Is synthetic testosterone safe?
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Synthetic testosterone, particularly when used for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), has been extensively studied and is generally considered safe when administered under medical supervision. According to on the , testosterone is an FDA-approved hormone with substantial research backing its safety profile. It is important to differentiate it from other synthetic anabolic steroids used illicitly, which lack comprehensive studies and can have severe side effects 1.
Studies have shown that medically supervised TRT does not increase risks of heart attacks, strokes, or prostate cancer, contradicting earlier concerns. These findings highlight the safety of TRT for men with low testosterone levels and show similar or slightly decreased risks compared to untreated individuals 2.
However, there are crucial considerations:
- Synthetic hormones differ from natural hormones and their long-term effects are less understood 1.
- Close medical supervision is essential to avoid potential risks, especially in individuals with underlying health conditions 3.
- The use of synthetic testosterone can potentially accelerate the growth of certain types of cancer (e.g., prostate cancer) if present 4.
Overall, while synthetic testosterone is generally safe under medical guidance, unsupervised use can pose significant health risks.
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