A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]

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Over the past ten years, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has seen a significant rise in popularity in Carlsbad. Countless older men have embraced TRT to rejuvenate hormone levels, aiming to boost their energy and revitalize their sex drive.

However, TRT remains a topic of debate due to its uncertain benefits and possible health risks. Years ago, safety concerns were raised when studies suggested a potential link between TRT and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Frances Hayes, a reproductive endocrinologist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, highlights that some of these studies had limitations.

“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 findings have bolstered this view. Research presented at the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions included 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone levels and no prior heart disease history.

Researchers discovered that healthy men who underwent TRT did not exhibit an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or death.

Moreover, a study published in the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings found 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.

The association between TRT and other health concerns is also varied. While TRT has been previously associated with a higher occurrence of prostate cancer, a study published in the December 2015 Journal of Urology revealed that exposure to TRT over a five-year duration was not correlated with an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

The long-term uncertainties surrounding the risks of TRT persist due to limited follow-ups in many studies. However, this doesn’t imply that you should steer clear of TRT. For a specific subset of men, this therapy can represent a viable option.

Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?

To obtain a prescription for TRT in Carlsbad, you must meet two criteria: low testosterone levels—less than 600 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL)—and the presence of several symptoms (see 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.”

A standard blood test is employed to assess testosterone levels. Multiple tests are required due to fluctuations that can occur daily, influenced by medication and diet. Dr. Hayes mentions, “In 30% of instances where the first testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests show normal levels.”

Even with low testosterone levels and multiple symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) isn’t automatically the first step. “Identifying the underlying cause of declining levels allows us to address it and naturally boost low levels,” states Dr. Hayes.

Take weight gain, for instance, which is often the leading factor behind declining levels. “Weight exerts a more substantial influence on testosterone levels than aging. As weight increases, testosterone levels decrease,” she explains. A five-point increase on the body mass index (BMI) scale, such as moving from 30 to 35, is comparable to adding 10 years to your age regarding testosterone levels.

“Your doctor should also assess any additional factors that could impact levels, such as medication or medical conditions,” advises Dr. Hayes. In such cases, your doctor might address the root cause or modify your medication or dosage to avoid affecting testosterone levels.

Men should also recognize the constraints of TRT, as numerous view it as a kind of magical solution. “Its results are often less remarkable than many men envision,” notes Dr. Hayes.

Take sexual health and vitality, for example, often touted benefits of TRT. A study published in the Feb. 18, 2016 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine examined the effects of TRT on 790 men aged 65 and older. Those receiving TRT for one year, compared to those on a placebo, experienced improvements in sexual function, including activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group saw only slight mood enhancement and no changes in walking speed, a measure of TRT’s effect on vitality.

Using TRT

TRT is commonly administered via gel application or injection. With a gel, you apply the daily dose, roughly the size of a ketchup packet, to both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are typically administered into the buttocks biweekly.

Each method has its own benefits. Gels provide 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.

With injections, testosterone levels can surge to high levels for several days post-injection and then gradually decrease. This can create a roller-coaster effect, where mood and energy levels peak before declining.

Most men in Carlsbad experience symptom improvement within four to six weeks, though changes such as increased muscle mass can take three to six months.

TRT may not need to be a lifelong treatment. “If the cause of your low testosterone levels resolves, you should try stopping treatment and get re-evaluated by your doctor,” says Dr. Hayes.