A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]

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In the past decade, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has gained notable traction in Fairlawn, OH. Many older men are turning to TRT to restore their hormone levels and boost their energy and sexual vitality.

Although testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is becoming more popular, it is still debated because of its uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Concerns about its safety have surfaced in the past, particularly when studies suggested a possible link between TRT and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Frances Hayes, a reproductive endocrinologist at the Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, points out that the scope of some studies was 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

Supporting this perspective, recent research was highlighted at the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions. The study involved 1,472 men aged 52 to 63, all with low testosterone levels and no prior heart disease.

The research indicated that men in good health who were administered TRT did not show a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or mortality.

The August 2015 edition of Mayo Clinic Proceedings published a study which found no correlation between TRT and venous blood clots in 30,000 men. “Right now, the jury is still out about TRT’s influence on cardiovascular disease,” says Dr. Hayes.

TRT’s relationship with other health problems shows significant variation. While there has been historical concern about a higher incidence of prostate cancer, a study published in the December 2015 Journal of Urology found no connection between TRT over a five-year period and aggressive prostate cancer.

While uncertainties about the long-term risks of TRT persist due to limited follow-up in many studies, this does not mean TRT should be avoided altogether. For certain men, this therapy can be an appropriate choice.

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

In Fairlawn, OH, obtaining a TRT prescription requires satisfying two criteria: testosterone levels below 600 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) and experiencing several symptoms (refer to 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.”

Testosterone levels are generally checked using a standard blood test. Because these levels can fluctuate daily due to factors like medication and diet, it’s often necessary to conduct multiple tests. Dr. Hayes mentions, “In 30% of instances where the first testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests show normal levels.”

Despite presenting with low testosterone levels and various symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may not be the first choice of treatment. “Identifying the underlying cause of declining levels allows us to address it and naturally boost low levels,” states Dr. Hayes.

Weight gain is often a key factor in lowering testosterone levels, which should be considered. “Weight exerts a more substantial influence on testosterone levels than aging. As weight increases, testosterone levels decrease,” she explains. A five-point increase in BMI, for example, moving from 30 to 35, can have an effect on testosterone levels comparable to adding 10 years to your age.

“Your doctor should also assess any additional factors that could impact levels, such as medication or medical conditions,” advises Dr. Hayes. In these circumstances, your doctor might focus on the root cause or modify your medication or dosage to ensure testosterone levels are not affected.

Men need to realize that TRT is not simply a quick-fix solution.. “Its results are often less remarkable than many men envision,” notes Dr. Hayes.

TRT is often associated with benefits such as enhanced sexual health and vitality. According to a study published in the February 18, 2016 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, 790 men aged 65 and older were studied. TRT recipients showed better sexual function, including activity, desire, and erectile function, after one year compared to the placebo group. However, mood improvements were minimal, and walking speed, an indicator of vitality, remained unchanged.

Using TRT

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is commonly administered through gel or injections. The gel, about the size of a ketchup packet, is applied daily to your upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are generally given biweekly into the buttocks.

Different methods each have their merits, with gels often resulting in 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.

Injections can lead to a spike in testosterone levels shortly after administration, followed by a gradual decrease. This fluctuation might cause mood and energy levels to experience a roller-coaster effect.

Most men in Fairlawn, OH, find symptom relief within four to six weeks, though significant changes like increased muscle mass may take three to six months to become apparent.

Moreover, lifelong treatment with TRT is not always necessary. “If the cause of your low testosterone levels resolves, you should try stopping treatment and get re-evaluated by your doctor,” says Dr. Hayes.