Table 2.

Potential Hormone-Related and Non-Hormone-Related Adverse Effects of Testosterone Therapy

Hormone Related
Promotion of fluid retention
Increase in cardiovascular-disease risk
Precipitation or worsening of sleep apnea
Gynecomastia
Polycythemia
Fluctuations in mood
Increased rate of development of benign or malignant prostate disease
Not Hormone Related
Preparation	Effect
T undecanoate	Gastrointestinal bloating and irritation
Injectable esters	Pain at sight of injection
Implantable pellets	Pain or infection at site; extravasation of pellet
Scrotal patch	Local site irritation
Nonscrotal patch	Local site skin irritation, sometimes significant
Transdermal Gels	Occasional mild skin irritation