A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]
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Throughout the past ten years, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has grown in popularity in Buckhead. A large number of older men have pursued TRT to rejuvenate their hormone levels, seeking to boost their energy and reignite their sexual drive.
Despite being commonly used, TRT remains a controversial issue owing to its uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Studies from years ago hinted at a possible connection between TRT and increased cardiovascular disease risk, prompting safety concerns.
Observing the limitations in some studies, Dr. Frances Hayes, a reproductive endocrinologist at the Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, provides a critique.
“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 research confirms this stance. A study unveiled at the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions included 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone and no history of cardiovascular disease.
The findings indicated that TRT did not heighten the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death among healthy men.
Research detailed in the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings revealed no association 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 relationship between TRT and other health issues presents a mixed scenario. 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 conventional understanding and calls for more research into TRT’s long-term effects.
TRT’s long-term risks remain unclear due to limited follow-up in many studies. However, individuals should not overlook TRT as a potential option, as it may still be beneficial for certain cases.
Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?
Meeting two prerequisites is essential for receiving a TRT prescription in Buckhead: 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.”
Employing a standard blood test is a routine practice to measure testosterone levels. With the daily fluctuations and the influence of medication and diet, conducting multiple tests is crucial. Dr. Hayes mentions, “In roughly 30% of cases where the initial testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests demonstrate normal levels.”
Even with low testosterone levels and encountering diverse symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) isn’t always the first option. Dr. Hayes recommends, “Identifying the underlying cause of declining levels helps us 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 underlying cause or tweak your medication or dosage to sidestep impacting testosterone levels.
Men should recognize the constraints of TRT, as it’s frequently lauded as a miraculous solution. “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 edition 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 enhancements in sexual function, including activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group experienced only a slight uplift in mood and detected no alterations 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 distributed over both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are typically 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.
Post-injection, testosterone levels may briefly spike before diminishing, leading to mood and energy levels oscillating like a roller-coaster.
Most men in Buckhead usually notice symptom improvement within four to six weeks, although it may take three to six months to see changes in muscle mass.
TRT doesn’t necessarily need 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.