Potential Adverse Effects of Long-Term Testosterone Therapy
October 1998
in “
Baillière's clinical endocrinology and metabolism
”
testosterone therapy natural testosterone sperm production testicular volume prostate cardiovascular system lipid metabolism hypogonadism androgen levels bone density muscle mass fat reduction polycythaemia sleep apnoea skin hair acne androgenic alopecia aggression epiphyseal closure virilization anabolic steroid abuse hepatotoxicity endogenous production testosterone testosterone therapy hair loss baldness acne steroid abuse liver toxicity
TLDR Long-term testosterone therapy can cause hormone suppression, affect prostate and heart health, and alter physical characteristics, but does not increase prostate cancer risk and needs more research for full risk assessment.
The 1998 document outlines the potential adverse effects of long-term testosterone therapy, noting that while natural testosterone rarely produces side effects, it can suppress certain hormones, leading to reduced sperm production and testicular volume. Concerns include effects on the prostate and cardiovascular system, but there is no evidence linking testosterone therapy to prostate cancer progression. The impact on lipid metabolism, behavior, and cardiovascular risk requires further study. Testosterone is necessary for men with hypogonadism and may benefit aging men with reduced androgen levels. It improves bone density, muscle mass, and reduces fat but can lead to polycythaemia and potentiate sleep apnoea. Testosterone affects skin and hair, potentially causing acne and androgenic alopecia, and has unclear effects on aggression. In children, it can cause premature epiphyseal closure and virilization, while in women, it can lead to irreversible virilization effects. Anabolic steroid abuse is associated with hepatotoxicity. Testosterone therapy is not more dangerous than endogenous production but requires monitoring, especially for prostate health, and long-term studies are needed to fully understand its risks and benefits.
