A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]

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Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has experienced a notable rise in popularity over the last decade in Ankeny. Many older men have embraced TRT to balance hormone levels, seeking renewed energy and a revived sex drive.

TRT remains a controversial subject because of uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Years ago, studies indicated a possible association between TRT and higher cardiovascular disease risk, raising safety concerns.

According to Dr. Frances Hayes, a reproductive endocrinologist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, some of these studies were limited.

“For instance, in one study, TRT doses were much higher than what would usually be prescribed, and the subjects tended to be more frail, with other health problems,” she says. “Other studies showed no evidence of increased risk.”

THE LATEST FINDINGS

Recent studies have corroborated this stance. A study disclosed at the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions included 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone levels and no history of heart disease.

The study showed that TRT did not contribute to a greater risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in healthy men.

Further research in the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings indicated no association between TRT and blood clots in veins among 30,000 men. “Right now, the jury is still out about TRT’s influence on cardiovascular disease,” says Dr. Hayes.

Furthermore, the December 2015 Journal of Urology reported that exposure to TRT over a five-year period did not elevate the risk of aggressive prostate cancer, challenging previous beliefs about the relationship between TRT and prostate cancer risk.

TRT’s long-term risks continue to be uncertain, given the limited follow-up in numerous studies. Nonetheless, this shouldn’t discourage individuals from exploring TRT as an option. It could still be appropriate for certain individuals.

Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?

TRT prescription in Ankeny necessitates meeting two prerequisites: low testosterone levels (below 600 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL)) and experiencing various symptoms (refer to page 7). Dr. Hayes emphasizes, “While it’s conceivable to have low levels without symptoms, if crucial symptoms like fatigue and sexual dysfunction aren’t present, initiating TRT isn’t advisable due to current uncertainties surrounding its long-term safety.”

Measuring testosterone levels often includes a standard blood test. Since these levels can fluctuate daily and are affected by medication and diet, multiple tests are needed. Dr. Hayes points out, “In about 30% of cases with an initial low testosterone test, subsequent tests indicate normal levels.”

Even if you have low testosterone levels and experience several symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) isn’t always the primary option. Dr. Hayes explains, “Identifying the source of declining levels helps us address it and naturally raise low levels.”

Consider weight gain, for example, often the top cause of decreasing levels. “Weight exerts a greater influence on testosterone levels than aging. With an increase in weight, testosterone levels tend to fall,” she emphasizes. A five-point increase on the body mass index (BMI) scale, like progressing from 30 to 35, equates to adding 10 years to your age in terms of testosterone levels.

“Your doctor should also consider any additional factors that could influence levels, such as medication or medical conditions,” recommends Dr. Hayes. In such scenarios, your doctor might manage the root cause or adjust your medication or dosage to avoid impacting testosterone levels.

Men also need to understand the boundaries of TRT, as it’s often seen as a panacea. “Its impact is typically not as dramatic as men imagine,” Dr. Hayes states.

As an example, sexual health and vitality are frequently highlighted as benefits of TRT. A study in the Feb. 18, 2016 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine explored the impact of TRT on 790 men aged 65 and older. Those administered TRT for a year, as opposed to those on a placebo, noticed enhancements in sexual function, including activity, desire, and erectile function. Nevertheless, the group experienced only a marginal improvement in mood and observed no alterations in walking speed, a measure of TRT’s effect on vitality.

Using TRT

TRT is frequently administered through gel or injection. With a gel, you apply the daily dose, about the size of a ketchup packet, over both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are generally administered into the buttocks every two weeks.

Each method has specific pros. Gels produce stable levels of testosterone. “However, you must be careful to avoid close skin contact for a few hours, especially with women, as testosterone might cause acne or hair growth,” Dr. Hayes advises.

Testosterone injections lead to high levels for a few days and then slowly decline, resulting in a roller-coaster effect where mood and energy levels spike and then drop.

Most men in Ankeny feel better within four to six weeks, although changes in muscle mass can take from three to six months.

TRT might not be needed for life. “If the cause of your testosterone drop is resolved, you should try stopping the treatment and get re-evaluated by your doctor,” says Dr. Hayes.