Testosterone is the primary male hormone that’s produced by the testicles. Owing to a number of factors, the levels of testosterone in the body may drop, and that’s when doctors may suggest the use of testosterone shots. Testosterone injections are not recommended in every case, but are frequently used as a part of hormone replacement therapy. Here are some of the other things worth knowing.
The basics
If your testosterone level is lower than normal, your doctor will check the other possible treatment options before suggesting testosterone injections. If used recklessly without caution, injections of the hormone can cause numerous side effects. The use of these testosterone injections are dependent on many factors, including age, health status, and overall lifestyle habits. The endocrine system has a number of hormones secreted by different organs and glands, and all of these work in conjunction with one another. Any form of external hormone can impact the entire system, and therefore, testosterone shots shouldn’t be used, unless prescribed by a physician. Also, there are norms and instructions as far as using these injections are concerned.
Using testosterone injections
Typically, your doctor will demonstrate the process of taking injections. The frequency of these testosterone shots can vary, but mostly, patients need one shot every two to four weeks. The injections are taken in the muscle tissue. After every few weeks, your doctor will suggest another round of testing, so the level of testosterone doesn’t exceed beyond the average range. You will also get a list of do’s and don’ts for your diet and other activities. Also, a few drugs will be banned as they can cause additional side effects.
The side effects
Some patients can be allergic to testosterone injections, which can lead to the general symptoms like swelling of the tongue, throat, and eyelids. Other severe side effects include nausea, issues with urination, difficulty in breathing, swelling in the feet, reduced size of the testicles, and issues with ejaculation. In some cases, testosterone shots have been associated with impotence and semen production, as well. Your doctor will typically suggest regular blood tests to find the possible changes in your hormonal levels, besides keeping a check on liver damage.
As you can understand, testosterone shots are not meant to be a replacement for natural testosterone in men in all cases. If you have any concerns related to your performance, libido, or loss of appetite, contact your doctor right away.