A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]

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Over the past ten years, TRT has seen considerable growth in Lawrenceville. A large number of older men have chosen this therapy to replenish their hormone levels, seeking to boost their energy and reignite their sexual desire.

Even with its broad adoption, TRT is a contentious issue because of its uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Years back, studies suggested a possible association between TRT and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, raising safety concerns.

Dr. Frances Hayes, from the Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, notes the study limitations as a reproductive endocrinologist.

“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 affirms this stance. A study disclosed at the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions included 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone levels and no cardiovascular disease history.

The results showed that TRT did not elevate the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in healthy men.

The August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings demonstrated no connection 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 presents a mixed scenario. 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 traditional views and warrants further investigation into TRT’s long-term effects.

TRT’s long-term risks remain a puzzle due to the limited follow-up in many studies. However, individuals should not dismiss TRT as an option, as it may still be appropriate for certain individuals.

Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?

In Lawrenceville, 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.”

Evaluating testosterone levels typically relies on a standard blood test. Given the daily fluctuations and the influence of medication and diet, conducting multiple tests becomes necessary. Dr. Hayes underscores, “In about 30% of cases where the initial testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests reveal normal levels.”

Even with low testosterone levels and encountering diverse symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) isn’t always the first option. Dr. Hayes suggests, “Identifying the root cause of declining levels enables us to address it and naturally raise low levels.”

Consider weight gain, for example, frequently the primary trigger for declining levels. “Weight has a more significant impact on testosterone levels than aging. As weight increases, testosterone levels tend to fall,” she stresses. A five-point jump on the body mass index (BMI) scale, such as moving from 30 to 35, equals adding 10 years to your age in terms of 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 circumstances, your doctor could tackle the root cause or adjust your medication or dosage to avoid affecting testosterone levels.

Men should be aware of the limitations of TRT, as it’s often praised as a magical solution. “Its outcomes are typically not as astounding as men expect,” Dr. Hayes observes.

As an example, sexual health and vitality are frequently highlighted as benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). A study in the Feb. 18, 2016 edition of The New England Journal of Medicine delved into how TRT impacted 790 men aged 65 and older. Those administered TRT for a year, as opposed to those on a placebo, observed enhancements 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 delivered via gel application or injection. When using gel, the daily dose, about the size of a ketchup packet, is distributed over both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are usually given into the buttocks every two weeks.

Each method presents specific 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 briefly surge before tapering off, leading to mood and energy variations similar to a roller-coaster effect.

Most men in Lawrenceville usually observe symptom improvement within four to six weeks, although it may take three to six months to see changes in muscle mass.

TRT doesn’t always have to be continued indefinitely. “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.