10 Side Effects Of Testosterone Injections You Should Know

December 13, 2023 by Pranay David

Testosterone is the naturally occurring sex hormone in the human body. It is produced in the testicles of a man and in very small quantities in the ovaries and adrenal system of a woman. Testosterone produced in the correct quantities ensures the proper growth and functioning of the male sex organs and typical male characteristics. It also affects the fat content in the body, muscle mass, density of bones, RBC count and of course your mood. Testosterone injections are administered when a decrease in the testosterone levels is noticed.

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10 Side Effects of Testosterone Injections

1. Pain and Swelling at the Site of Injection

This is the most common side effect of testosterone injections. This happens if the person is allergic to the oil in which the testosterone is submerged. Various types of oils are used for this purpose. If one comes up with an infection, it is best to stop the dosage and consult your doctor. Some people also develop skin allergies like seborrhea.(1)

2. Gynecomastia

Another problem noticed among those who take the injection. This condition is seen when the synthetic testosterone is not injected correctly with the proper dosage. Injecting steroid with high levels of anabolic steroids can stimulate the estrogen present in the male body. It is very important to consult a physician and doing proper medical test before taking testosterone injections.(2)

3. Infertility

Taking testosterone supplements without medical checkups or without contracting a condition for its use may run into such problems. This happens as the brain, in due time, stops telling the body to produce testosterone when required. With time this leads to testicular damage, cell death and testicle shrinkage.(3)

4. Heart Problems

The drugs used in testosterone injections causes the blood cells to increase in size and the blood thickens thus increasing the chances of blood clotting. In case it blocks the flow of blood to the brain, it would lead to a stroke. Men who take testosterone drugs are more likely to suffer from strokes.(4)

5. Headache, Anxiety& Depression

Sudden headaches, anxiety are commonly associated with injections of synthetic testosterone hormones. In some people depression is also observed. Contact your doctor if you are facing such complications. It may be that the dosage given to you is not suiting your body.

6. Shortness of Breath

Some people complain about shortness of breath after taking testosterone injections. If the condition prolongs, then it is necessary to consult a doctor.

7. Negatively affects the Prostate

The prostate may grow unnaturally large under the influence of testosterone. With age it does increase in size but testosterone tends to speed up the process. It causes problems in urinating. In case you already have the problem then the injection will make it worse.

If you have prostate cancer, then it would worsen the condition.

8. Increasing RBC Count

Testosterone supplements increases the RBC count of the bloodstream. If it goes very high, the blood becomes too thick and there are possible chances of blood clotting in veins.

[ Read: Surgical Abortion Risks and Side Effects ]

9. Blood Clotting

Clotting of blood prevents excessive bleeding. Minor blood clots are easily dissolved by the body. However, clots formed in veins cannot be so easily dissolved. Taking testosterone injections increases the chances of such clots. The chances of this problem increase manifold if medications are not taken under the proper supervision of the physician.

10. Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder where your breathing stops or decreases while you are asleep. This is caused due to a blocked or a narrowed airway. Lack of proper treatment can lead to a fatal stroke. Testosterone injections tend to exacerbate the condition.

These are some of the common side effects of testosterone injections. It is necessary to be aware of the medical procedures involved in the testosterone supplementation process. It is very important to get your hormone levels checked from a very reliable health clinic before going for testosterone supplements. Many a times, medication based on incorrect test results may lead to poor health condition. It is preferable not to use testosterone injections or supplements for ubiquitous aging problems. It is preferable to rely on healthy exercises, proper diets, drinking less alcohol, etc.

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