Whether you are considering starting testosterone therapy or you are a seasoned pro, it’s important to know what you can expect once you begin testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Although testosterone replacement therapy is safe and can have positive effects, it also has some negative side effects. Some of the side effects include changes in body fat distribution, muscle loss, decreased sex drive, and loss of mental sharpness. In addition, there are some risks involved with stopping testosterone therapy.
The testosterone therapy can lead to the following side effects: thickening of the blood, headaches, decreased sex drive, loss of muscle mass, and decreased physical activity. It may also lead to depression.
One of the biggest risks associated with testosterone therapy is the potential for a heart attack or stroke. This is because testosterone can increase blood pressure. In addition, testosterone can make prostate cancer grow. Fortunately, the risk is low in transgender men, but it’s still a reason to be cautious.
Taking testosterone without a prescription is also not a good idea. This is because testosterone can have harmful effects on the fetus, and you don’t want to risk harming your child. If you are pregnant, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider.
Depending on your condition, you may need to stop testosterone therapy before becoming pregnant. This is particularly important if you are trying to conceive or if you are a woman who wants to become pregnant. You may also need to see a fertility specialist to get the best results. These treatments can be expensive, and many health insurance companies will not cover them.
You may also notice changes in your skin, including acne. This usually comes on relatively quickly and goes away after about a year. Some people may need prescription medications to control acne, but most respond well to over-the-counter treatments.
You may also have some problems with your voice. These can include hoarseness, scratchy throat, and a breaking voice. Some men may even need speech therapy. However, these changes are usually not painful. The best way to combat these side effects is to have your testosterone dosage lowered gradually. This will minimize shock to the body. You can also start using testosterone gels or patches to apply to your skin on a daily basis.
There are many benefits associated with testosterone therapy. It can help you regain lost muscle mass, increase energy levels, and improve your sex drive. However, it may not work to cure your erectile dysfunction.
One of the biggest risks associated with stopping testosterone therapy is disrupting the feedback loop between your testes and hypothalamus. Although testosterone replacement therapy can have positive effects, it is important to monitor your blood levels so you don’t take too much. Changing your dosage can lead to problems, so be sure to ask your doctor for help.
One of the most important things to remember about testosterone therapy is that it will take several weeks before it has fully taken effect. You should also be aware that it can take several months for testosterone replacement therapy to improve your memory.