A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]

Get Started Now

Over the past decade, Mount Pleasant has experienced a significant increase in the popularity of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Many older men are opting for this treatment to restore their hormone levels, aiming to boost their energy and revive their sexual desire.

Despite its widespread utilization, TRT remains a contentious matter due to uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Past studies indicated a possible connection between TRT and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, prompting safety concerns.

Dr. Frances Hayes, a Reproductive Endocrinologist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, highlights the limitations in various 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 support this viewpoint. At the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, research involving 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone and no cardiovascular disease history indicated that TRT did not raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in healthy men.

Further findings in the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings revealed no association 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 link to other health issues is mixed. Although previous studies associated TRT with a higher risk of prostate cancer, a December 2015 Journal of Urology study indicated no increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer with five years of TRT exposure. This challenges conventional beliefs and highlights the need for further investigation into TRT’s long-term effects.

With limited follow-up in many studies, the long-term risks of TRT remain unclear. However, individuals should consider TRT as a potential solution, as it may be suitable for specific cases.

Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?

To obtain a TRT prescription in Mount Pleasant, patients must meet 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 common method for measuring testosterone levels is a blood test. Due to daily fluctuations and the impact of medication and diet, multiple tests are necessary. Dr. Hayes explains, “In around 30% of cases where the initial testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests show normal levels.”

Even when facing low testosterone levels and various symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) isn’t always the immediate answer. Dr. Hayes suggests, “By understanding the underlying cause of declining levels, we can address it and naturally enhance low levels.”

For example, sexual well-being and vitality are often emphasized as benefits of TRT. A study featured in the February 18, 2016 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine analyzed 790 men aged 65 and older to investigate TRT’s impact. Those who received TRT for one year, versus those given a placebo, noted improvements in sexual function, such as activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group experienced only minimal improvements in mood and found no changes in walking speed, an indicator of TRT’s effect on vitality.

“Your doctor should also consider any additional factors that could influence levels, such as medication or medical conditions,” advises Dr. Hayes. In such situations, your doctor could tackle the underlying cause or adjust your medication or dosage to prevent affecting testosterone levels.

Men should understand the limitations of TRT, frequently heralded as a miracle cure. “Its outcomes are typically not as astounding as men expect,” Dr. Hayes observes.

This is exemplified by the frequent emphasis on sexual health and vitality as benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). A study featured in the February 18, 2016 release of The New England Journal of Medicine examined the effects of TRT on 790 men aged 65 and older. Those who received TRT for one year, compared to those on a placebo, reported improvements in sexual function, including activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group experienced only a marginal improvement in mood and observed no changes in walking speed, a gauge of TRT’s effect on vitality.

Using TRT

TRT can be administered through gel application or injections. Gel application involves applying a daily dose, about the size of a ketchup packet, to both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are typically administered into the buttocks every two weeks.

Both methods offer advantages, with gels known for their ability to stabilize 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.

Post-injection, testosterone levels may initially surge before gradually decreasing, causing mood swings and energy fluctuations similar to a roller-coaster.

In Mount Pleasant, most men typically notice symptom improvement within four to six weeks, though changes in muscle mass may take three to six months.

It’s worth noting that TRT doesn’t necessarily need to be lifelong. “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.