Q: Is testosterone safe to use? I’m worried about issues with prostate cancer and fertility.
A: Testosterone is a hormone made mostly in the testes. It helps men with things like energy, mood, sex drive and building muscle. As men get older, their testosterone levels can drop, which sometimes causes tiredness, low sex drive and even depression. Because of this, and how common its use is, many men wonder if taking testosterone is right for them.
For most healthy men who have low testosterone and real symptoms, testosterone therapy can be safe and helpful when monitored by a doctor or a specialized mid-level provider. It can improve energy, mood and sex drive. But it’s not for everyone, and it should not be used just to boost performance or be taken at high doses, otherwise the potential bad side effects can occur.
There is a common concern about testosterone use and prostate cancer. Years ago, doctors worried that testosterone could make prostate cancer grow. However, newer studies show that normal testosterone replacement does not increase the risk of getting prostate cancer. That said, men should still get regular prostate checks while using it, especially as they get older.