Testosterone Injections: Benefits, Types, And Major Risks

Medically reviewed by G. Liakeas, MD FACT CHECKED

Testosterone is a hormone present in both male and female bodies but this hormone is very prominent in male bodies.

While it is responsible for a man’s reproductive health, it also provides other functionalities like muscle, bone mass, and growth of hair.

People who tend to have lower levels of testosterone in their body can use testosterone injections to increase the testosterone levels to the right amount.

These injections are used to treat sexual dysfunction in men and postmenopausal symptoms in women.

These injections are consumed for many reasons and uses; In this article will discuss all the use cases of testosterone injections.

all about testosterone injections

Testosterone injections are injections of isolated testosterone hormone.

Now, because this hormone is present in both male and female bodies, this injection can be used by both genders and even non-binary or transgenders for specific reasons.

This injection may be used as a single shot or under testosterone therapy. Still, before recommending such therapy, one needs to be aware of the rest and benefits that this therapy might hold.

Overall, these injections increase testosterone levels in anyone who decides on starting with its course. 

Testosterone Injections For Men

Primarily, low testosterone levels are treated in men with the help of testosterone injections which trigger and help improve the functionality of testicles.

They  may also aid in producing more testosterone in the body that might further improve overall health. 

For starters, low testosterone levels can reduce sperm quality and sperm count in the penis which may induce fertility problems. 

On the other hand, it can decrease muscle mass and increase body fat while it may also lead to serious problem of erectile dysfunction. 

That is why a man should have at least the normal amount of testosterone in the body for good health.

Normally, the bloodstream of a human male includes 280-1100 nanograms per decilitre of testosterone for a healthy body.

Testosterone injections are used to treat all these problems which come under hypogonadism.

The therapy that is required to treat hypogonadism improves sexual function, mood, cognitive function, muscle mass, and strength and ultimately prevents osteoporosis.

But before the consultation therapy, one needs to get diagnosed with low testosterone in the body since the symptoms can have different causes.

Testosterone Injections For Women

Women with testosterone levels lower than the normal amount (15-70 nanograms per decilitre) can be recommended for testosterone therapy including testosterone injections.

While this is a sex hormone, testosterone has similar functionalities in women as in men. Low testosterone levels in women can cause infertility, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, and low sex drive.

But all of these problems are not recommended to be treated with testosterone therapy or injection by doctors.

Since it may have adverse effects on a female’s body because this hormone therapy’s masculinizing effects can get too worse.

Even so, testosterone injections can be used by women under the prescription of a doctor for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder after menopause.

Currently use of testosterone injections in women is under observation by scientists to find further uses for it without many harmful side effects.

FDA hasn’t currently legalized the use of testosterone injections in females to avoid any adversities.

Benefits Of Testosterone Injections

Injections are used to increase testosterone levels in men with low testosterone levels. All the problems related to low testosterone in men are addressed with the usage of this injection.

Testosterone injection or attached therapy can improve sex drive, symptoms of erectile dysfunction, mood, sperm count, and increase energy in men. This can also help reduce fat and increase the body’s muscle mass.

On the other hand, the usage of testosterone injections can improve postmenopausal problems in women, specifically hypoactive sexual desire disorder.

Types Of Testosterone Injections

Testosterone injections come in various varieties, which have been discussed further-

  • Testosterone Cypionate

    Testosterone Cypionate is an anabolic medication that could be used to treat hypogonadism in the male body to improve the production of sex hormones in men.

    Testosterone injection is also used by transgender men to increase their masculinity.

  • Testosterone Enanthate

    Testosterone Enanthate is another anabolic steroid medication used to treat late puberty or impotence in men.

    On the other hand, this same medication is needed to treat breast cancer in women.

  • Testosterone Undecanoate

    Testosterone Undecanoate is an anabolic period medication consumed through the mouth via tablet.

    It could be used to improve all the masculine factors that are affected by testosterone like hair growth, and muscle growth, and prevent bone loss.

Risk Factors

While testosterone injections are used to treat low levels of testosterone in men, there is a reason why it should be consumed under a doctor’s prescription.

Even FDA does not approve the usage of these injections in many cases there is a higher level of risk involved in this medication usage.

While going for testosterone therapy, you must tell your doctor everything and leave no factor.

On the other hand, there is regular monitoring of your body to diagnose any adversities that this medication may cause to prevent any problems.

Ranging from a single dose to complete testosterone therapy, consumption of testosterone injection can cause liver problems, and heart problems.

The harmful effects of testosterone injections could also include- an increase in the size of prostate tumors, or cause prostate enlargement.

With this, your lower urinary tract may take a significant hit. It can also call a rare blood cancer coined polycythemia.

The risk of deep vein thrombosis may also increase, a huge blood clot in deep veins that can get serious and needs immediate medical attention.

Side Effects Of Testosterone Injections

Besides the risk factors, using testosterone injections or indulging in testosterone therapy can have adverse side effects ranging from mild to major, like-

  • Acne
  • Deep Voice
  • Back Pain
  • Breast Enlargement
  • Joint Pain
  • Weight gain
  • Headaches
  • Mood swings
  • Tiredness
  • Hoarseness

While all these effects may not be serious enough and may go away with time, one is recommended to consult a doctor in all cases and on priority in case of-

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Lower leg pain
  • Breathing problems
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Suicidal behavior
  • Severe pain in the abdomen,
  • Long-lasting or painful erections
  • Yellowing of eyes

Conclusion

To conclude, the use of testosterone injections could be harmful and it is recommended to consult a doctor before the consumption of such medication for a proper diagnosis.

A lot of men have new test injections for aging-related testosterone changes.

Surprisingly the FDA does not approve the usage of testosterone injections for such reasons because it may be adverse and increase the health risk in aged men.

Any case of irregularity or irresponsibility while under testosterone therapy can cause fatal results that may be incurable.

So, it is best to stay away from testosterone injections and only consume them when direly required by the consultation, prescription, and observation of a certified doctor

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