotional. There are medications to prevent conversion from testosterone to estrogen, but need to be supplied by a medical provider.
3. It could affect your fertility.
If you’re planning on having little ones running around, using testosterone replacement could affect your ability to produce sperm in men, regulate periods in women. Men looking to have a family in the future may want to consider alternative options.
4. It may aggravate that tiny Prostate Cancer (men)
If you are developing cancer of the prostate, it is generally thought that testosterone replacement could make the cancer more aggressive. It does not CAUSE the cancer, but could be like pouring “fuel to the fire” if there are cellular changes occurring in the prostate. Checking the health of your prostate is important prior to taking testosterone, and monitoring while taking the medication.
5. Too much = No Bueno
Excessive testosterone can cause symptoms of irritability, even voice deepening. It can also cause acne and unwanted hair growth. Women may also experiencing weight gain or feeling “thickness” to their body.
6. Libido boost for women… maybe?
A woman’s sex drive is complex and associated with many emotional factors, as well as physical factors. Testosterone replacement may improve sex drive in some women, but may not in others.
7. It may put you at risk for heart attack/stroke.
Regular monitoring of cholesterol and blood levels are important for ensuring that your levels remain in good range. You may want to consider additional cardiac evaluation prior to considering replacement.
Remember, that when considering testosterone therapy, there are a lot of variables. You will want to make sure that you choose a medical provider that will take into account your own personal medical history, work as a team and make the right decision for you and your body!
