A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name], VA

Get Started Now

In the past decade, ASHBURN, VA has witnessed a substantial rise in the popularity of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Numerous older men are embracing TRT to rejuvenate their hormone levels, aiming to improve their energy and revitalize their sex drive.

TRT continues to be a controversial topic, largely because of its uncertain benefits and possible health risks. Several years ago, concerns about its safety were raised when research suggested a potential connection between TRT and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Frances Hayes, a reproductive endocrinologist from Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, underscores that several of these studies faced constraints.

“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 findings have supported this assertion. Research presented at the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions involved 1,472 men between the ages of 52 and 63 who had low testosterone levels and no previous history of heart disease.

Findings from researchers indicated that healthy men who underwent TRT did not display a heightened risk of heart attack, stroke, or death.

Furthermore, a study highlighted in the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings found no evidence linking TRT with venous blood clots in a group of 30,000 men. “Right now, the jury is still out about TRT’s influence on cardiovascular disease,” says Dr. Hayes.

The association between TRT and other health concerns varies. Although TRT has been linked to a higher rate of prostate cancer in the past, a study published in the December 2015 Journal of Urology found that exposure to TRT over a five-year period did not correlate with an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

The ongoing uncertainties surrounding the long-term risks of TRT persist because many studies have limited follow-up. However, this does not necessarily mean that TRT should be avoided. It can still be a suitable choice for certain men.

Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name], VA?

To be prescribed TRT in ASHBURN, VA, individuals must meet two specific criteria: testosterone levels under 600 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) and the presence of various symptoms (see page 7). Dr. Hayes explains, “While it’s possible to have low levels without symptoms, if you lack key symptoms, particularly fatigue and sexual dysfunction, it’s not advisable to start TRT due to current uncertainties surrounding its long-term safety.”

A standard blood test is employed to measure testosterone levels, requiring multiple tests due to daily fluctuations affected by medication and diet. Dr. Hayes mentions, “In 30% of instances where the first testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests show normal levels.”

Having low testosterone levels and experiencing multiple symptoms doesn’t automatically lead to starting testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). “Identifying the underlying cause of declining levels allows us to address it and naturally boost low levels,” states Dr. Hayes.

Weight gain, for instance, is often cited as the primary factor contributing to declining levels. “Weight exerts a more substantial influence on testosterone levels than aging. As weight increases, testosterone levels decrease,” she explains. Increasing the body mass index (BMI) by five points, such as going from 30 to 35, is equivalent to adding 10 years to your age regarding its effect on testosterone levels.

“Your doctor should also assess any additional factors that could impact levels, such as medication or medical conditions,” advises Dr. Hayes. In such cases, your doctor might address the root cause or modify your medication or dosage to avoid affecting testosterone levels.

Men should be aware of the limitations of TRT, as it is frequently viewed as a magical cure-all. “Its results are often less remarkable than many men envision,” notes Dr. Hayes.

Take sexual health and vitality, for example, frequently cited benefits of TRT. In a study published in the February 18, 2016 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers studied the effects of TRT on 790 men aged 65 and older. Those receiving TRT for one year, compared to those receiving a placebo, reported improvements in sexual function—activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group experienced only slight mood improvement and no changes in walking speed, a measure of vitality influenced by TRT.

Using TRT

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is typically delivered through either gel application or injections. Using a gel, you apply a daily dose approximately the size of a ketchup packet to the upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are usually administered biweekly into the buttocks.

Each method offers distinct advantages, with gels maintaining more stable testosterone levels. “However, you must avoid close skin contact for a few hours, especially with women, as the testosterone can cause acne or hair growth,” advises Dr. Hayes.

Testosterone levels can surge for several days after an injection before gradually declining. This pattern can create a roller-coaster effect, with mood and energy levels peaking and then diminishing.

Symptom improvement is often observed within four to six weeks for most men in ASHBURN, VA, though it can take three to six months to see changes like increased muscle mass.

Furthermore, TRT may not necessarily be a lifelong commitment. “If the cause of your low testosterone levels resolves, you should try stopping treatment and get re-evaluated by your doctor,” says Dr. Hayes.