Testosterone is a hormone used to treat low testosterone levels in the body. Testosterone preparations are available in the form of tablets, capsules, and injections. Testosterone preparations must be used according to a doctor's prescription.
Testosterone is a hormone produced naturally by the body. Testosterone is known as the male hormone (androgen hormone). However, a woman's body also actually produces this hormone, although in small amounts.
Testosterone has several functions, including:
- Helps the development of the genital organs and changes the voice to become heavier.
- Helps sperm production.
- Maintain fertility.
- Maintain sexual arousal.
- Promotes hair growth on the face and body.
- Helps the body burn fat more effectively.
- Increase muscle mass.
- Helps the production of red blood cells.
- Maintains bone density and is thought to be able to maintain heart health.
Testosterone therapy is needed when the body does not produce enough testosterone. In men, testosterone deficiency can cause fertility problems, erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and stunted puberty and reproductive organ growth.
Testosterone trademark: Nebido, Sustanon 250, and Andriol Testocaps.
What is Testosterone?
| group | androgen group |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Overcoming the deficiency of the hormone testosterone, for example in patients with hypogonadism. |
| Used by | Adult men and boys |
| Drug form | Tablets, capsules, injections and transdermal patch (patch shaped patch for skin) |
| Testosterone for pregnant and lactating women | Category X: Studies in experimental animals and humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities or a risk to the fetus. Drugs in this category are contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. Testosterone can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
Warning Before Using Testosterone
- Do not use testosterone preparations if you have a history of allergy to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney, heart, and liver disorders, and have certain health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy, migraines, cancer, thrombophilia, and sleep apnea.
- Tell your doctor if you are or will have certain medical examinations. This is because the use of testosterone can affect the results of tests, such as anti-doping tests.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking blood-thinning medications, supplements, and herbal remedies.
- If an allergic drug reaction or overdose occurs after taking testosterone, see a doctor immediately.
Testosterone Dosage and Rules
Testosterone is only given by a doctor. The dose will be adjusted according to the health condition, the severity of the testosterone deficiency, and the patient's response to treatment.
To treat hypogonadism in adult men, the general dosage is as follows:
Drug form: Drinking medicine
- Initial dose: 120-160 mg testosterone undecylenate ester per day.
- Follow-up dose: 40-120 mg testosterone undecylenate ester per day.
Drug form: Muscle injections (intramuscular/IM)
- Testosterone cypionate dosage: 50-400 mg every 2-4 weeks.
- Testosterone enanthate dosage: 50-400 mg every 2-4 weeks.
Drug form: Implants under the skin (subcutaneous/SC)
- Subcutaneous Implant Dosage: 100-600 mg.
Drug form: Transdermal patch
- Dosage: 2.5-7.5 mg per day or depending on the type patches.
For children, the doctor will determine the dose of testosterone according to the child's condition.
How to Use Testosterone Correctly
You should also read the information on the drug packaging and follow the doctor's recommendations for using testosterone. Make sure to always wash and dry your hands before using testosterone.
Testosterone tablets and capsules should be taken with food and swallowed whole, while testosterone injections will be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
Testosterone form transdermal patch can be attached to the back, abdomen, thighs or upper arms. Do not apply it to the genital area, areas of skin that are injured or irritated, and areas of skin with hair. Wait 3 hours until the drug is completely absorbed then patches may be released.
While using testosterone, check with your doctor regularly so that your hormone levels and condition can be monitored. If you forget to use testosterone, it is advisable to do it immediately if the break with the next schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store testosterone at room temperature, in a place away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Testosterone Interactions with Other Drugs
Interactions that can arise from the use of testosterone with other drugs include:
- Increases the effectiveness of ciclosporine, antidiabetic drugs, and anticoagulant drugs.
- Increases the risk of fluid buildup in the body, when used with corticosteroid drugs.
Testosterone Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the common side effects when using testosterone preparations are:
- Headache and dizziness
- Mood swings
- Nauseous
- Stomach ache
- Changes in blood test results
- Difficult to urinate
- Blood pressure rises
- Swollen hands or feet
- Excessive hair growth
- Weight gain
- Enlarged breasts
The use of testosterone preparations can also cause an overdose. The symptoms are as follows:
- Blurred vision
- Blind for a moment
- One side of the hand or foot suddenly feels weak
- Headaches that are getting worse
- His speech suddenly becomes slurred or becomes very difficult to speak
- Seizures
Immediately go to the doctor or the emergency room if you experience the above symptoms or have an allergic drug reaction, such as an itchy skin rash, swelling of the lips and eyes, and difficulty breathing.