Testosterone Deficiency

[icklearly]

My testosterone is low so my Dr. prescribed the patches. Aside from the possible liver damage, is it true that the patches can cause the body to produce even less natural testosterone than before the patch treatment was started? What are the other possible risks?
Thanks..

[forrest_and_trees]

I'm not a physician, [nor do I believe anyone else on this site is for that matter], so all I can offer is what I've learned from searching the web; which would be my first suggestion. There are quite a few sites out there if you look. That said, from what I've found, there are few if any serious risks with treatment at the levels people on this site are talking about. Most problems come from those who abuse it such as body builders; and were talking in doses of 10 to 30+ times the levels you'd get in a patch. I have read quite a few people do experience skin irritation on the locations of the patch. To best combat this, it's recommended that you alter locations each time you apply a new patch; covering as much of your body as possible before repeating a patch on the same spot. This should give your skin time to heal and minimize any irritation. The only other serious side effect I've read about in a few places is that it can exacerbate prostrate problems for those who already have them. Even so, I believe it takes a long time for that to occur. Personally, the only small side effect I've noticed, after about 10 weeks of treatment, is I've begun to break out all over. Nothing serious, although that is to be expected since your body is going through similar changes as you experienced at puberty. Someone suggested it may be due to the regrowth of new hair follicles; and that once they fully grow in, this should eventually go away.

[learningaboutT]

As I understand it, (I am no doctor either) any form of hormone supplement can and likely will affect your own body's natural production of that hormone. When you introduce Testosterone supplement to your body, yes, you will experience your own body's response, which is a reduction in producing natural testosterone.

The best way for you to get answers to your questions is to see your doctor.