A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]
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Over the past decade, TRT has become highly sought after in Mandeville. Many older men have pursued this therapy to rejuvenate their hormone levels, seeking to elevate their energy and reignite their sexual desire.
Even with its broad adoption, TRT is a controversial issue owing to uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Years ago, studies hinted at a possible association between TRT and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, causing safety concerns.
Pointing out study limitations, Dr. Frances Hayes, a reproductive endocrinologist at the Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, provides her insights.
“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 corroborate this stance. Research revealed at the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions involved 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone and no history of cardiovascular disease.
The results indicated that TRT did not elevate the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death among healthy men.
Research published in the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings indicated 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 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 traditional views and warrants further investigation 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 exploring TRT as an option, as it may still be suitable for specific cases.
Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?
TRT prescription in Mandeville requires meeting two prerequisites: low testosterone levels (below 600 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL)) and experiencing various symptoms (refer to page 7). Dr. Hayes emphasizes, “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.”
A standard blood test is frequently utilized to evaluate testosterone levels. Due to daily fluctuations and the influence of medication and diet, multiple tests are necessary. Dr. Hayes notes, “In roughly 30% of cases where the initial testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests reveal normal levels.”
Even if experiencing low testosterone levels and various symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may not always be the immediate solution. Dr. Hayes suggests, “Understanding the root cause of declining levels allows us to address it and naturally elevate low levels.”
For instance, sexual health and vitality are often emphasized as perks of TRT. A research article in the Feb. 18, 2016 release of The New England Journal of Medicine examined the effects of TRT on 790 men aged 65 and above. Participants who underwent TRT for one year, compared to those receiving a placebo, reported improvements in sexual function, such as activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group saw only slight improvements in mood and detected 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,” recommends Dr. Hayes. In such situations, your doctor may address the underlying cause or tweak your medication or dosage to prevent influencing testosterone levels.
Men should understand the confines of TRT, as it’s commonly lauded as a miraculous remedy. “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 issue 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 evenly distributed 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.
Testosterone levels may exhibit a temporary spike post-injection, followed by a gradual decline, leading to mood and energy fluctuations similar to a roller-coaster effect.
Within four to six weeks, it’s typical for most men in Mandeville to notice symptom improvement, although muscle mass changes may take three to six months.
TRT doesn’t necessarily have to be taken 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.