Testosterone Therapy
- Testosterone is important for bone health, as well as for psychosocial/emotional development
- Testosterone therapy should be started at low doses and increased slowly to mimic normal puberty
- Testosterone comes in multiple forms including intramuscular injections, gels and patches
- Your endocrinologist should discuss the expected response to treatment before testosterone is started, which will likely include: the development of body odour, facial hair, acne, a growth spurt, closing of the growth plates, and increased libido (interest in sex)
- Potential side effects include: infection at injection site, allergic reaction, mood swings, and increases in red blood cell count
- You will need to have your blood drawn regularly while taking testosterone in order to monitor your body’s response to treatment
