A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]
Get Started Now
Over the past decade, TRT has become widely embraced in Jersey City. Many older men have chosen this therapy to replenish their hormone levels, seeking to enhance their energy and revive their sexual drive.
Even with its widespread adoption, TRT is a contentious issue owing to its uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Years ago, studies proposed a possible association between TRT and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, leading to safety concerns.
According to Dr. Frances Hayes, a reproductive endocrinologist at the Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, there are significant 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 research corroborates this view. Research revealed at the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions involved 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone and no cardiovascular disease history.
The findings showed that TRT did not elevate the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in healthy men.
The August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings presented research indicating 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 connection between TRT and other health issues is mixed. Despite earlier links between TRT and a higher risk of prostate cancer, the December 2015 Journal of Urology published a study showing no increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer with five years of TRT exposure. This finding challenges conventional beliefs and calls for further research into TRT’s long-term effects.
The long-term risks of TRT remain uncertain due to limited follow-up in many studies. Nevertheless, individuals should not shy away from considering TRT as a potential solution, as it may still be suitable for specific cases.
Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?
In Jersey City, getting a TRT prescription involves meeting two prerequisites: 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 essential symptoms like fatigue and sexual dysfunction aren’t present, initiating TRT isn’t advisable due to current uncertainties about its long-term safety.”
Utilizing a standard blood test is a typical method to assess testosterone levels. Considering the daily variations and the influence of medication and diet, conducting multiple tests becomes imperative. Dr. Hayes explains, “In about 30% of cases where the initial testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests reveal normal levels.”
Despite low testosterone levels and experiencing various symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) might not be the immediate solution. Dr. Hayes suggests, “By understanding the root cause of declining levels, we can address it and naturally elevate low levels.”
Consider weight gain, for example, frequently the primary contributor to declining levels. “Weight has a more significant impact on testosterone levels than aging. As weight increases, testosterone levels tend to decrease,” she stresses. A five-point rise on the body mass index (BMI) scale, such as advancing from 30 to 35, corresponds to adding a decade to your age concerning 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 cases, your doctor could tackle the underlying issue or modify your medication or dosage to avoid affecting testosterone levels.
Men should grasp the limitations of TRT, as it’s frequently celebrated as a miraculous solution. “Its outcomes are typically not as astounding as men expect,” Dr. Hayes observes.
Highlighted frequently as advantages of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) are sexual health and vitality. A study in the Feb. 18, 2016 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine examined the effects of TRT on 790 men aged 65 and older. Those administered TRT for one year, compared to those on a placebo, observed improvements in sexual function, including activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group experienced only a slight uplift in mood and detected no changes in walking speed, indicating TRT’s limited impact on vitality.
Using TRT
TRT can be administered through gel application or injection. When using gel, the daily dose, roughly the size of a ketchup packet, is distributed over both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are typically given into the buttocks every two weeks.
Each method offers 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.
Following an injection, testosterone levels might undergo a brief increase before tapering off, leading to mood and energy variations akin to a roller-coaster ride.
Symptom improvement is usually observed within four to six weeks by most men in Jersey City, although it may take three to six months to see changes in muscle mass.
TRT doesn’t have to be taken forever. “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.