A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]

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Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has experienced a surge in popularity over the past ten years in Laguna Hills. Millions of older men have turned to TRT to balance their hormone levels, hoping to enhance their energy and revive their sex drive.

Nevertheless, TRT is controversial due to its uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Safety concerns were highlighted years ago when research suggested a possible association between TRT and a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Frances Hayes, from Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, notes that some of these studies had certain 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 studies have validated this perspective. Research shared at the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions examined 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone and no previous heart disease.

It was found that healthy men receiving TRT did not have a higher likelihood of heart attack, stroke, or death.

A study 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 association with other health issues presents a complex scenario. Although TRT has previously been associated with a heightened incidence of prostate cancer, a study published in the December 2015 Journal of Urology found no link between exposure to TRT over a five-year timeframe and an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

Despite the lack of extensive follow-ups in many studies, the long-term risks of TRT remain unclear. However, this ambiguity shouldn’t deter you from considering TRT. It could still be a suitable option for certain individuals.

Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?

To be prescribed TRT in Laguna Hills, you need to fulfill two requirements: low testosterone levels (less than 600 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL)) and the presence of multiple symptoms (see page 7). Dr. Hayes clarifies, “While it’s plausible to have low levels without symptoms, if critical symptoms like fatigue and sexual dysfunction aren’t present, initiating TRT isn’t advisable due to ongoing uncertainties surrounding its long-term safety.”

A common method to evaluate testosterone levels is through a standard blood test. Given the daily fluctuations and susceptibility to medication and diet, several tests are needed. Dr. Hayes explains, “In approximately 30% of cases where the initial testosterone test shows low levels, subsequent tests reveal normal levels.”

Despite low testosterone levels and the presence of several symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may not be the immediate solution. Dr. Hayes notes, “Identifying the cause of declining levels enables us to address it and naturally increase low levels.”

Take weight gain, for instance, which is frequently the main contributor to declining levels. “Weight has a greater impact on testosterone levels than aging. As weight increases, testosterone levels decline,” she explains. A five-point elevation on the body mass index (BMI) scale, such as moving from 30 to 35, is akin to adding 10 years to your age in terms of testosterone levels.

“Your doctor should also examine any other factors that could influence levels, such as medication or medical conditions,” suggests Dr. Hayes. In these situations, your doctor might manage the underlying condition or modify your medication or dosage to avoid affecting testosterone levels.

It’s essential for men to grasp the boundaries of TRT, as it’s often seen as a miraculous fix. “Its impact is usually not as impressive as men expect,” Dr. Hayes states.

Consider sexual health and vitality, for instance, often praised advantages of TRT. In a study detailed in the Feb. 18, 2016 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers assessed TRT’s effects on 790 men aged 65 and above. Those subjected to TRT for one year, compared to those given a placebo, reported improvements in sexual function, encompassing activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group experienced only a slight mood uplift and observed no changes in walking speed, a marker of TRT’s effect on vitality.

Using TRT

TRT is frequently provided through gel application or injection. With a gel, you apply the daily dose—about the size of a ketchup packet—over both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are generally administered into the buttocks once every two weeks.

Each method comes with its benefits. Gels ensure steadier testosterone levels. “However, it’s important to avoid close skin contact for a few hours, especially with women, since testosterone can cause acne or hair growth,” notes Dr. Hayes.

Testosterone injections can lead to high levels for a few days, which then taper off slowly. This can produce a roller-coaster effect, causing mood and energy levels to surge and then drop.

Most men in Laguna Hills see an improvement in symptoms within four to six weeks, but gains in muscle mass might take three to six months.

TRT doesn’t always have to be a permanent solution. “If the problem that initially caused your testosterone drop is resolved, you should trial stopping the treatment and have your doctor re-evaluate you,” says Dr. Hayes.