Known safety concerns, contraindications, and age-stratified risk factors.
Baseline Hematocrit Above 51%
Starting therapy with near-critical blood viscosity significantly elevates the risk of immediate cardiovascular events.
Known or Suspected Prostate Cancer (PSA >4 ng/mL)
Androgens can stimulate the growth of existing androgen-dependent malignancies.
Adolescence (Open Growth Plates)
Androgens accelerate bone maturation, causing premature epiphyseal closure and permanently shorter adult stature.
Severe Liver or Kidney Disease
Androgen therapy can worsen organ dysfunction and cause fluid retention.
Anticoagulant Therapy (e.g. Warfarin)
Testosterone increases the activity of oral anticoagulants, requiring more frequent monitoring of clotting factors.
Pregnancy and Women (Virilisation Risk)
Risk of irreversible masculinisation. Propionate's rapid washout reduces but does not eliminate this risk.