In menopause and using testosterone cream- noticed increased appetite, is this a related side effect?

I absolutely have noticed an apetite increase since starting testosterone replacement. It is very difficult to fight it. I may have to get off of it so I dont completely outgrow my clothes.

Dear Anon, thank you for the question. I assume you have been given testosterone cream due to low levels by your doctor. I personally have not heard of increased appetite from use of this hormone. The most common side effects are acne, body hair growth and scalp hair loss in women. If the patient is taking excessive testosterone supplementation, such as you'll find with anabolic steroids used by athletes, there is also the potential to experience a drop in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. That's the "good" cholesterol. Lower HDL levels increase the risk of heart disease. It is very possible that with changes in your hormones level, you may be craving for certain foods until your body adjusts to the regiment. However, make sure to consult your doctor if this increase appetite continues as it can cause you to gain weight. Keep a healtly diet low in empty carbs and try to find nutritious snacks that will not cause you to gain weight either.