A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]

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In the last ten years, the popularity of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has grown significantly in Fullerton. Many older men have embraced this therapy to replenish their hormone levels, seeking to enhance their vitality and reignite their sexual interest.

Despite its frequent application, TRT remains a divisive issue owing to ambiguous benefits and potential health risks. Earlier research suggested a possible link between TRT and increased cardiovascular disease risk, prompting safety concerns.

Acknowledging the limitations in some studies, Dr. Frances Hayes, a Reproductive Endocrinologist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, shares her views.

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

Additional research 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 association between TRT and other health issues is mixed. While past studies linked TRT to a higher risk of prostate cancer, a December 2015 Journal of Urology study showed no increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer after five years of TRT exposure. This challenges conventional beliefs and suggests the need for further investigation into TRT’s long-term effects.

TRT’s long-term risks remain uncertain because many studies have limited follow-up. However, it should not be overlooked as a potential solution, as it may be appropriate for specific cases.

Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?

To get a TRT prescription in Fullerton, patients must fulfill 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 commonly involves a typical blood test. Considering daily variations and the impact of medication and diet, multiple tests are needed. Dr. Hayes explains, “In around 30% of cases where the initial testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests show normal levels.”

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may not always be the immediate choice, even with low testosterone levels and various symptoms. Dr. Hayes suggests, “By understanding the underlying cause of declining levels, we can address it and naturally enhance low levels.”

As an example, improvements in sexual well-being and vitality are often highlighted as benefits of TRT. A study published in the February 18, 2016 edition of The New England Journal of Medicine involved 790 men aged 65 and older to examine TRT’s effects. Men who received TRT for one year, compared to those on a placebo, experienced enhancements in sexual function, including activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group saw only slight improvements in mood and noticed no changes in walking speed, a gauge of TRT’s effect on vitality.

“Your doctor should also consider any additional factors that could influence levels, such as medication or medical conditions,” proposes Dr. Hayes. In such situations, your doctor might address the primary cause or adjust your medication or dosage to prevent affecting testosterone levels.

Men should be mindful of the limitations of TRT, commonly heralded as a miracle cure. “Its outcomes are typically not as astounding as men expect,” Dr. Hayes observes.

This can be illustrated by the frequent emphasis on sexual health and vitality as advantages of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). According to a study detailed in the February 18, 2016 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers explored the effects of TRT on 790 men aged 65 and older. Participants who underwent TRT for one year, compared to those on a placebo, noticed enhancements in sexual function, including activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group saw only a slight improvement in mood and found no alterations in walking speed, which measures TRT’s impact on vitality.

Using TRT

Administering TRT is possible through gel application or injection. Gel application involves spreading a daily dose, roughly the size of a ketchup packet, over both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are commonly administered into the buttocks every two weeks.

Both approaches offer unique benefits, with gels known for their ability to stabilize 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.

Upon receiving an injection, testosterone levels could briefly spike before settling, leading to mood and energy changes reminiscent of a roller-coaster.

In Fullerton, many men often experience symptom alleviation within four to six weeks, while changes in muscle mass might require three to six months.

It’s important to recognize that TRT doesn’t have to be permanent. “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.