You may not expect it, but testosterone therapy can trigger skin reactions like redness or itching in about 16% of users—something many don’t see coming. Beyond that, urinary problems, emotional ups and downs, and even heart risks could sneak up in case you’re not careful. And it’s not just about you—accidental exposure can mess with the hormones of women or kids around you. Curious how to spot these risks before they become a bigger problem?
Skin Reactions and Irritation
Should you be using topical testosterone, you could notice your skin reacting—and not in a good way. Skin reactions like redness, itching, or burning at the application site are common, affecting about 16% of users. The irritation can range from mild discomfort to severe enough that you’ll need to switch where you apply it—or even change formulations entirely.
Testosterone gels or creams could also make your skin oilier, leading to acne breakouts. Since the hormone absorbs through your skin, accidental transfer to others (like partners or kids) could cause hormonal imbalances for them.
In case irritation sticks around or gets worse, don’t tough it out—talk to your doctor. Rotating application spots, keeping the area clean, and waiting for the gel to dry can help minimize these issues.
Persistent problems? Seek medical attention.
Urinary and Prostate Complications
Testosterone therapy can worsen urinary issues when you already have an enlarged prostate, making you pee more often or feel a sudden urge to go.
It could also cause your prostate to grow, which could be risky in case you have undetected prostate cancer.
That’s why doctors recommend checking your PSA levels regularly while on treatment to catch any problems promptly.
Enlarged Prostate Risks
While hormone therapy can boost energy and improve muscle mass, it could also cause your prostate to grow, leading to frustrating urinary issues.
Testosterone therapy can stimulate prostate tissue, worsening benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or increasing the risk of urinary obstruction. Should you already have an enlarged prostate, added testosterone could intensify symptoms like a weak stream or frequent urination. Monitoring is key—regular PSA testing helps catch initial signs of trouble.
- Prostate growth: Testosterone can enlarge your prostate, squeezing the urethra and causing urinary complications.
- BPH flare-ups: Should you have BPH, hormone therapy could make it harder to pee comfortably.
- Cancer concerns: While rare, testosterone therapy could raise prostate cancer risks in some men.
- Stay vigilant: Watch for symptoms like dribbling or urgency and report them to your doctor.
Urinary Tract Symptoms
Frequent bathroom runs: Should you be suddenly clocking extra trips, testosterone could be nudging your prostate.
Testosterone therapy could trigger urinary tract symptoms like urgency, discomfort, or even urinary frequency that feels like your bladder’s on a timer. In the event you’ve got benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), it could worsen, leading to urinary obstruction or retention—making it tough to fully empty your bladder.
That pressure isn’t just annoying; it raises the risk of urinary tract infections, too. Since testosterone can encourage prostate tissue growth, keep an eye on changes. Monitor urinary habits closely, especially in case you’re prone to prostate issues.
Talk to your doctor when things feel off—catching problems promptly helps you stay ahead of the discomfort.
Breast Changes and Tenderness
Since starting testosterone therapy, you can notice unexpected changes in your chest, like tenderness or swelling—and you’re not alone.
These breast changes are a common side effect, often caused by shifting hormone levels. Testosterone can convert to estrogen, leading to gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue) in men or tenderness in women.
While it’s usually temporary, it’s crucial to monitor these changes and talk to your healthcare provider should they persist.
- Hormone shifts: Elevated estrogen levels from testosterone therapy can trigger breast tissue growth or sensitivity.
- Common but manageable: Up to 10% of men experience this, and women could notice similar side effects.
- Stay proactive: Regular check-ins with your provider help catch any health risks promptly.
- Adjustments possible: Your dose or treatment plan could need tweaking to reduce discomfort.
Don’t ignore persistent tenderness—your provider can help.
Emotional and Mood Disturbances
You may observe your mood swinging more than usual when you’re on testosterone therapy, making you feel unpredictable or easily frustrated.
Some men report feeling suddenly aggressive or anxious, especially in the initial stages of treatment.
Even small things can set you off at times your emotions are out of balance, so it’s essential to track changes and talk to your doctor.
Increased Aggression Tendencies
While testosterone therapy can help with low energy and libido, it could also ramp up aggression or irritability in some people. Higher testosterone levels can shift your emotional balance, leading to mood swings, hostility, or even sudden outbursts.
These behavioral changes can strain relationships and make daily interactions tougher. A meta-analysis confirms that testosterone therapy may heighten aggression, especially in case you’re already prone to it. Monitoring your psychological health is key during treatment to catch any troubling shifts promptly.
- Emotional triggers: Stressful situations can amplify aggressive reactions while testosterone levels are high.
- Hostility spikes: You might notice shorter tempers or increased frustration over small things.
- Anxiety overlap: Aggression sometimes pairs with anxiety, creating a cycle of emotional disturbances.
- Individual differences: Not everyone reacts the same—your history and genetics play a role.
Should you notice these changes, talk to your doctor. Adjusting your dosage could help.
Heightened Anxiety Levels
Even though testosterone therapy can boost energy and confidence, it could also leave one feeling jittery or on edge. Higher testosterone levels may mess with your emotions, making anxiety worse or triggering new mood disturbances. You’re not alone—some people feel more restless or uneasy during treatment, while others handle it fine. Monitoring your mental health is key, especially in case you already deal with anxiety.
| Potential Effects | What You May Notice |
|---|---|
| Increased Restlessness | Trouble relaxing or staying calm |
| Emotional Sensitivity | Small stressors feel overwhelming |
| Sleep Disruptions | Tossing and turning more often |
| Social Withdrawal | Avoiding interactions due to unease |
Individual experiences vary, so track your mood and talk to your doctor should anxiety spikes.
Mood Instability Spikes
Since testosterone plays a big role in regulating emotions, shifts in its levels can sometimes throw your mood off balance.
Testosterone therapy might lead to mood instability, causing emotional disturbances like irritability, aggression, or sudden mood swings. Should you be prone to anxiety or other psychological issues, these changes can feel overwhelming. Monitoring your emotional side effects is key—keeping track helps you and your doctor adjust treatment as necessary.
- Irritability: Small frustrations may feel bigger, making daily interactions harder.
- Aggression: You could notice a shorter fuse, especially in high-stress situations.
- Anxiety: Even when you’re usually calm, hormone shifts might spike nervousness.
- Mood Swings: One minute you’re fine, the next you’re upset—it’s confusing and exhausting.
Recognizing these signs promptly helps you manage them better. Don’t ignore how you feel—talk to your doctor.
Cardiovascular Risks and Blood Pressure Issues
| Risk Factor | How It Affects You |
|---|---|
| High Blood Pressure | Strains heart, raises stroke risk |
| Thickened Blood | Increases clot formation risk |
| Heart Strain | Can worsen existing conditions |
| Hypertension | Demands closer blood pressure checks |
| Elevated RBC Count | Raises viscosity, taxing circulation |
If you’re considering testosterone therapy, discuss these risks with your doctor to stay ahead of complications.
Unintentional Exposure Risks for Women and Children
Testosterone therapy can pose risks not just for those using it but also for women and children who might accidentally come into contact with it.
Unintentional exposure to topical testosterone, like gels or creams, can lead to side effects in women and kids, even should they’re not the ones using it. Pregnant women face serious risks, as exposure could cause birth defects. Kids could develop aggressive behavior or premature male traits, while women could see unwanted hair growth or mood swings.
- Skin contact: Wash hands after applying testosterone to avoid transferring it to others.
- Clothing: Wear a shirt to cover application sites and prevent contact with kids or partners.
- Pregnant women: Avoid handling testosterone products to protect the fetus.
- Symptoms: Watch for acne, mood changes, or unusual hair growth in exposed family members.
Stay cautious to keep everyone safe.
