A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]

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Over the last ten years, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has become increasingly popular in El Dorado Hills, CA. A growing number of older men are seeking TRT to restore their hormone levels, enhance their energy, and revitalize their sexual vitality.

Although testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has become more popular, it is still a contentious topic due to uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Previous studies have raised concerns about its safety, indicating a possible connection between TRT and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

According to Dr. Frances Hayes, a reproductive endocrinologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, which is affiliated with Harvard, some of these studies had limitations in their 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

This perspective is reinforced by recent research. At the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, a study was presented involving 1,472 men aged 52 to 63, all with low testosterone levels and no history of heart disease.

The study found that men in good health undergoing TRT did not show an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or mortality.

Moreover, research featured in the August 2015 edition of Mayo Clinic Proceedings concluded that TRT was not associated with 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 shows considerable variation. Despite historical links to a higher incidence of prostate cancer, a December 2015 study in the Journal of Urology found that TRT exposure over five years did not correlate with an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

Ongoing uncertainties about the long-term risks of TRT persist because many studies have limited follow-up periods. Nevertheless, this does not suggest that TRT should be entirely dismissed. For specific groups of men, TRT can be a suitable treatment option.

Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name], CA?

In El Dorado Hills, CA, qualifying for a TRT prescription involves meeting two criteria: having testosterone levels below 600 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) and exhibiting multiple symptoms (refer to 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 usually used to assess testosterone levels. Given that these levels can fluctuate daily due to factors such as medication and diet, multiple tests are often needed. 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 experiencing several symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is not necessarily the first line of treatment. “Identifying the underlying cause of declining levels allows us to address it and naturally boost low levels,” states Dr. Hayes.

Consider weight gain, which frequently serves as the main cause of decreasing testosterone levels. “Weight exerts a more substantial influence on testosterone levels than aging. As weight increases, testosterone levels decrease,” she explains. Raising your BMI by five points, for example, from 30 to 35, can have a similar impact on testosterone levels as adding 10 years to your age.

“Your doctor should also assess any additional factors that could impact levels, such as medication or medical conditions,” advises Dr. Hayes. Your doctor may address the root cause or adjust your medication or dosage to prevent affecting testosterone levels in such cases.

Men should be aware of the limitations of TRT, as it is often mistakenly viewed as a quick-fix solution. “Its results are often less remarkable than many men envision,” notes Dr. Hayes.

Sexual health and vitality are frequently highlighted as benefits of TRT. A study featured in the February 18, 2016 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine assessed TRT’s effects on 790 men aged 65 and older. Those who received TRT for one year exhibited better sexual function, including activity, desire, and erectile function, compared to the placebo group. However, mood enhancements were minimal and walking speed, an indicator of vitality, remained unchanged.

Using TRT

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is frequently delivered through either gel application or injections. The gel is applied daily, roughly the size of a ketchup packet, to your upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are typically administered every two weeks into the buttocks.

Both methods offer unique advantages, with gels typically ensuring 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.

With injections, testosterone levels often spike for several days after administration before tapering off. This can result in fluctuating mood and energy levels, leading to a roller-coaster experience.

In El Dorado Hills, CA, men often notice improvement in symptoms within four to six weeks, though visible changes such as increased muscle mass may require three to six months.

Furthermore, TRT may not require lifelong commitment. “If the cause of your low testosterone levels resolves, you should try stopping treatment and get re-evaluated by your doctor,” says Dr. Hayes.