Common Side Effects
Acne / Oily Skin
Testosterone increases sebum production. Usually manageable with skincare. More common early in treatment.
Testicular Atrophy
Natural testosterone production shuts down, causing testes to shrink. HCG is often prescribed to prevent this.
Increased Hematocrit
Testosterone stimulates red blood cell production. Too high can increase clot risk. Monitored with regular blood work.
Fluid Retention
Some water retention is common early on. Usually stabilizes after a few weeks.
What About Cardiovascular Risk?
Good news (Feb 2025): The FDA removed the cardiovascular warning from testosterone products. The TRAVERSE trial showed no increased risk of heart attack or stroke in men with cardiovascular risk factors.
Required Monitoring
Responsible TRT requires regular blood work to monitor:
- • Testosterone levels: Ensure therapeutic range
- • Hematocrit/Hemoglobin: Watch for polycythemia
- • PSA: Prostate health marker
- • Estradiol: May need management if too high
- • Lipids: Cholesterol panel
Work With Experts
Hone Health includes regular lab monitoring and physician oversight as part of their TRT program.
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