From the Guidelines
Taking too much testosterone can lead to serious health risks, including cardiovascular problems, liver damage, and hormonal imbalances, and should only be used under medical supervision for diagnosed conditions like hypogonadism. The risks associated with excessive testosterone use are well-documented, with studies such as the one published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2020 1 highlighting the potential for adverse cardiovascular events, including increased risk of heart attack and stroke. This study, which reported on the efficacy and safety of testosterone treatment in men, found that the incidence of cardiovascular events was 2.3% in the testosterone group, compared with 1.5% in the placebo group.
Some of the key risks associated with taking too much testosterone include:
- Cardiovascular problems, including increased risk of heart attack and stroke due to elevated red blood cell production and changes in cholesterol levels
- Liver damage, especially with oral testosterone preparations
- Hormonal imbalances, potentially causing testicular shrinkage, reduced sperm production, infertility, and gynecomastia (breast tissue development in men) when the body converts excess testosterone to estrogen
- Psychological effects like mood swings, aggression, and irritability, which can impact mental health
- Long-term use may suppress natural testosterone production, making it difficult for the body to resume normal function when stopping
- Other risks include sleep apnea, fluid retention, acne, hair loss, and prostate enlargement
It is essential to follow prescribed dosages and attend regular medical check-ups for blood tests to monitor hormone levels, hematocrit, cholesterol, and liver function, and to discuss any side effects with your healthcare provider immediately, as recommended by the study 1. Testosterone should only be used under medical supervision for diagnosed conditions like hypogonadism, not for bodybuilding or performance enhancement.
From the FDA Drug Label
Healthcare providers should advise patients to strictly adhere to recommended instructions for use (2.2, 5.2, 17) Monitor patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) for worsening of signs and symptoms of BPH (5.1) Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) have been reported in patients using testosterone products. Some postmarketing studies have shown an increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke associated with use of testosterone replacement therapy. Exogenous administration of androgens may lead to azoospermia (5.8) Edema with or without congestive heart failure (CHF) may be a complication in patients with preexisting cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease (5.10)
The risks of taking too much testosterone include:
- Worsening of BPH symptoms
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE)
- Myocardial infarction and stroke
- Azoospermia
- Edema with or without congestive heart failure (CHF) 2
From the Research
Risks of Taking Too Much Testosterone
- The use of testosterone replacement therapy has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, as reported by the FDA 3.
- Studies have shown that the risk of cardiovascular events is higher in men who use testosterone replacement therapy, particularly in older men and those with prevalent cardiovascular disease 4.
- The long-term effects of testosterone on major cardiovascular events and prostate cancer risk remain unclear, making it essential to weigh the benefits and risks of treatment on an individualized basis 5.
- Testosterone replacement therapy has been linked to an increased risk of inducing cardiovascular disease, with some research studies and clinical trials proposing a higher risk of cardiovascular events with the use of this therapy 3, 4.
- The Endocrine Society recommends against testosterone therapy for all older men with low testosterone levels, but suggests consideration of treatment on an individualized basis in men who have consistently low testosterone levels and symptoms or conditions suggestive of testosterone deficiency 5.