A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]
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In the past decade, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has surged in popularity in Cascade. Many older men have chosen TRT to replenish their hormone levels, hoping to enhance their energy and revive their sexual drive.
Despite its widespread adoption, TRT remains a contentious topic due to uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Years ago, studies suggested a possible link between TRT and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, raising safety concerns.
Dr. Frances Hayes, a reproductive endocrinologist at the Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, highlights 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 research supports this perspective. A study presented at the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions examined 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone levels and no prior cardiovascular disease.
The findings indicated that TRT did not increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in healthy men.
Further findings in the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings indicated no link 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 TRT has been previously linked to a higher risk of prostate cancer, a December 2015 Journal of Urology study found that five years of TRT exposure did not correlate with an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer. This finding challenges conventional beliefs about TRT’s impact on prostate health and calls for further investigation into TRT’s long-term effects.
TRT’s long-term risks remain uncertain due to limited follow-up in many studies. Nevertheless, individuals shouldn’t shy away from exploring TRT as an option, as it could still be suitable for specific cases.
Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?
In Cascade, obtaining a TRT prescription requires meeting two prerequisites: 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, starting TRT isn’t recommended due to current uncertainties about its long-term safety.”
A standard blood test is often utilized to gauge testosterone levels. Because of the daily fluctuations and the effects of medication and diet, multiple tests are necessary. Dr. Hayes explains, “In roughly 30% of cases where the initial testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests show normal levels.”
Despite low testosterone levels and presenting various symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) might not be the immediate remedy. Dr. Hayes recommends, “Understanding the root cause of declining levels allows us to tackle it and naturally elevate low levels.”
Take weight gain, for instance, often the chief culprit behind diminishing levels. “Weight plays a larger role in testosterone levels than aging. As weight increases, testosterone levels typically decrease,” she emphasizes. A five-point surge on the body mass index (BMI) scale, like progressing from 30 to 35, equals 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 could address the root cause or modify your medication or dosage to prevent affecting testosterone levels.
Men should understand the limitations of TRT, as it’s often regarded as a miraculous remedy. “Its outcomes are typically not as astounding as men expect,” Dr. Hayes observes.
As an example, the advantages of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) often spotlight sexual health and vitality. In a study published in the Feb. 18, 2016 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers explored how TRT impacted 790 men aged 65 and older. Those who underwent TRT for one year, compared to those on a placebo, observed improvements in sexual function, encompassing activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group experienced only a slight uplift in mood and detected no changes in walking speed, a measure of TRT’s effect on vitality.
Using TRT
TRT can be delivered through either gel application or injection. When using gel, you distribute the daily dose, approximately the size of a ketchup packet, over both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are typically administered into the buttocks every two weeks.
Both methods have distinct benefits, 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.
Testosterone levels may experience a surge for several days post-injection, followed by a gradual decline, resulting in mood and energy fluctuations akin to a roller-coaster.
Most men in Cascade usually see symptom improvement within four to six weeks, although muscle mass changes may take three to six months.
TRT isn’t always 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.