Management of Potential Side Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy

In general, testosterone replacement therapy is very safe, and effective for managing Andropause symptoms in men.

It is however reported to be associated with some side effects, many of which can be minimized or prevented with proper management.

If you are taking hormone replacement therapy, regular follow-up appointments and close communication with your doctor is important to get the most out of your treatment with minimal side effect risk.

The following is a list of side effects reported in the medical literature and (strategies to minimize their impact):

• Acne or oily skin (good hygiene in affected skin areas and utilization of acne treatments as needed)
• Breast enlargement due to increased estrogen levels (frequent monitoring of testosterone and estrogen levels, keeping testosterone levels physiologic, and utilization of anastrozole to reduce conversion of testosterone to estrogen)
• Cholesterol or lipid changes (monitor lipid profile, utilize aerobic exercise and niacin to positively impact HDL cholesterol)
• Fluid retention, usually mild (maintain physiologic testosterone levels, low salt diet)
• Hair loss (maintain physiologic levels and titrate to eliminate undesired effects, finasteride to block DHT)
• Irritability (maintain physiologic levels and titrate to eliminate undesired effects)
• Polycythemia or increased red blood cells and hematocrit (monitor hematocrit and utilize therapeutic phlebotomy as needed)
• Prostate stimulation, with perhaps some increased urination symptoms such as a decreased stream or increased frequency of urination (maintain physiologic testosterone levels and titrate to eliminate undesired effects)
• PSA increased (frequent measurement for early detection of upward trends that would require urologic consultation)
• Sleep apnea symptoms worsening (adjust testosterone dose to maintain physiologic levels and titrate to eliminate undesired effects)
• Sperm count reduced (utilize HCG therapy or combination HCG and testosterone therapy to support testicular functioning)
• Testicular size decreased (utilize HCG therapy or combination HCG and testosterone therapy to preserve testicular mass)
• Venous blood clots including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are being investigated as are increased risk for heart attack and stroke (lifestyle factors to reduce risk of venous blood clots including maintaining ideal body weight, exercise including walking and aerobic activity, drinking water and maintaining hydration, not smoking, maintaining normal blood pressure, daily aspirin therapy, manage long term travel or treatment / convalescence of chronic illness)

Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

Randy

Antiaging Atlanta
12600 Deerfield Parkway
Alpharetta, Georgia 30004

Phone: 404-247-2167

Email: rsmith@antiagingatlanta.com