As with any type of medication, testosterone replacement therapy comes with side effects. It’s important to read about and understand the potential side effects before taking anything new for two reasons. One, you and your doctor need to decide whether the potential side effects are worth the risk. You should also do this risk analysis when you’re taking over-the-counter medications. Two, knowing what the side effects are helps you spot them and get in touch with your doctor. That is probably why you should scan the label before taking anything, even if it isn’t your first time. But whenever you’re reading about side effects, you need to understand that they don’t happen to everyone. In fact, they’re not likely to happen. Otherwise, the medication wouldn’t necessarily be on the market.
What to Watch For
Generally, testosterone replacement therapy is very safe. It’s recommended by many doctors across the country, and it’s really making a difference in people’s lives. Nevertheless, you need to know what to watch out for when you start taking testosterone hormones. For example, you may notice acne or oily skin and mild fluid retention after starting your prescription. Other less pleasant possible side effects include stimulation of prostate tissue, decreased urination, breast enlargement, increased risk of blood clots, worsening of sleep apnea, decreased testicular size, and increased aggression and mood swings.
If you experience any of these side effects, you need to talk to your doctor who prescribed the hormone treatment for you. It’s possible that the doctor may switch your dosage, the way testosterone is administered, or advise you to stop taking it altogether. That’s something the two of you need to decide together.
Is It Worth the Risk?
Considering that the risk of actually experiencing these side effects is minimal, testosterone replacement therapy is certainly worth the risk for most people. That being said, you can always try to treat your symptoms of low testosterone by making other lifestyle changes first, such as changing your diet and exercise habits. While testosterone replacement therapy has helped rejuvenate many men across the country, it’s not necessarily the right choice for everybody. When you come to the Revive Health Center, we will help you achieve optimal health. This may include hormone replacement therapy, but it doesn’t have to. Optimal health looks different for everyone, and there are several different paths to reach it.
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