A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]

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Over the past ten years, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has become widely embraced in Englewood. Numerous older men have pursued TRT to restore their hormone levels, aiming to boost their energy and rekindle their sexual desire.

Although TRT is widely used, it continues to be a contentious matter due to uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Years ago, studies suggested a possible connection between TRT and a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease, leading to safety concerns.

Dr. Frances Hayes, a reproductive endocrinologist at the Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, identifies several study limitations.

“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 validate this view. At the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, research on 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone levels and no cardiovascular disease history showed that TRT did not increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in healthy men.

Research highlighted in the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings indicated no link 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.

The link between TRT and other health issues is mixed. Despite earlier associations between TRT and a higher risk of prostate cancer, the December 2015 Journal of Urology published a study finding no increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer with five years of TRT exposure. This challenges traditional views and calls for more research into TRT’s long-term effects.

TRT’s long-term risks remain uncertain due to limited follow-up in many studies. However, individuals should not overlook TRT as a potential solution, as it may still be appropriate for certain individuals.

Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?

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

Utilizing a standard blood test is a typical practice to assess testosterone levels. Considering the daily variations and the impact of medication and diet, conducting multiple tests is imperative. Dr. Hayes emphasizes, “In about 30% of cases where the initial testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests reveal normal levels.”

Low testosterone levels and encountering various symptoms don’t always warrant immediate testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Dr. Hayes advises, “Identifying the root cause of declining levels enables us to address it and naturally boost low levels.”

Consider weight gain, for example, frequently the primary contributor to declining levels. “Weight has a more significant impact on testosterone levels than aging. As weight increases, testosterone levels tend to decrease,” she stresses. A five-point rise on the body mass index (BMI) scale, such as advancing from 30 to 35, corresponds to adding a decade to your age concerning 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 situations, your doctor might manage the root cause or adjust your medication or dosage to sidestep impacting testosterone levels.

Men should recognize the constraints of TRT, as it’s often lauded as a miraculous remedy. “Its outcomes are typically not as astounding as men expect,” Dr. Hayes observes.

Highlighted frequently as advantages of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) are sexual health and vitality. A study in the Feb. 18, 2016 release of The New England Journal of Medicine examined the effects of TRT on 790 men aged 65 and older. Those administered TRT for one year, compared to those on a placebo, noticed improvements in sexual function, including activity, desire, and erectile function. Nonetheless, the group observed only a marginal improvement in mood and detected no changes in walking speed, indicating TRT’s limited impact on vitality.

Using TRT

TRT can be administered through gel application or injection. With gel, the daily dose, about the size of a ketchup packet, is evenly spread over both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are usually given into the buttocks every two weeks.

Each method provides specific advantages, with gels ensuring consistent testosterone levels. “However, you should be careful to avoid close skin contact for a few hours, especially with women, as testosterone could cause acne or hair growth,” Dr. Hayes advises.

After receiving an injection, testosterone levels might exhibit a temporary increase and then diminish, leading to mood and energy variations akin to a roller-coaster.

Most men in Englewood typically notice symptom improvement within four to six weeks, while it may take three to six months to see changes in muscle mass.

TRT doesn’t have to be lifelong. “If the factor that caused your testosterone drop is resolved, you should try stopping the treatment and be re-evaluated by your doctor,” says Dr. Hayes.