Most men who suffer from male pattern baldness have heard of testosterone supplements and have considered them an effective solution to their problem. They should know, though, that there are some risks involved with testosterone supplements. Just because they’re called “osterone supplements” doesn’t mean they’re actually composed of testosterone. In fact, testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone. It’s present in males of all ages.
Before you start taking testosterone supplements, check with your doctor. He will evaluate your blood chemistry and determine how much of it to give you. You also may be asked to undergo several tests, including a hair analysis, to make sure there’s no abnormality with your hormone levels. While testosterone isn’t known to cause hair loss itself, excess testosterone can reduce the effectiveness of other treatments.
One of the side effects of taking testosterone supplements is a decrease in libido. Testosterone shrinks the male sex organs, causing them to become inflamed and even painful. Because the beard is covered with sebaceous glands, testosterone can also clog them up, causing blemishes and even spots. If the testosterone isn’t removed by normal scalp cleaning and shampooing, it can cause clogged pores and subsequent blackheads. This can lead to more acne and a cycle that worsens as the months go on.
There is another side effect to testosterone supplements that you should be aware of. Some men experience increased facial hair. It can look like stray hairs are growing in places where they shouldn’t be, and can be very unkempt looking. To avoid this, keep the beard trimmed. Shaving too short can result in stubble that can be tangled up in the follicles and result in even more hair falling out.
Although testosterone supplements can cause some unwanted side effects, like an increase in facial hair falling out in clumps, this doesn’t usually last long. They are generally taken for about a week at a time and the symptoms clear up fairly quickly. However, if you take too much, you could risk serious health problems. Therefore, talk to your doctor or pharmacy about the best course of action for you.
While testosterone supplements can be helpful for beard growth, they are not a miracle drug. You have to be careful what you eat and how you use them. Make sure you know about the side effects and the nutrients your body needs to remain healthy. Also, follow the directions on the bottle to ensure proper dosages. If you take them and don’t do everything the directions say, you can end up wasting your money and having a lot of trouble.
