Bio-T-Gel Blood Clot

Millions of men are turning to testosterone replacement therapy to treat symptoms of “Low T” — fatigue, sexual dysfunction, depression, muscle loss, and more. One of the most popular products is Bio-T-Gel (testosterone gel). Unfortunately, Bio-T-Gel is associated with an increased risk of blood clots, especially in the legs. Recent studies warn that testosterone may also elevate a man’s risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.

What is the problem with Bio-T-Gel?

Bio-T-Gel is a testosterone gel product that was approved in 2012. Like all testosterone replacement products, Bio-T-Gel can increase the risk of blood clots in the legs, also known as “deep vein thrombosis” or DVT. Although many cases of DVT resolve without treatment, the condition is very serious because blood clots can break loose, travel in the bloodstream, and cause a pulmonary embolism.

Bio-T-Gel and Blood Clots

Testosterone in Bio-T-Gel increases the risk of blood clots in several ways. First of all, it stimulates the kidneys to produce erythropoietin, a hormone that causes bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. Blood volume and thickness increases, forcing the heart to work harder, with increases blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause fluid retention. Some studies indicate that testosterone also lowers levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol. These are all risk-factors for blood clots and cardiovascular disease — especially for older men.

Complications

Bio-T-Gel blood clot complications:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Venous thromboembolism (VTE)
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
• Heart failure
• Kidney damage
• Post-thrombotic syndrome
• Brain damage
• Blindness
• Osteonecrosis (bone death)
• Amputation of the leg
• Death