Millions of men with hypogonadism (low testosterone) use products like Bio-T-Gel to replace testosterone. Unfortunately, testosterone can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious medical condition in which blood clots grow inside veins deep inside the body (usually the lower legs).
Bio-T-Gel and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Bio-T-Gel is a gel product that delivers testosterone directly through the skin. In the bloodstream, testosterone therapy can increase the number of red blood cells. In some cases, this thickens the blood, elevates blood pressure, and increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots in the lower legs.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Information
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition that occurs when blood clots grow in veins deep inside the body. DVT almost always occurs in the calf or thigh, but it can also occur in the pelvis, arms, kidneys, or other areas.
Complications
Severe cases of DVT involve extremely large blood clots that cut off circulation in the lower legs. This can damage venous valves, which may cause post-thrombotic syndrome, a debilitating condition involving chronic swelling in the lower legs.
The most life-threatening complication of DVT is a pulmonary embolism. This complications occurs when small pieces of a blood clot break off and migrate in the body. The blood clot can be pumped through the heart and into the lungs, where it will eventually obstruct a pulmonary artery.
Symptoms of DVT
- Leg pain or tenderness
- Swelling of one leg
- Skin discoloration (redness)
- Unusually warm skin
Treatment
DVT is usually treated with blood-thinning medications. Oral medications, such as warfarin, prevent existing blood clots from getting any bigger and prevent new clots from forming. Intravenous medications, such as heparin, dissolve existing blood clots.