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Testosterone and Osteoporosis

Men can take testosterone by:
•    Receiving a shot into the muscle (intramuscular injection, or IM) every 2 to 3 weeks.
•    Using an adhesive patch (transdermal) that is applied to the skin every night. Two types of patches can be used:
o    Testoderm, which is applied to the scrotum.
o    Androderm, which is applied to other areas of a man's body, such as his back, upper arms, abdomen, or thighs.
•    Rubbing a gel (AndroGel) on the shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen once a day.
How It Works
Men who have low naturally occurring testosterone take testosterone medication to bring their levels back to normal. This slows bone thinning and reduces calcium loss.
Why It Is Used
Testosterone is used to prevent osteoporosis in men who have low testosterone levels. Testosterone is not used to prevent or treat osteoporosis in women.
How Well It Works
Testosterone improves bone thickness, especially in the small bones of the spine (vertebrae).
Many men with low testosterone levels report that they feel better and have increased energy while taking testosterone.
Side Effects
Side effects of testosterone include:
•    Swelling in the hands and feet.
•    Increase in size of the prostate gland (hyperplasia).
•    Enlargement of the breasts (gynecomastia). This is rare.
•    Painful erections (rare).
•    Problems with the function of the liver (rare).