Testosterone USP is natural testosterone that is available as a pure chemical. As a compounding pharmacist, we use Testosterone USP after receiving a prescription order from a physician.
The term “testosterone” is often used generically when referring to numerous synthetic derivatives, as well as natural testosterone. Natural testosterone must not be confused with synthetic derivatives or anabolic steroids which are sometimes used by athletes and body builders and caused disastrous effects. The administration of synthetic non-aromatizable androgens, like stanozolol or methyltestosterone, for example, causes profound decreases in HDL-C (“good cholesterol”) and significant increases in LDL-C (“bad cholesterol”). Yet, hormone replacement with aromatizable androgens, such as testosterone, results in lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels while having little to no impact on serum HDL cholesterol levels. For more information related to the prevalence of hypogonadism in males ages 45 and older, we recommend this study by the International journal of Clinical Practice.
Proper monitoring of laboratory values and clinical response are essential when prescribing testosterone replacement therapy.
If you are using testosterone you should seek medical attention immediately if symptoms of a heart attack or stroke are present. Those symptoms would include chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, weakness in one part or one side of the body, and slurred speech.