| name | Testosterone |
| classification | Androgen Replacement Therapy (ART) |
| pharmacokinetics | Testosterone is primarily metabolized in the liver, with a complex pharmacokinetic profile including various metabolites. Absorption and clearance vary considerably based on the specific formulation (e.g., topical gels, injections, patches). Bioavailability is also influenced by factors like first-pass metabolism and hepatic function. |
| suggested dosage | | notes | Dosage varies greatly based on the form of testosterone, reason for therapy (e.g., hypogonadism, bodybuilding), and the individual patient's response. Consult a physician for appropriate dosage. | | examples | | 1 | | form | transdermal gel | | dosage mg per day | 50-200 |
| | 2 | | form | injections (e.g., cypionate, enanthate) | | dosage mg per week | 250-1000 |
| | 3 | | form | oral tablets | | dosage mg per day | 2.5-20 |
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| indications | | 1 | Hypogonadism (low testosterone levels) | | 2 | Delayed puberty | | 3 | Male infertility (in certain cases) | | 4 | Muscle wasting associated with certain medical conditions | | 5 | Some forms of anemia (rarely used) | | 6 | Specific medical conditions where testosterone deficiency is a factor |
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| safety in pregnancy | Absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy. Testosterone can cause virilization of a female fetus. |
| safety in breastfeeding | Not recommended during breastfeeding, as small amounts of testosterone may be secreted in breast milk, and potential effects on the infant are unknown. |
| side effects | | 1 | Acne | | 2 | Hair loss (male pattern baldness or increased hair growth) | | 3 | Increased red blood cell count (polycythemia) | | 4 | Fluid retention | | 5 | Liver abnormalities | | 6 | Breast enlargement (gynecomastia) | | 7 | Mood changes, irritability, or aggression (rare but possible) | | 8 | Sleep apnea (worsening of pre-existing condition) | | 9 | Increased risk of prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (requires careful monitoring) | | 10 | High blood pressure |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | History of prostate cancer or breast cancer | | 2 | Severe heart or liver disease | | 3 | Untreated sleep apnea | | 4 | Known hypersensitivity or allergy to testosterone or related compounds |
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| interactions | | 1 | Certain medications for high blood pressure or cholesterol. | | 2 | Anti-androgens (e.g., finasteride) | | 3 | Other medications and supplements. Consult a pharmacist or physician regarding potential interactions between testosterone and other medications the patient may be taking. |
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| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Regular monitoring of blood pressure, liver function, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and other relevant biomarkers is crucial throughout therapy. | | 2 | Close medical supervision is required, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions (e.g., heart disease, sleep apnea, or prostate abnormalities). | | 3 | Patients should be counseled regarding potential psychological effects such as mood swings and aggression. A psychological risk assessment may be important depending on the patient's history and clinical presentation. | | 4 | Do not self-treat. Testosterone therapy should only be administered under the strict guidance and supervision of a qualified physician. |
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| additional information | | 1 | Patient age and weight are not directly incorporated into dosage calculations. These factors are considered by a physician during a holistic assessment. |
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