Write an article based on this "Know when and why testosterone is prescribed. Know alternative methods of administration. Know when testosterone should not be administered. Understand the side effects of testosterone therapy. Consult with a doctor."
People seek testosterone treatments for a variety of medical conditions. Testosterone is commonly prescribed to treat hypogonadism in men - a condition that develops when the testes don't function correctly. However, this is far from the only reason why someone might want testosterone. Below are just a few other reasons: Testosterone is sometimes given to transgender people as part of their gender affirmation and transition. Some women receive testosterone as a treatment for androgen deficiency, which can occur after menopause. The most common symptom of androgen deficiency in women is decreased libido. Finally, some men seek testosterone treatment to counteract the normal effects of decreased testosterone production that results with aging. However, this practice is still not well-studied, so many physicians advise against it. Some of the studies that have been done have given mixed results. Injection is a commonly-used means of administering testosterone to a patient. However, there are actually a wide range of alternative methods for getting testosterone in to the body, some of which may be preferable to certain patients. These include: Topical gel or cream Skin patch (similar to a nicotine patch) {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Give-a-Shot-of-Testosterone-Step-2Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Give-a-Shot-of-Testosterone-Step-2Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Give-a-Shot-of-Testosterone-Step-2Bullet2.jpg\/aid1343298-v4-728px-Give-a-Shot-of-Testosterone-Step-2Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class="mw-parser-output"><p>License: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/">Creative Commons<\/a><br>
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<\/p><\/div>"} Oral tablets Mucoadhesive applied to the teeth Testosterone stick (applied under the arm like deodorant) Subcutaneous implant Because testosterone is a hormone that can cause significant changes in your body's function, it is known to exacerbate or worsen certain medical conditions. Testosterone should not be administered if a patient suffers from prostate cancer or breast cancer. All patients considering testosterone treatment should receive a prostate exam and a screening for prostate-specific-antigen (PSA) before and after therapy to make sure prostate cancer is not present. Testosterone is a fairly powerful hormone. Even with safe, doctor-monitored use, it can have noticeable side effects. The most common side effects from testosterone treatment are: Acne and/or oily skin Fluid retention Stimulation of prostate tissue, which can result in decreased urine flow and frequency Development of breast tissue {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5d\/Give-a-Shot-of-Testosterone-Step-4Bullet4.jpg\/v4-460px-Give-a-Shot-of-Testosterone-Step-4Bullet4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5d\/Give-a-Shot-of-Testosterone-Step-4Bullet4.jpg\/aid1343298-v4-728px-Give-a-Shot-of-Testosterone-Step-4Bullet4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class="mw-parser-output"><p>License: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/">Creative Commons<\/a><br>
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<\/p><\/div>"} Worsening of sleep apnea Shrinking of the testes Decreased sperm count/infertility Increase in red blood cell count {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Give-a-Shot-of-Testosterone-Step-4Bullet8.jpg\/v4-460px-Give-a-Shot-of-Testosterone-Step-4Bullet8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Give-a-Shot-of-Testosterone-Step-4Bullet8.jpg\/aid1343298-v4-728px-Give-a-Shot-of-Testosterone-Step-4Bullet8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class="mw-parser-output"><p>License: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/">Creative Commons<\/a><br>
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<\/p><\/div>"} Changes in cholesterol levels Like any serious medical treatment, the decision to receive testosterone treatment shouldn't be made lightly. Seek the advice of your doctor before proceeding - s/he will be able to help you assess your condition and goals to determine whether testosterone is right for you.