How Is Testosterone Prescribed?
Testosterone is available as topical (patches, cream and gel), oral buccal absorption pills and as a liquid for injection.
Can Testosterone Be Used To Treat Female Hypogonadism or Opioid Deficiency?
Testosterone should not be used in female patients. Pregnant mother if exposed to testosterone may deliver an infant with birth defects. Mother should avoid accidental contact with testosterone paste if husband or any one in the family is using testosterone paste for treatment of male hypogonadism
What Happens If Child Comes In Contact With Testosterone?
Accidental application of testosterone patch for several occasions over child’s skin can cause severe side effects. Side effects observed in children are as follows:
- Enlarged Genitals
- Premature Pubic Hair
- Increased Libido
- Aggressive Behavior
- Male-Pattern Baldness
- Excessive Body Hair Growth
- Increased Acne
- Irregular Menstrual Periods
What are the Side Effects of Testosterone in Adult Female Patient?
- Gastrointestinal System – Nausea, Vomiting.
- Extremities – Ankle Edema.
- Menstrual Dysfunction – Menstrual Irregularities.
- Respiratory System – Breathing Disturbances.
- Skin – Hyperpigmentation, Yellowing of the Skin or Eyes.
- Urine – Dark Colored Urine or Problems with Urination.
What are the Side Effects of Testosterone in Adult Male Patient?
- Hair Loss: Male-pattern baldness, excessive body hair growth.
- Skin – An increase in Acne.
- Sexual Organs – Frequent or Prolonged Erections.
- Musculoskeletal System – Signs of Masculinity.
What are the Side Effects of Testosterone Injection if Used During Pregnancy?
Testosterone can cause birth defects in an unborn baby if prescribed to a pregnant patient.
What are the Contraindications of Testosterone Treatment?
- Prostate – Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH).
- Vascular System – Bleeding or Blood Clotting Disorder.
- Respiratory System – Sleep Apnea, COPD.
- Blood Disorder – High Cholesterol.
- Cancer – Any Type of Cancer.
- Liver Disease.
- Kidney Disease.
- Heart Disease – Coronary Artery Disease, or a History of Heart Attack.
- Obesity.
Does Testosterone Cause Cancer?
Topical testosterone can cause enlarged prostate. Symptoms are more common in elderly patients. Testosterone also promotes cancer growth.
When is Testosterone Prescribed to Female Patients?
- Reduced sex drive not responding to estrogen therapy.
- Post-menopausal cognitive disorder that is not responding to estrogen therapy is treated with testosterone. Menopausal symptoms may be secondary to aging or surgical removal of ovaries.
Is Testosterone Prescribed to Any Female Patients?
Testosterone should not be prescribed to female patient who has following conditions:
- Normal Estrogen Level
- History of Cancer – Breast and Uterine Cancer
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Liver Disease
Is Testosterone FDA Approved for Female Patient?
FDA does not approve testosterone for the female patients. The testosterone medication is used as off label prescription.
What are the Other Causes Of Female Sexual Dysfunction?
Female sexual dysfunction seen in chronic pain patients may be associated with the following conditions:
- Chronic Illnesses
- Multiple Medication – Side Effects of Medication
- Vaginal Dryness and Pain During Intercourse
- Decreased Estrogen Levels
- Single Female – Loss of a Spouse or Partner
- Lack of Emotional Intimacy
- Stress
- Mood Disorder
