- Call (463) 243-6700
- Text (463) 243-6700
Get Started Now
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is gaining popularity, yet it remains controversial due to its uncertain benefits and potential health risks. In the past, concerns about its safety have been raised, with studies indicating a possible association between TRT and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Frances Hayes, a reproductive endocrinologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, which is affiliated with Harvard, notes 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
According to the study, men in good health who underwent testosterone replacement therapy did not experience a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or mortality.
A study from the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings concluded that TRT had no association with venous blood clots in a sample of 30,000 men. “Right now, the jury is still out about TRT’s influence on cardiovascular disease,” says Dr. Hayes.
The connection between TRT and other health issues varies greatly. Although historically associated with a higher incidence of prostate cancer, research in the December 2015 Journal of Urology found no increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer with five years of TRT use.
Ongoing uncertainties about the long-term risks of TRT are attributed to the limited follow-up in numerous studies. However, TRT should not be dismissed entirely, as it can still be a suitable option for some men.
Who Is a Candidate For TRT In Avon, IN?
To measure testosterone levels, a standard blood test is commonly employed. Due to daily fluctuations from factors such as medication and diet, multiple tests are usually needed. Dr. Hayes mentions, “In 30% of instances where the first testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests show normal levels.”
Low testosterone levels and multiple symptoms do not necessarily mean that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) will be the initial treatment strategy. “Identifying the underlying cause of declining levels allows us to address it and naturally boost low levels,” states Dr. Hayes.
For example, weight gain is frequently a leading cause of reduced testosterone levels. “Weight exerts a more substantial influence on testosterone levels than aging. As weight increases, testosterone levels decrease,” she explains. A five-point BMI increase, such as from 30 to 35, is equivalent to a 10-year increase in 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. When faced with such issues, your doctor might address the underlying cause or alter your medication or dosage to prevent affecting testosterone levels.
It’s crucial for men to understand that TRT is not a mere quick-fix solution.. “Its results are often less remarkable than many men envision,” notes Dr. Hayes.
Sexual health and vitality are frequently cited benefits of TRT. A study from the February 18, 2016 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine explored TRT’s effects on 790 men aged 65 and older. Those on TRT for one year showed improvements in sexual function—activity, desire, and erectile function—relative to the placebo group. Yet, mood enhancements were minimal, and walking speed, a measure of vitality, did not change.
Using TRT
Each method has particular advantages, with gels commonly providing more consistent 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.
After testosterone injections, levels can rise significantly for a few days before tapering off. This variation often results in a roller-coaster effect on mood and energy levels.
In Avon, IN, symptom improvement is typically noticed within four to six weeks for most men, with enhancements like increased muscle mass potentially requiring three to six months.
In addition, TRT may not always be required on a lifelong basis. “If the cause of your low testosterone levels resolves, you should try stopping treatment and get re-evaluated by your doctor,” says Dr. Hayes.