Testosterone is a key hormone that plays an important role in men's health and development. When a man starts taking supplemental testosterone, either for medical reasons like low testosterone (*low-T*) or hypogonadism, or for performance enhancement, he will likely experience a variety of effects:
Physical Changes
- Increased muscle mass and strength - Testosterone stimulates protein synthesis, leading to faster muscle growth when combined with strength training
- Decreased body fat - Testosterone plays a role in fat metabolism, helping to reduce overall body fat percentage
- Increased bone density - Testosterone promotes bone formation and strength
- More energy and stamina - Many men report feeling more energetic, motivated, and able to push harder during workouts
- Changes in cholesterol levels - Testosterone therapy may lower "good" HDL cholesterol levels while raising "bad" LDL levels for some men
Sexual and Reproductive Effects
- Increased libido and sexual function - Many men notice a surge in sex drive and satisfaction with testosterone supplementation
- Increased fertility - Testosterone is essential for sperm production and viability
- Testicular atrophy - The testes may shrink due to decreased natural testosterone production
- Gynecomastia - Some men develop breast tissue growth due to hormonal imbalance
Cognitive and Emotional Changes
- Improved mood and well-being - Many men report feeling more confident, focused, and optimistic with increased testosterone
- More dominance and competitiveness - The surge of testosterone may shift men's behavior towards displaying higher social status
- Better verbal fluency - Some studies show testosterone improving cognitive skills like verbal memory and processing
- Increased aggression - For some men, heightened testosterone amplifies tendencies towards aggressive behavior like rage or violence
Hair and Skin Effects
- Increased body and facial hair growth - Testosterone fuels increased growth of androgen-sensitive hair follicles
- Male pattern baldness - Genetically prone men may experience accelerated hair loss on the scalp
- Oily skin and acne - The surge of hormones can trigger excess sebum production and breakouts
Other Considerations
- Enlarged prostate - Testosterone can cause benign prostatic hyperplasia, although it does not seem to raise prostate cancer risk
- Sleep apnea - Some men develop or worsen this sleep disorder as a result of testosterone therapy
- Polycythemia - Testosterone abuse can cause this condition involving elevated red blood cell mass and thickness
If you are considering
testosterone therapy, consult with an experienced
hormone doctor to weigh the pros and cons for your unique health situation.
New Beginnings HRT Clinic(()) specializes in customized testosterone treatment plans plus
lifestyle optimization to help men realize their full potential. Contact us today for a free consultation.
