A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]

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Over the last ten years, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has become significantly more popular in GLEN MILLS, PA. A large number of older men have embraced TRT to rejuvenate their hormone levels, aiming to boost their energy and revitalize their sex drive.

Despite its increasing use, TRT remains controversial because of its unclear benefits and potential health risks. Several years ago, safety concerns were raised when studies indicated a possible association between TRT and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Frances Hayes, a reproductive endocrinologist from Harvard’s Massachusetts General Hospital, highlights that a number of these studies faced limitations.

“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 discoveries have strengthened this position. Research presented at the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions involved 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 years old, all with low testosterone levels and no history of heart disease.

Studies showed that healthy men undergoing TRT did not have a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or death.

Furthermore, a study published in the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings found no link between TRT and venous blood clots in a study involving 30,000 men. “Right now, the jury is still out about TRT’s influence on cardiovascular disease,” says Dr. Hayes.

The relationship between TRT and other health issues varies widely. Although TRT has been linked to an increased occurrence of prostate cancer, a study published in the December 2015 Journal of Urology revealed that exposure to TRT over a five-year period was not associated with a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

There are persistent uncertainties regarding the long-term risks of TRT, largely due to inadequate follow-up in numerous studies. Despite this, it does not mean that TRT should be completely avoided. It can still be considered a viable treatment option for certain groups of men.

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

In GLEN MILLS, PA, eligibility for TRT prescription is based on meeting two criteria: having testosterone levels below 600 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) and experiencing 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.”

Using a standard blood test, testosterone levels are assessed, requiring multiple tests due to daily fluctuations influenced by medication and diet. Dr. Hayes mentions, “In 30% of instances where the first testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests show normal levels.”

Even with low testosterone levels and several symptoms present, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is not always the initial recommendation. “Identifying the underlying cause of declining levels allows us to address it and naturally boost low levels,” states Dr. Hayes.

Weight gain, for example, is often the leading factor contributing to declining levels. “Weight exerts a more substantial influence on testosterone levels than aging. As weight increases, testosterone levels decrease,” she explains. Increasing your body mass index (BMI) by five points, such as moving from 30 to 35, has a similar effect on testosterone levels as aging by 10 years.

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

Men should recognize the limitations of TRT, as it is often perceived as a magical solution. “Its results are often less remarkable than many men envision,” notes Dr. Hayes.

Take sexual health and vitality, for example, often cited as advantages of TRT. A study published in the February 18, 2016 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine investigated TRT’s effects on 790 men aged 65 and older. Those undergoing TRT for one year, compared to those on a placebo, showed enhancements in sexual function—activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group reported only slight mood enhancement and no changes in walking speed, an indicator of TRT’s impact on vitality.

Using TRT

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is often delivered through gel application or injections. With gels, a daily dose about the size of a ketchup packet is applied to the upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are usually given biweekly into the buttocks.

Each method has distinct advantages, with gels ensuring more consistent 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 may rise sharply for several days following the injection and then gradually taper off. This can create a roller-coaster effect, with mood and energy levels peaking and then diminishing.

Most men in GLEN MILLS, PA experience symptom improvement within four to six weeks, though changes such as increased muscle mass may take three to six months to fully develop.

It’s also important to consider that TRT may not be a lifelong necessity. “If the cause of your low testosterone levels resolves, you should try stopping treatment and get re-evaluated by your doctor,” says Dr. Hayes.