A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]
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Over the past decade, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has become increasingly popular in Lakewood. Older men are increasingly choosing this option to enhance their vigor and reignite their sexual interest.
The use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is widespread but remains contentious due to its uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Previous research has suggested a possible connection between TRT and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, raising safety concerns.
Dr. Frances Hayes, a Reproductive Endocrinologist associated with Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard, has observed the drawbacks in specific 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 affirm this standpoint. At the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, research involving 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone and no prior cardiovascular disease indicated that TRT did not increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in healthy individuals.
Additionally, findings published in the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings showed no association between TRT and venous blood clots among 30,000 men. “Right now, the jury is still out about TRT’s influence on cardiovascular disease,” says Dr. Hayes.
The link between TRT and additional health complications is not clear-cut. Despite previous findings suggesting a potential connection between TRT and higher prostate cancer risk, a study in the December 2015 issue of the Journal of Urology concluded that there was no increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer after five years of TRT exposure. This finding challenges established views and prompts further exploration into the long-term consequences of TRT.
The long-term risks of TRT remain ambiguous due to inadequate follow-up in several studies. Yet, TRT should be considered as a viable option for specific cases.
Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?
In Lakewood, patients seeking a TRT prescription must satisfy two prerequisites: testosterone levels below 600 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) and experiencing multiple symptoms (see page 7 for details). Dr. Hayes underscores these criteria, “While it’s conceivable to have low levels without symptoms, if crucial symptoms like fatigue and sexual dysfunction aren’t present, initiating TRT isn’t advisable due to current uncertainties surrounding its long-term safety.”
The measurement of testosterone levels typically relies on a standard blood test. Because testosterone levels can vary daily and are affected by medication and diet, it is essential to conduct multiple tests. Dr. Hayes explains this process in detail, “In around 30% of cases where the initial testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests show normal levels.”
Dr. Hayes suggests that low testosterone levels and various symptoms do not always necessitate testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) as the immediate solution, “By understanding the underlying cause of declining levels, we can address it and naturally enhance low levels.”
TRT is commonly lauded for its potential benefits to sexual well-being and vitality. A study published in the February 18, 2016 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine examined 790 men aged 65 and older to evaluate the effects of TRT. Participants receiving TRT for one year noted improvements in sexual function such as activity, desire, and erectile function, in contrast to those administered a placebo. However, the group experienced only slight enhancements in mood and observed no changes in walking speed, which measures TRT’s impact on vitality.
“Your doctor should also consider any additional factors that could influence levels, such as medication or medical conditions,” suggests Dr. Hayes. If faced with such scenarios, your doctor could address the root cause or adjust your medication or dosage to avoid influencing testosterone levels.
Men should be aware of the limitations of TRT, frequently touted as a quick-fix solution. “Its outcomes are typically not as astounding as men expect,” Dr. Hayes observes.
The benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in terms of sexual health and vitality are evident in a study published in the February 18, 2016 edition of The New England Journal of Medicine. The research focused on 790 men aged 65 and older, showing that individuals who underwent TRT for one year reported improvements in sexual function, such as activity, desire, and erectile function, compared to those who received a placebo. However, there was only a slight improvement in mood, and no changes were observed in walking speed, a measure of TRT’s impact on vitality.
Using TRT
TRT can be administered via gel application or injections. Gel application requires spreading a daily dose, similar in size to a ketchup packet, over the upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are typically administered into the buttocks every two weeks.
Both approaches offer specific advantages, with gels ensuring stable 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.
After receiving an injection, testosterone levels might temporarily peak before gradually decreasing, leading to mood and energy fluctuations similar to a roller-coaster.
In Lakewood, many men often experience symptom relief within four to six weeks, with changes in muscle mass potentially occurring over three to six months. It’s essential to understand that TRT may not always be a lifelong commitment. “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.