Safety and monitoring: risks and what gets checked
Testosterone treatment has known risks, and they are tracked with follow-up labs and provider reviews. The prescribing labels warn that testosterone can raise blood pressure and red blood cell count, can lower sperm production, and calls for prostate checks, and that it can be misused. The guides in this topic explain each risk, what the large trials found and did not find, which values are re-checked during treatment, and what happens if a result changes. They are written so you can weigh the trade-offs with your provider, who decides whether to start, adjust or stop treatment.
Guides in this topic
Each guide lists its sources at the end.
Important safety information
Testosterone has known risks, and a licensed provider reviews them with you before any decision.
Testosterone is FDA-approved for men with low testosterone caused by certain medical conditions. Its safety and effectiveness for low testosterone due to aging alone have not been established. Testosterone can raise blood pressure and red blood cell count, reduce sperm production and fertility, and requires monitoring of the prostate and blood levels. Your provider will review the benefits and risks and monitor you with regular labs.
Testosterone is a controlled substance because it can be misused. Abuse and dependence have been reported, mostly at doses above those prescribed. Take it only as your provider directs.
Testosterone is a Schedule III controlled substance. Depending on your state, and on federal telemedicine rules that are currently set to change after December 31, 2026, an in-person exam may be required before or during treatment.
How these guides are reviewed
Every guide is checked against primary sources before it is published, and it is updated when the evidence or the rules change. Read our editorial and medical review policy.
This page is general health information and not medical advice. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.