A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]
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In the last ten years, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has become increasingly favored in Central Bakersfield. Many older men are choosing this therapy to replenish their hormone levels, with hopes of enhancing their energy and rekindling their sexual interest.
Despite its widespread application, TRT remains a divisive topic because of ambiguous benefits and potential health risks. Earlier studies indicated a possible link between TRT and increased cardiovascular disease risk, raising safety issues.
Dr. Frances Hayes, serving as a Reproductive Endocrinologist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, sees 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
Recent studies confirm this stance. At the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, research on 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone levels and no cardiovascular disease history indicated that TRT did not raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in healthy men.
Additional studies in the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings revealed 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 connection between TRT and other health issues is inconsistent. While earlier studies linked TRT to a higher risk of prostate cancer, a December 2015 Journal of Urology study found no increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer after five years of TRT exposure. This challenges conventional beliefs and warrants further investigation into TRT’s long-term effects.
The long-term risks of TRT remain uncertain due to limited follow-up in many studies. However, individuals should consider TRT as a potential solution, as it may be appropriate for certain cases.
Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?
To receive a TRT prescription in Central Bakersfield, patients must meet two criteria: low testosterone levels (below 600 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL)) and experiencing various symptoms (refer to page 7). Dr. Hayes emphasizes, “While it’s conceivable to have low levels without symptoms, if crucial symptoms like fatigue and sexual dysfunction aren’t present, initiating TRT isn’t advisable due to current uncertainties surrounding its long-term safety.”
Testosterone levels are commonly assessed with a standard blood test. Considering the daily variations and the impact of medication and diet, multiple tests are required. Dr. Hayes explains, “In around 30% of cases where the initial testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests show normal levels.”
Low testosterone levels and various symptoms don’t always mean testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the immediate solution. Dr. Hayes suggests “By understanding the underlying cause of declining levels, we can address it and naturally enhance low levels.”
For example, sexual well-being and vitality are commonly cited as advantages of TRT. A study in the February 18, 2016 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine examined 790 men aged 65 and older to evaluate TRT’s effects. Men who underwent TRT for a year, compared to those taking a placebo, saw improvements in sexual function such as activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group saw only marginal improvements in mood and found no changes in walking speed, which is a measure of TRT’s impact on vitality.
“Your doctor should also consider any additional factors that could influence levels, such as medication or medical conditions,” suggests Dr. Hayes. In such situations, your doctor could tackle the root cause or adjust your medication or dosage to avoid impacting testosterone levels.
Men should be mindful of the limitations of TRT, often heralded as a miracle cure. “Its outcomes are typically not as astounding as men expect,” Dr. Hayes observes.
This is demonstrated by the frequent focus on sexual health and vitality as advantages of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). A study outlined in the February 18, 2016 edition of The New England Journal of Medicine investigated how TRT affected 790 men aged 65 and older. Participants who underwent TRT for one year, compared to those given a placebo, experienced enhancements in sexual function, such as activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group observed only a slight improvement in mood and detected no changes in walking speed, a measure of TRT’s impact on vitality.
Using TRT
Administering TRT is possible through gel application or injection. Gel application involves spreading a daily dose, approximately the size of a ketchup packet, across both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are commonly administered into the buttocks every two weeks.
Both approaches provide unique benefits, particularly gels for maintaining 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.
After receiving an injection, testosterone levels might briefly peak before gradually declining, resulting in mood and energy variations akin to a roller-coaster.
In Central Bakersfield, many men often observe symptom relief within four to six weeks, with changes in muscle mass potentially taking three to six months.
It’s important to understand that TRT doesn’t have to be maintained indefinitely. “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.