A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]
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In the last ten years, Columbia has seen a considerable rise in the popularity of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Many older men are opting for this treatment to replenish their hormone levels, seeking to enhance their energy and reignite their sexual interest.
While TRT is commonly employed, it continues to be a contentious topic owing to unclear benefits and potential health risks. Previous studies indicated a possible link between TRT and an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, causing safety worries.
Dr. Frances Hayes, a Reproductive Endocrinologist at the Massachusetts General Hospital affiliated with Harvard, points out the limitations in various 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 support this stance. At the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, research involving 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone and no history of cardiovascular disease demonstrated that TRT did not increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in healthy men.
In the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings, additional research demonstrated 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 link between TRT and other health issues is mixed. While previous studies associated TRT with a higher risk of prostate cancer, a December 2015 Journal of Urology study indicated no increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer with five years of TRT exposure. This challenges conventional beliefs and suggests the need for further investigation into TRT’s long-term effects.
TRT’s long-term risks remain uncertain due to limited follow-up in numerous studies. However, it should not be dismissed as a potential solution, as it may be appropriate for specific cases.
Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?
TRT prescriptions in Columbia mandate meeting two conditions: 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.”
Measuring testosterone levels typically involves a blood test. Due to daily variations and the influence of medication and diet, multiple tests are necessary. Dr. Hayes explains, “In around 30% of cases where the initial testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests show normal levels.”
Even in cases with low testosterone levels and various symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may not be the immediate solution. Dr. Hayes suggests, “By understanding the underlying cause of declining levels, we can address it and naturally enhance low levels.”
For instance, TRT is frequently touted for its potential benefits to sexual well-being and vitality. A study in the February 18, 2016 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine investigated 790 men aged 65 and older to evaluate TRT’s effects. Those who underwent TRT for a year, compared to those taking a placebo, reported improvements in sexual function such as activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group experienced 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,” proposes Dr. Hayes. In such instances, your doctor may tackle the root cause or adjust your medication or dosage to sidestep influencing testosterone levels.
Men should recognize the constraints of TRT, often touted as a panacea. “Its outcomes are typically not as astounding as men expect,” Dr. Hayes observes.
This can be illustrated by the frequent emphasis on sexual health and vitality as advantages of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). According to a study detailed in the February 18, 2016 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers explored the effects of TRT on 790 men aged 65 and older. Participants who underwent TRT for one year, compared to those on a placebo, noticed enhancements in sexual function, including activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group saw only a slight improvement in mood and found no alterations in walking speed, which measures TRT’s impact on vitality.
Using TRT
Administering TRT is possible through either gel application or injections. Gel application involves applying a daily dose, roughly the size of a ketchup packet, over both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are commonly administered into the buttocks every two weeks.
Both options offer unique 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.
Upon receiving an injection, testosterone levels could briefly surge before settling, leading to mood and energy changes resembling a roller-coaster.
In Columbia, many men often experience symptom alleviation within four to six weeks, while changes in muscle mass might require three to six months.
It’s important to recognize that TRT doesn’t have 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.