What are Testosterone Injections?
Table of Contents
Testosterone is a sex hormone that occurs naturally. It is produced in the male testicle. Small testosterone amounts are also produced in ovaries and adrenal systems of women. Testosterone injection is used to treat conditions caused by inadequacy of hormones, such as impotence, late onset puberty, and other hormonal imbalances in males.
Uses of Testosterone Injections
Testosterone injections are used in males who lack the natural hormone. Testosterone is responsible in the male body for many normal functions including genital growth and development, muscles and bones growth. This also helps in normal sexual development in males. Androgens are a class of drugs that comprise testosterone.
This works by affecting body systems so development and normal functionality is regained. Breast cancer in women is also treated with testosterone injections.
This medication is injected into the posterior’s muscle as directed by the physician every 1 to 4 weeks. One should not inject medication into the veins. This is associated with medical conditions, testosterone blood levels, and treatment response.
If one gives this medication to themselves, it is important to use instructions from health care professionals. Checking this product visually for particles or discoloring is a must. Use this medication to get the most benefit from it.
Don’t use testosterone injections in an excessive amount because the body will no longer make its testosterone and withdrawal reactions such as tiredness, depression and weakness may set in. Abnormal drug-seeking behavior is associated with medication and it is misused for muscle enhancement. Don’t overdose on this medication as it can cause a serious problem. If you want to know about different types of testosterone injections, please check on hghinjections.com.
Testosterone Therapy: Side Effects
Testosterone is a sex hormone available as a prescription medication to treat low levels and male hypogandic disorders. Low testosterone levels are associated with low energy, loss of male characteristics and falling energy levels.
Testosterone medicines come in the form of the following:
- Gels
- Topical Solutions
- Transdermal patches
- Buccal patches
- Injections
- Pellets
The US FDA approved testosterone medicines in 1950s. In 2014, it narrowed the number of conditions that the class of medicines can be marketed for treatment.
In 2015, the FDA has issued guidance regarding increased chances of heart attack and stroke associated with testosterone replacement therapy.
Those with the following conditions have to avoid testosterone injections:
- Prostate cancer
- Male Breast cancer
- Serious liver disease
- Severe kidney disease
- Serious heart conditions
- Pregnancy
You also need to monitor the testosterone injections effectively if you have any of the following conditions:
- Enlarged prostrate
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Coronary artery disease
- History of blood clot, stroke or heart attack
- Massive cholesterol and triglycerides
- Breast cancer
- Liver or kidney disease
- Debilitation
- Dosage of blood thinners
It should be known whether testosterone passes in breast milk for it harms a nursing baby.
Side Effects That Are Chronic
From hives to difficulty breathing and swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, there can be many dangerous side effects associated with overdose. Nausea or vomiting, skin color changes, increased erections, impotence, ejaculation, decreased semen are some of the other factors.
Pain in urination and swelling in ankles. feet or rapid weight gain are some of the other factors. Shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure can cause a real problem. Blood clots in the leg, high calcium levels, liver problems and other such issues can also create chronic effects, which can have negative repercussions.
Changes in menstrual periods, male-patterned hair growth, hoarse voice and enlarged clitoris are some of the testosterone side effects in women.
Other drugs may interact with testosterone and reported side effects include:
- Edema
- Acne
- Site Pain
- Injection site erythema
- Cough
- dyspnea
- dermatologic
- endocrine
- gastrointestinal
- cardiovascular
- genitourinary
- hematologic
- metabolic
- musculoskeletal
- psychiatric
- polyps
- hepatic
- respiratory
- chills
- backpain
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- headache
- increased urination
- abnormal dreams
- depression
- increased BP
- hot flushes
- insomnia
- breast pain
- mood swings
- decreased libido
Warning
Before opting for testosterone injections, you need to tell the doctor about treatments you have undergone or taking include prescription, non-prescription or OTC medications, illegal drugs, herbal remedies and dietary supplements.
Check if you are taking any of the following:
- Insulin
- Blood thinner
- Corticosteroids
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Triamcinolone
Testosterone injections should not be used if one has breast cancer or prostate cancer. Use testosterone and this will increase or worsen enlarged prostate symptoms.
Use of testosterone causes edema or swelling from building up of fluids. This causes congestive heart failure if there is a heart, liver or kidney disease. FDA has also warned against the use of testosterone in the case of heart attack or stroke patients.
Testosterone injections can also cause sleep apnea, severe gum irritation, gynecomastia, blood clots in veins and much more. Testosterone is excreted in human milk and it can also harm developing fetuses. Please check with the doctor in case you have debilitation on account of which you are not able to walk. Check other factors such as prescription drugs, herbal drugs, OTC and other such medication which you may be taking.
There are so many factors that come into play and can cause a serious problem. So, inform your doctor correctly about the medical conditions you have had or are having and the treatments you are taking to counter these. Testosterone can lead to a host of issues if there is an overdose. Too much of this sex hormone can be harmful to the body and the mental state as well. Even psychiatric problems have been associated with testosterone overdose.
Conclusion
Testosterone is a sex hormone influencing different kinds of functioning in the human body. It regulates the body and influences the development of disorders like impotence when there is a lack of testosterone. The hormone can also create many health issues if excessive amounts are taken. So either a decrease in amount or an overdose can have serious consequences. Testosterone is most commonly abused by gym workout bodybuilders, who use it to boost muscle mass.
But few know the side effects of testosterone overdose. This includes edema, heart attacks, and other serious side effects. In fact, heart patients should avoid testosterone injections or only take it under medical supervision to avoid potential complications. If used optimally, testosterone injections have an important role to play in the health and welfare of individuals.