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Testosterone Suspension is unlike the other forms of testosterone because it has no ester attached. Testosterone is used primarily to treat symptoms of sexual dysfunction in men and women and hot flashes in women. Potential benefits include improved libido, increased bone mass, and increased sense of well-being. In individuals with human immunodeficiency virus infection or other chronic diseases, testosterone has been shown to improve mood and energy levels, even in patients with normal testosterone levels. Testosterone Suspension safety in women The controversy over using testosterone has primarily come from issues involving safety. The typical side effects related to the estrogen-testosterone preparations are alopecia, acne, and hirsutism, although these are dose and duration dependent and are not common. Controlled studies have found low incidence of deep voice, oily skin, acne, and male-pattern hair loss. Virilization is not common, usually is reversible, and typically occurs only with supraphysiologic dosages. Reduced total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels have been demonstrated when used in women in addition to estrogen, although the long-term effects on heart disease are not known. Testosterone use in the short term has not been associated with an increase in cardiovascular disease or symptoms. Usual estrogen-testosterone doses in women have not been linked to hepatic damage. Testosterone Suspension safety in men Most studies of testosterone therapy in hypogonadal men have been on men younger than 65 years, but the studies examined the effectiveness and safety of testosterone treatment in older men. The committee found no compelling evidence of major adverse side effects resulting from testosterone therapy. However, because of the lack of well-done, long-term studies, it is inappropriate for wide-scale use of testosterone therapy to prevent possible future disease or to enhance strength or mood in otherwise healthy older men. Because of safety concerns, the Institute of Medicine recommended that well-constructed, short-term studies of testosterone in older men be conducted for conditions that do not already have effective therapies. If effective, they recommended that long-term studies be conducted to determine safety. |
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