A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]
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Throughout the past decade, TRT has grown in popularity in Lehi. A large number of older men have turned to TRT to rejuvenate their hormone levels, aiming to increase their energy and revitalize their sexual drive.
Despite its broad usage, TRT continues to be a controversial topic due to its uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Years ago, studies suggested a potential connection between TRT and increased cardiovascular disease risk, leading to safety concerns.
Reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Frances Hayes from the Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital points out various 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
New studies validate this stance. Research presented at the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions included 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone levels and no history of cardiovascular disease.
The findings showed that TRT did not increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in healthy men.
Findings in the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings showed no relationship 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 relationship between TRT and other health issues presents a mixed scenario. Despite earlier links between TRT and a higher risk of prostate cancer, a study in the December 2015 Journal of Urology found no increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer with five years of TRT exposure. This challenges traditional views of TRT’s impact on prostate health and calls for more research into TRT’s long-term effects.
TRT’s long-term risks remain ambiguous due to limited follow-up in many studies. Nonetheless, 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]?
Meeting two prerequisites is essential for receiving a TRT prescription in Lehi: 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 key symptoms like fatigue and sexual dysfunction aren’t present, initiating TRT isn’t advisable due to current uncertainties regarding its long-term safety.”
Utilizing a standard blood test is a routine method to assess testosterone levels. Considering the daily fluctuations and the influence of medication and diet, conducting multiple tests becomes essential. Dr. Hayes mentions, “In roughly 30% of cases where the initial testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests demonstrate normal levels.”
Despite low testosterone levels and presenting with diverse symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may not be the immediate solution. Dr. Hayes advises, “By understanding the underlying cause of declining levels, we can address it and naturally elevate 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 instances, your doctor might manage the underlying cause or tweak your medication or dosage to sidestep impacting testosterone levels.
Men should recognize the constraints of TRT, as it’s frequently lauded as a miraculous solution. “Its outcomes are typically not as astounding as men expect,” Dr. Hayes observes.
Frequently emphasized as advantages of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) are sexual health and vitality. A study published in the Feb. 18, 2016 release of The New England Journal of Medicine explored the effects of TRT on 790 men aged 65 and older. Participants who underwent TRT for one year, compared to those on a placebo, experienced improvements in sexual function, including activity, desire, and erectile function. Nonetheless, the group observed only a slight uplift in mood and detected no alterations in walking speed, a measure of TRT’s effect on vitality.
Using TRT
TRT can be administered via either gel application or injection. When utilizing gel, you evenly distribute the daily dose, roughly the size of a ketchup packet, over both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are typically 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 undergo a brief surge and then diminish, leading to mood and energy variations reminiscent of a roller-coaster.
Within four to six weeks, many men in Lehi typically notice symptom improvement, although muscle mass changes may take three to six months.
TRT doesn’t necessarily need 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.