The Basics
What is Testosterone?
Used to treat low T.
Brand names for Testosterone
Striant, Natesto, Aveed, Delatestryl, Depo-Testosterone, Testone Cik, Testopel Pellets, Testro Aq, Androgel, Axiron, First-Testosterone, First-Testosterone Mc, Fortesta, Testim, Vogelxo
How Testosterone is classified
Androgens, Hormones
Testosterone During Pregnancy
Testosterone pregnancy category
Category XNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Testosterone while pregnant
Striant is contraindicated in pregnant women or in women who may become pregnant. Testosterone is teratogenic and may cause fetal harm. Exposure of a fetus to androgens such as testosterone may result in varying degrees of virilization. If a woman becomes pregnant while taking Striant, she should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus
Taking Testosterone While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Testosterone?
Limited data indicate that a low-dose (100 mg) subcutaneous testosterone pellet given to a nursing mother appears not to increase milk testosterone levels markedly. Testosterone has low oral bioavailability because of extensive first-pass metabolism, so it is unlikely to affect the breastfed infant. One breastfed infant seemed not to be adversely affected by low-dose maternal testosterone therapy.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Limited data indicate that a low-dose (100 mg) subcutaneous testosterone pellet given to a nursing mother appears not to increase milk testosterone levels markedly. Testosterone has low oral bioavailability because of extensive first-pass metabolism, so it is unlikely to affect the breastfed infant. One breastfed infant seemed not to be adversely affected by low-dose maternal testosterone therapy.
Possible effects of Testosterone on milk supply
Supraphysiologic serum levels of testosterone, either from a tumor[2][3] or from exogenously administered testosterone,[4] reduces milk production in postpartum women. Testosterone alone reduces serum prolactin;[4] however, when given in combination with estrogen and progestin, serum prolactin levels are not markedly reduced.[5] Testosterone was previously used therapeutically to suppress lactation, usually in combination with an estrogen.[4][5][6][7][8][9][10]
Possible alternatives to Testosterone
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Glaser RL, Newman M, Parsons M et al. Safety of maternal testosterone therapy during breast feeding. Int J Pharm Compound. 2009;13:314-7.
2. Betzold CM, Hoover KL, Snyder. Delayed lactogenesis II: a comparison of four cases. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2004;49:132-7. PMID: 15010666
3. Hoover KL, Barbalinardo LH, Platia MP. Delayed lactogenesis II secondary to gestational ovarian theca lutein cysts in two normal singleton pregnancies. J Hum Lact. 2002;18:264-8. PMID: 12192962
4. Weinstein D, Ben-David M, Polishuk WZ. Serum prolactin and the suppression of lactation. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1976;83:679-82. PMID: 788774
5. Welti H, Paiva F, Felber JP. Prevention and interruption of postpartum lactation with bromocriptine (Parlodel) and effect on plasma prolactin, compared with a hormonal preparation (Ablacton). Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 1979;9:35-9. PMID: 570523
6. Schwartz DJ, Evans PC, Garcia CR et al. A clinical study of lactation suppression. Obstet Gynecol. 1973;42:599-606. PMID: 4582587
7. Ng KH, Lee KH. Inhibition of postpartum lactation with single-dose drugs. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 1972;12:59-61. PMID: 4502478
8. McNicol E, Struthers JO. A combined/oestrogen/progestogen/testosterone agent for the inhibition of lactation. Br J Clin Pract. 1972;26:567-8. PMID: 4567863
9. Morris JA, Creasy RK, Hohe PT. Inhibition of puerperal lactation. Double-blind comparison of chlorotrianesene, testosterone enanthate with estradiol valerate and placebo. Obstet Gynecol. 1970;36:107-14. PMID: 4912251
10. Iliya FA, Safon L, O’Leary JA. Testosterone enanthate (180 mg.) and estradiol valerate (8 mg.) for suppression of lactation: a double-blind evaluation. Obstet Gynecol. 1966;27:643-5. PMID: 5949195
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
