A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]

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In recent years, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has become quite popular in Mountain View, CA. Numerous older men are opting for TRT to restore their hormone levels, boost their energy, and rejuvenate their sexual vitality.

While testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has gained popularity, it remains controversial due to its uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Concerns about its safety have been raised in the past, especially when studies indicated a possible association between TRT and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

As Dr. Frances Hayes, a reproductive endocrinologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, affiliated with Harvard, points out, some of these studies had limitations in their scope.

“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

Supporting this perspective, recent research was discussed at the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions. The study involved 1,472 men aged 52 to 63, all with low testosterone levels and no history of heart disease.

The findings revealed that men in good health who were on TRT did not face a greater risk of heart attack, stroke, or mortality.

A study highlighted in the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings concluded that there was 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.

TRT’s connection to other health issues can differ greatly. While it has historically been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, a study from the December 2015 Journal of Urology found that TRT exposure over five years was not linked to a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

Due to the limited follow-up in many studies, uncertainties about the long-term risks of TRT persist. Despite this, TRT should not be avoided entirely, as it may still be a suitable option for some men.

Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?

To receive a TRT prescription in Mountain View, CA, individuals must satisfy two criteria: testosterone levels below 600 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) and the presence of several symptoms (refer to page 7). Dr. Hayes explains, “While it’s possible to have low levels without symptoms, if you lack key symptoms, particularly fatigue and sexual dysfunction, it’s not advisable to start TRT due to current uncertainties surrounding its long-term safety.”

To assess testosterone levels, a standard blood test is commonly used. However, because levels can change daily due to factors such as medication and diet, multiple tests are often required. Dr. Hayes mentions, “In 30% of instances where the first testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests show normal levels.”

Even in the presence of low testosterone levels and multiple symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is not necessarily the primary treatment option.”Identifying the underlying cause of declining levels allows us to address it and naturally boost low levels,” states Dr. Hayes.

Weight gain is frequently a primary factor in declining testosterone levels, making it an important consideration. “Weight exerts a more substantial influence on testosterone levels than aging. As weight increases, testosterone levels decrease,” she explains. Increasing your BMI by five points, such as from 30 to 35, can be likened to adding 10 years to your age in terms of its influence on testosterone levels.

“Your doctor should also assess any additional factors that could impact levels, such as medication or medical conditions,” advises Dr. Hayes. In these scenarios, your doctor might tackle the root cause or alter your medication or dosage to ensure it doesn’t affect testosterone levels.

Men need to be aware that TRT has its limitations and is not merely a quick-fix solution. “Its results are often less remarkable than many men envision,” notes Dr. Hayes.

Sexual health and vitality are often touted as advantages of TRT. A study published in the February 18, 2016 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine investigated TRT’s effects on 790 men aged 65 and older. The TRT group showed improvements in sexual function, such as activity, desire, and erectile function, after one year compared to the placebo group. However, mood improvements were minimal, and walking speed, a measure of vitality, did not change.

Using TRT

For TRT, delivery methods typically include gel or injections. The gel, about the size of a ketchup packet, is applied daily to the upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are generally administered every two weeks into the buttocks.

Each method has distinct advantages, with gels generally providing more uniform testosterone levels. “However, you must avoid close skin contact for a few hours, especially with women, as the testosterone can cause acne or hair growth,” advises Dr. Hayes.

After receiving injections, testosterone levels can spike for a few days before gradually falling. This fluctuation often leads to a roller-coaster effect on mood and energy levels, with peaks followed by declines.

In Mountain View, CA, symptom improvement is commonly noticed within four to six weeks for most men, but changes such as increased muscle mass may take between three and six months.

In addition, TRT may not have to be continued for life. “If the cause of your low testosterone levels resolves, you should try stopping treatment and get re-evaluated by your doctor,” says Dr. Hayes.