A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name], NC
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Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has seen a notable rise in Cary, NC over the past decade. Numerous older men are seeking TRT to restore their hormone levels, aiming to boost their energy and rejuvenate their sexual vitality.
Although testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has become more popular, it remains a subject of debate due to uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Past studies have raised concerns about its safety, suggesting a possible connection between TRT and an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Frances Hayes, a reproductive endocrinologist at the Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, emphasizes that some studies were restricted in scope.
“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 supports this viewpoint. Findings from a study involving 1,472 men aged 52 to 63, all with low testosterone and no history of heart disease, were presented at the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions.
The research concluded that men in good health who were on TRT did not exhibit a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or mortality.
In the August 2015 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, a study found no connection between TRT and venous blood clots in a cohort of 30,000 men. “Right now, the jury is still out about TRT’s influence on cardiovascular disease,” says Dr. Hayes.
TRT’s association with other health issues varies considerably. Despite a historical link to higher prostate cancer incidence, a study published in the December 2015 Journal of Urology found that five years of TRT exposure did not correlate with an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
Due to limited follow-up in many studies, the long-term risks of TRT remain uncertain. However, this does not mean TRT should be avoided entirely. For certain groups of men, TRT may still be a fitting choice.
Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name], NC?
To receive a TRT prescription in Cary, NC, individuals must satisfy two conditions: testosterone levels under 600 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) and showing multiple 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 typically used to assess testosterone levels. Given the daily fluctuations caused by factors such as medication and diet, several tests are often required. Dr. Hayes mentions, “In 30% of instances where the first testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests show normal levels.”
Despite having low testosterone levels and exhibiting several symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is not always the initial treatment approach. “Identifying the underlying cause of declining levels allows us to address it and naturally boost low levels,” states Dr. Hayes.
Weight gain should be considered, as it frequently acts as the main cause of declining testosterone levels. “Weight exerts a more substantial influence on testosterone levels than aging. As weight increases, testosterone levels decrease,” she explains. An increase of five points on the BMI scale, such as shifting from 30 to 35, can have a similar effect on testosterone levels as aging an additional 10 years.
“Your doctor should also assess any additional factors that could impact levels, such as medication or medical conditions,” advises Dr. Hayes. Your doctor might need to address the underlying cause or modify your medication or dosage to avoid affecting testosterone levels in such cases.
It’s vital for men to be aware that TRT is not a straightforward quick-fix solution. “Its results are often less remarkable than many men envision,” notes Dr. Hayes.
Sexual health and vitality are often emphasized as benefits of TRT. A study featured in The New England Journal of Medicine on February 18, 2016, examined TRT’s effects on 790 men aged 65 and older. Those on TRT for one year experienced improvements in sexual function—activity, desire, and erectile function—relative to those on a placebo. However, mood enhancement was minimal, and walking speed, an indicator of vitality, showed no significant change.
Using TRT
For TRT, you can receive treatment through gel or injections. The gel, about the size of a ketchup packet, is applied daily to the upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are typically administered every two weeks into the buttocks.
Each method has its own set of advantages, with gels generally leading to 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.
Injections can lead to a temporary spike in testosterone levels, which typically lasts for several days before gradually decreasing. This fluctuation can produce a roller-coaster effect on mood and energy levels.
In Cary, NC, most men notice a reduction in symptoms within four to six weeks, although changes like increased muscle mass may take three to six months to fully manifest.
Moreover, TRT does not necessarily have to be a permanent 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.