Are you experiencing weakened sex drive? Some men as early as their 30s struggle with this condition because of low testosterone level. Doctors would recommend testosterone injections to address this deficiency but like other medications, this type of treatment also holds potential side effects.

Testosterone maintains sex drive, sperm count, muscle mass, bone density, fat distribution and red blood cell production. Its quantity decreases as you get older which explains the need for injections. Generally, this therapy is safe but the following testosterone injections side effects are likely to happen:

 

10. Skin Irritation

This dermal reaction is one of the most common side effects of testosterone injections. Redness, pain and itchiness can be experienced on the injection site.  Acne may also occur as your body adjusts to the hormone. Once irritation persists and becomes troublesome, consult your doctor immediately.

 

9. Mental Changes

Moods can swing from depression and mania to increased anger and violence. This is due to the elevated dose of hormone. Consult your urologist so that testosterone injections can be administered at a steady dosage. Alternatively, you can rub a testosterone patch on the skin when mood swings occur.

 

8.Sleep Apnea

This obstructive sleeping condition is characterized by shallow breathing accompanied by snoring or choking. This can be developed or worsened when taking testosterone shots. Consult an endocrinologist and get a detailed workup and sleep study before undergoing the therapy.

 

7. Testicular Shrinkage

The testicles may get smaller due to a decreased need to produce natural hormone. Doctors would advise taking medicines to trigger your body’s natural ability to produce testosterone.

 

6. Renal Malfunction 

One of the potential side effects of testosterone injections for men characterized by decreased excretion of calcium through urine and retention of water, sodium, potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus. This results in painful urination, dribbling and poor urine stream. Symptoms such as these require immediate physician consultation.

 

5. Liver Damage

Testosterone boosters may also cause liver malfunction. Symptoms include yellowing of the eyes (jaundice), abdominal pain, urine discoloration, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. If these conditions manifest, you need to see your doctor as soon as possible to assess if you will continue the therapy or not.

 

4. Heart Problems

Testosterone injections can cause high blood pressure and heart failure. Both overproduction of red blood cells and increased cholesterol levels may result to heart attack. Increase your fluid intake, limit salt consumption and eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Visit your doctor often to track your red blood cell count.

 

3. Breast Enlargement

Testosterone supplement can increase the amount of hormone in the body resulting to breakdown. Estrogen becomes the dominant hormone that can enlarge the breasts. You have to consult your doctor especially if this involves pain.

 

2. Infertility

This happens when the body confuses testosterone injection with the natural hormone. Therefore, it slows down the production of other hormones that produce sperm. Consult your urologist to help you gain back the male fertility factor.

 

1. Prostate Enlargement

This side effect of testosterone therapy can cause discomfort in urination due to an enlarged prostate. If a man has an existing prostate cancer and undergoes this hormonal supplement, cancer cells will increase in size. Seek medical help as soon as possible.

 

Before opting for testosterone injections, you can always try the natural alternatives to increase the level of this hormone like losing weight, strength training, consuming healthy foods, avoiding cigarettes and reducing stress. These remedies are only known to have beneficial effects both on your health and longevity.