In the 1950's, propaganda regarding marijuana called "Reefer Madness" led people to believe that marijuana would cause insanity and death. "Reefer Madness" drove a mass hysteria that was the impetus behind the harsh marijuana laws and regulations of our recent history. Today, we know that marijuana is not particularly harmful, and that it can be beneficial to many, which is the motive behind new laws of decriminalization. The myths and stigma created by "Reefer Madness" in the 1950's took 60 years to debunk and deregulate, so the masses could finally benefit from this potentially helpful herb.
Testosterone has undergone a similar fate in which myth and stigma of the 1980's and 90's led to the creation of laws and regulations that transcended the reality of its relatively innocuous and beneficial nature.
Roid Rage/Aggression - In the early 90's, an after school special depicted Ben Affleck using anabolic steroids and turning in to a short tempered, rage induced, hulk-like personality, wreaking havoc to the environment and people around him. It is a myth that testosterone can create temperament and aggression that could cause one to rage out of control. Testosterone, when used in moderation, may mildly exacerbate pre-existing conditions. If you have a temper, testosterone will not change that, and if you have a benevolent disposition, testosterone will not change that either. Testosterone induces confidence. Confident people exude a straight forward and direct persona, and do not allow themselves to be walked on or subjugated. Those who are used to having people walk all over them, and have commenced a testosterone regimen, may exude confidence and begin to stand up for themselves. Testosterone, however, will not create an aggressive person where one did not previously exist.
Shrinking Of Male Genitalia - It is a myth that testosterone will cause the penis to shrink. Exogenous testosterone causes the testicles to cease producing natural testosterone. This may cause mild atrophy of the testicles. This effect is usually not noticeable.
Hair Loss/Acne - It is a myth that testosterone will cause you lose your hair and give you acne. As stated earlier, when taken moderately, testosterone may mildly exacerbate pre-existing conditions. If you do not possess a genetic predisposition for hair loss or acne, testosterone will not cause you to lose hair or give you acne. If you do have a genetic predisposition for hair loss, testosterone will not cause sudden baldness, but it may slowly and mildly exacerbate the condition. Bravo offers hair loss treatments, such as Propecia, that will mitigate any hair loss effects. If you do not have a genetic predisposition for acne (if you did not have acne as a teenager), testosterone will not cause any acne. Any acne exacerbated by testosterone is usually mild and temporary. It is not the hormone itself that may cause acne, it is the change in hormone level. So, once your hormone levels even out, the acne recedes. If needed, acne can be treated with antibiotics.