It has a tonic affect on the body. Reports indicate that adequate levels of testosterone can help prevent heart disease, stroke and vascular disorders such as diabetic blindness. Testosterone supplements in men and women can increase the risk of liver toxicity, especially if taken orally. This is because the oral drug goes directly to the liver. It is better to take testosterone transdermally by patch, gel or injection for men and by gel or vaginal ointment for women.
Men have the added risk of prostate cancer.
In women, side effects such as oily skin, acne, irritability, behavioural changes and increased facial hair are dose related. When dosed correctly these problems rarely occur. Testosterone is the active form of the hormone and is the form that binds to receptors in the body and causes the desired affects. However, testosterone may increase the levels of estrogen in some men and women, which is not always desirable. The methyl form of testosterone is less likely to be converted to estrogen and is better absorbed orally.