Potential risks of testostetone replacement therapy

Modern physicians are fairly familiar with hypogonadism. Nowadays general practitioners, therapists, endocrinologists and urologists prescribe testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Although low testosterone level, in a combination with symptoms and signs of hypogonadism, is an indication for TRT, there are some disagreements with regard to possible complications of testosterone medication and the evaluation of benefits and risks of TRT. Doctors usually have positive attitude to the wide range of benefits of testosterone therapy, which is includes libido boost and improvement of sexual function, increase in bone density and muscle mass percentage, improvement of mood, cognitive function and quality of life. However, risks factors and side effects are still urgent problems. Hepatotoxicity, polycythemia, sleep apnea and heart failure are among the possible risk factors. The aim of this review is to discuss potential risks of testosterone therapy of male patients, essential precautions and the tactics of patient monitoring.