Health Beat: Dangers of testosterone

LOS ANGELES -

It's the hormone that regulates muscle mass, energy, and sex drive and some men think more is better. You see it on TV, in magazines, and on shelves everywhere you turn, but few men know the dangers of taking testosterone.

"One is after you start, this could potentially be a lifelong therapy," said Dr. Philip Werthman, a male fertility specialist at the Center for Male Reproductive Medicine & Vasectomy Reversal in Los Angeles.

When a man takes testosterone supplements, Werthman said his brain thinks the body is making the hormone so it stops sending natural hormonal signals to the testicles.

"So that means the testicles don't work anymore," Werthman said.

Patients are left with no testosterone and side-effects like lack of energy, loss of sex drive and trouble focusing.

"Imagine how badly you felt when your testosterone was low that you wanted to go on therapy. Now, imagine when your testosterone's almost nonexistent," Werthman said.

Taking testosterone could also increase a man's risk of infertility, prostate cancer, liver problems, blood clots, heart attack and stroke.

"Brian," who doesn't want to be identified, took testosterone injections for two years. His doctor prescribed it, even though his levels were normal.

"He said, 'I think you can. You'll get some benefits. It's worthwhile. You should try it,'" "Brian" recalled.

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Health Beat: Dangers of testosterone

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