A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]

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In the previous ten years, TRT has gained significant traction in Katy. Numerous older men have opted for this therapy to restore hormone levels, hoping to increase their energy and rejuvenate their sexual interest.

Despite its broad use, TRT remains a controversial topic due to uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Years ago, studies indicated a possible link between TRT and increased cardiovascular disease risk, prompting safety concerns.

From the Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Frances Hayes, a reproductive endocrinologist, notes the limitations in some studies.

“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

New studies affirm this perspective. 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 indicated that TRT did not heighten the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death among healthy men.

Research in the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings showed no connection 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.

TRT’s relationship with other health issues presents a mixed scenario. Although previous studies associated TRT with a higher risk of prostate cancer, the December 2015 Journal of Urology published a study indicating no increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer with five years of TRT exposure. This finding challenges traditional views and warrants further research into TRT’s long-term effects.

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

Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?

Meeting two prerequisites is essential for obtaining a TRT prescription in Katy: 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 crucial symptoms like fatigue and sexual dysfunction aren’t present, starting TRT isn’t recommended due to current uncertainties regarding its long-term safety.”

Employing a standard blood test is a routine practice to measure testosterone levels. Given the daily fluctuations and the impact of medication and diet, conducting multiple tests becomes crucial. Dr. Hayes emphasizes, “In roughly 30% of cases where the initial testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests demonstrate normal levels.”

Even with low testosterone levels and presenting with different symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) isn’t always the immediate resolution. Dr. Hayes recommends, “Identifying the root cause of declining levels enables us to address it and naturally boost low levels.”

Take weight gain, for instance, often the top cause of decreasing levels. “Weight plays a larger role in testosterone levels than aging. As weight increases, 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 instances, your doctor may address the root cause or adjust your medication or dosage to prevent influencing testosterone levels.

Men should understand the confines of TRT, as it’s commonly touted as a magical remedy. “Its outcomes are typically not as astounding as men expect,” Dr. Hayes observes.

An illustration of this can be seen in the frequent emphasis on sexual health and vitality as benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). A study detailed in the Feb. 18, 2016 release of The New England Journal of Medicine investigated the effects of TRT on 790 men aged 65 and older. Participants who received TRT for one year, compared to those on a placebo, observed enhancements in sexual function, including activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group only experienced a marginal improvement in mood and detected no alterations in walking speed, a measure of TRT’s effect on vitality.

Using TRT

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

Both methods offer specific benefits, with gels ensuring consistent testosterone levels and injections providing a convenient bi-weekly schedule. “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.

Testosterone levels can experience a temporary surge following an injection, followed by a decline, resulting in mood and energy fluctuations similar to a roller-coaster effect.

Most men in Katy commonly see symptom improvement within four to six weeks, while muscle mass changes might take three to six months.

TRT doesn’t necessarily have to be a lifelong commitment. “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.