A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]
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In the last ten years, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has become highly popular in Cottonwood Heights. Many older men have sought TRT to restore their hormone levels, hoping to boost their energy and revive their sexual desire.
Although TRT has become widely accepted, it remains a contentious matter due to its uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Years ago, studies proposed a possible association between TRT and a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease, sparking safety concerns.
Dr. Frances Hayes, a reproductive endocrinologist at the Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, observes limitations in some of the 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 have confirmed this perspective. At the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, research on 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone and no cardiovascular disease history indicated that TRT did not elevate the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in healthy men.
Research highlighted in the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings revealed 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 link to other health issues presents a mixed scenario. Although previous studies associated TRT with a higher risk of prostate cancer, the December 2015 Journal of Urology published a study indicating no increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer with five years of TRT exposure. This challenges conventional beliefs about TRT’s impact on prostate health and warrants further investigation into its long-term effects.
The long-term risks of TRT remain unclear due to limited follow-up in many studies. However, individuals should not discount TRT as an option, as it may still be beneficial for certain cases.
Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?
To obtain a TRT prescription in Cottonwood Heights, meeting two prerequisites is necessary: 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 crucial symptoms like fatigue and sexual dysfunction aren’t present, starting TRT isn’t recommended due to current uncertainties about its long-term safety.”
Assessing testosterone levels typically involves a standard blood test. Given the daily variations and the effects of medication and diet, conducting multiple tests is crucial. Dr. Hayes emphasizes, “In about 30% of cases where the initial testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests show normal levels.”
Even with low testosterone levels and encountering various symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) isn’t always the first choice. Dr. Hayes recommends, “Identifying 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 exerts a greater influence on testosterone levels than aging. With an increase in weight, testosterone levels tend to 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 in terms of 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 tackle the root cause or adjust your medication or dosage to avoid affecting testosterone levels.
Men should grasp the limitations of TRT, as it’s commonly touted as a magical solution. “Its outcomes are typically not as astounding as men expect,” Dr. Hayes observes.
As an illustration, sexual health and vitality are often highlighted as benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). A study in the Feb. 18, 2016 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine investigated the impact of TRT on 790 men aged 65 and older. Participants who received TRT for one year, as opposed to those on a placebo, noticed enhancements in sexual function, including activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group only experienced a marginal improvement in mood and observed no changes in walking speed, indicating TRT’s limited impact on vitality.
Using TRT
TRT can be delivered through gel application or injection. When applying gel, the daily dose, about the size of a ketchup packet, is evenly spread over both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are typically administered into the buttocks every two weeks.
Both methods offer distinct advantages, 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 can rise sharply for a few days after an injection, followed by a gradual decrease, causing mood and energy levels to oscillate like a roller-coaster.
Symptom improvement is commonly seen by most men in Cottonwood Heights within four to six weeks, while muscle mass changes may require three to six months.
TRT isn’t always a lifelong requirement. “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.