Testosterone

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Depo-Testosterone, Nebido

Drug group:

Male sex hormone

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Testosterone is used to treat:

• Testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism) - due to pituitary or testicular disorders
• Delayed puberty in male adolescents – if due to a deficiency of natural testosterone

How does it work?

• Testosterone is a male sex hormone produced by the testes - it stimulates sexual development in men
• It is also produced in small quantities by the ovaries in women
• it encourages bone and muscle growth in both men and women

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need:

Dose varies according to preparation and condition being treated

How quickly will it start to work?

Within 2–3 days but full effect may take several months
                 

How long will the effects last?

Injection: 1 week to 3 months; (implant 6 months)  
                               

When should I stop using it?

Your doctor will decide when to stop treatment.    
                      

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Testosterone can interfere with growth or cause over-rapid sexual development in adolescents.

In older men, it may accelerate prostate disease. Dose adjustments can minimise these effects.

Regular blood tests may be necessary (red blood cell count, electrolyte levels, liver function tests, and PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels.

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: [gel/patches] acne and skin irritation; [men] abnormal erections, breast development, difficulty in passing urine; [women] unusual hair growth/loss, deepening of the voice, enlargement of the clitoris
• Less common: hair loss, mood changes, water retention
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: jaundice

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney/heart problems, prostate problems, high blood pressure, epilepsy, migraine headaches, diabetes
• Other medicines: anticoagulants, antidiabetics
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not prescribed, avoid skin-to-skin transfer (gel)
• Children: Not prescribed for young children, reduced doses necessary in adolescents
• Over 60: Rarely required, increased risk of prostate problems in elderly men
• Driving and hazardous work: No special problems
• Alcohol: No special problems