In addition to the prevention of testosterone conversion into DHT, 5α-reductase inhibitors also prevent the formation of neurosteroids like 3α-androstanediol from testosterone, and this may have neuropsychiatric consequences in some men. Androgens like testosterone are teratogens and are known to cause fetal harm, such as producing virilization and ambiguous genitalia. The FDA now requires warnings in the drug labeling of all approved testosterone products regarding deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. In addition, an increase of 30% in deaths and heart attacks in older men has been reported. A postmarketing analysis by the manufacturer of Aveed (testosterone undeconate injection) found that POME occurred at a rate of less than 1% per injection per year for Aveed. Symptoms of POME include cough, shortness of breath, tightening of the throat, chest pain, sweating, dizziness, and fainting. With TRT, you take a manufactured form of testosterone to regulate your levels. Before starting TRT, your healthcare provider will make sure low testosterone is an accurate diagnosis. TRT has certain risks and benefits, so your healthcare provider will carefully evaluate if it’s safe and right for you. "For some men, for instance, hot flushes can be very debilitating, and so the patches could greatly increase their quality of life." Testosterone is under development in a low-dose intranasal formulation for the treatment of anorgasmia in women. Testosterone, as esters such as testosterone undecanoate or testosterone buciclate, has been studied and promoted as a male contraceptive analogous to estrogen-based contraceptives in women. Low testosterone therapy in 2026 is both more precise and more flexible. Screen for sleep apnea, diabetes, thyroid disorders, liver disease, and iron overload, treating these can nudge T upward and improve symptoms. Seven to nine hours of consistent sleep can increase testosterone and improve GH/IGF‑1 signaling. Most clinicians aim for mid‑normal total testosterone (often ~400–700 ng/dL), individualized to symptom control and side effects. Blood pressure, lipids, sleep apnea, hematocrit, and smoking status deserve attention before and during therapy. Topical androgens like testosterone have been used and studied in the treatment of cellulite in women. As of November 2016update, testosterone is available in Canada in the form of topical gels (AndroGel, Testim), topical solutions (Axiron), transdermal patches (Androderm), and intranasal gels (Natesto). The pharmacokinetics of testosterone, including its bioavailability, circulating testosterone levels, metabolism, biological half-life, and other parameters, differ by route of administration. On the other hand, 5α-reductase inhibitors may prevent or reduce adverse androgenic side effects of testosterone like scalp hair loss, oily skin, acne, and seborrhea. The changes include removing language from the boxed warning related to an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and adding a new warning about increased blood pressure. In February 2025, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specified label changes for products containing testosterone. Another approach being investigated is the detection of the administered form of testosterone, usually an ester, in hair. A number of methods for detecting testosterone use by athletes have been employed, most based on a urine test. This has proven contentious, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport suspending the IAAF policy due to insufficient evidence of a link between high androgen levels and improved athletic performance. Anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS), including testosterone and its esters, have also been taken to enhance muscle development, strength, or endurance. Now, the same patches are being recast as a potential life-prolonging treatment for men. For years, the focus in prostate cancer has been on newer, more targeted drugs and immunotherapies. Bone health also favoured the patches, with fractures roughly twice as common in the injection group. Oestradiol, the form of oestrogen in standard HRT patches, signals to the brain that there is plenty of sex hormone around. The finding could change how men with prostate cancer that has spread beyond the gland are treated for years to come. In addition to DHT, testosterone is converted at a rate of approximately 0.3% into the estrogen estradiol via aromatase. In addition, testosterone binds to and activates membrane androgen receptors (mARs) such as GPRC6A and ZIP9. Testosterone therapy is sometimes combined with an aromatase inhibitor for men with secondary hypogonadism who wish to conceive children with their partners. Aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole prevent the conversion of testosterone into estradiol by aromatase. Research-backed tools, tactics, and techniques to maximize your health, delivered to your inbox every Monday. Elizabeth Millard is a writer who focuses on health, wellness, and fitness for Runner's World, Bicycling, SELF, Women's Health, Men's Health, Prevention, Experience Life, and others. Contact us at if you see an error. The Edge upholds the highest standards of health journalism. "It’s not a journey to embark on lightly, but with the right guidance, the benefits can significantly outweigh the risks," she says. If you qualify for treatment, TRT can be sent right to your door.