Examples
|
| testosterone | Androderm, AndroGel, Delatestryl, Depo-Testosterone, Testim |
Testosterone can be given as a shot in the muscle, usually every 2 to 3 weeks. This is not the same as medicines you give as a shot in the penis.
Testosterone can also be given as a patch that is placed on the skin and changed every day. Or it can be used as a gel that is applied daily to the skin.
|
| bromocriptine | Parlodel |
| cabergoline | |
These medicines can be used to treat men who have high
prolactin levels, which can reduce the amount of testosterone produced by the
body and may lead to problems such as infertility or erection problems.
Bromocriptine and cabergoline are taken by mouth.
How It Works
Replacing testosterone, if it is low,
may increase a man's sexual desire, or libido.
Bromocriptine and
cabergoline help to lower the amount of prolactin in the body. In some men, a
noncancerous tumor on the pituitary gland causes the gland to produce too much
prolactin.
Why It Is Used
Testosterone may be prescribed for
men who have low testosterone levels. It is not recommended for men with
testosterone levels in the low part of the normal range.
Bromocriptine and cabergoline may be prescribed for men with high
prolactin levels.
Blood tests are needed to determine the levels
of these hormones.
How Well It Works
Testosterone may improve libido
and, as a result, may improve
erection problems (erectile dysfunction) in men who
have low testosterone levels.1
Bromocriptine and cabergoline may help restore sexual interest and
potency when erection problems are caused by high prolactin levels.1
Side Effects
Side effects of testosterone may
include:
- An elevated number of red blood cells
(polycythemia), which can increase the risk of
stroke or
heart attack.
- Painful enlargement of the
breasts.
- Water retention.
- High blood pressure.
- An elevated blood
cholesterol level.
- A rash or skin reaction
from the patch.
- Increased risk of heart failure.
- Increased
prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
- Increased growth of
preexisting prostate cancer.
Side effects of bromocriptine may include:
- Confusion, hallucinations, and uncontrolled
body movements, particularly in older men.
- Worsening of liver
disorders.
- Worsening of certain mental disorders.
- High
blood pressure.
- Infertility.
Side effects of cabergoline may include:
- Low blood pressure.
- Headache,
dizziness, and vertigo.
- Depression, nervousness, and
anxiety.
- Abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and
flatulence.
- Dry mouth.
- Anorexia and weight
fluctuation.
Side effects may cause some men to stop taking the
medicine. Nervous system and mental side effects may linger for 2 to 6 weeks
after a man stops taking the medicine.
See Drug Reference for a
full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all
systems.)
What To Think About
When thinking about hormonal therapy
for erection problems, it is important to include your partner in your
decision.
During the first year of testosterone therapy, you
should receive a prostate examination, a PSA blood test, a complete blood
count, and a liver function test every 3 to 6 months.
Although
replacement of testosterone through injections or patches can improve a man's
libido, it does not always improve a man's ability to have an erection.
Testosterone is not given as a pill.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- Bella AJ, Lue TF (2008). Male sexual dysfunction. In
EA Tanagho, JW McAninch, eds., Smith's General Urology,
17th ed., pp. 589–610. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology, Oncology |
|---|
| Last Revised | May 12, 2010 |
|---|
Bella AJ, Lue TF (2008). Male sexual dysfunction. In
EA Tanagho, JW McAninch, eds., Smith's General Urology,
17th ed., pp. 589–610. New York: McGraw-Hill.
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