Testosterone may be given:
(2) topical gel
(3) transdermal patch
(4) oral (rarely used in the United States)
(5) subcutaneous implant
(6) transbuccal
Complications - seen with some frequency:
(1) erythrocytosis, especially with injections
(2) testicular atrophy
(3) infertility (may be an issue for a younger male)
Complications - infrequent or usually not clinically significant:
(1) obstructive sleep apnea
(2) acne
(3) gynecomastia (reversible on discontinuation of testosterone)
(4) fluid retention
Complications of the topical gel or transdermal patch:
(1) local reaction
Complications of oral agents:
(1) hepatotoxicity
Rare or theoretical complications:
(1) benign prostatic hypertrophy
(2) increased risk of prostate cancer (unproven)
