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Although TRT is widely used, it is a controversial subject because of uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Years back, studies indicated a possible association between TRT and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, prompting safety concerns.
At the Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Frances Hayes identifies several limitations in the 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
Additional research published in the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings found 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.
The connection between TRT and other health issues presents a mixed scenario. Despite earlier associations between TRT and a higher risk of prostate cancer, a study in the December 2015 Journal of Urology reported no increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer with five years of TRT exposure. This challenges the conventional understanding of TRT’s impact on prostate health and highlights the need for further investigation into its long-term effects.
TRT’s long-term risks remain unclear due to the limited follow-up in many studies. However, this shouldn’t discourage individuals from considering TRT as a viable option, as it may still be beneficial for certain individuals.
Who Is a Candidate For TRT In North Overland Park?
Evaluating testosterone levels typically involves a standard blood test. Given the daily fluctuations and the influence of medication and diet, conducting multiple tests is essential. Dr. Hayes highlights, “In approximately 30% of cases where the initial testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests reveal normal levels.”
Even in the presence of low testosterone levels and experiencing diverse symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) isn’t always the immediate answer. Dr. Hayes advises, “Identifying the underlying cause of declining levels enables us to address it and naturally elevate low levels.”
Consider weight gain, for example, frequently the primary trigger for declining levels. “Weight exerts a greater influence on testosterone levels than aging. With an increase in weight, testosterone levels tend to decrease,” 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 may address the underlying cause or adjust your medication or dosage to prevent affecting testosterone levels.
Men should grasp the constraints of TRT, as it’s commonly touted as a magical fix. “Its outcomes are typically not as astounding as men expect,” Dr. Hayes observes.
An illustration of this can be seen in the frequent emphasis on sexual health and vitality as benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). A study detailed in the Feb. 18, 2016 edition of The New England Journal of Medicine investigated the effects of TRT on 790 men aged 65 and older. Participants who received TRT for one year, as opposed to those on a placebo, reported enhancements in sexual function, including activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group only experienced a marginal improvement in mood and observed no alterations in walking speed, indicating TRT’s limited impact on vitality.
Using TRT
Each method provides unique advantages, with gels maintaining stable 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 can peak for a short duration before diminishing, causing mood and energy levels to fluctuate in a roller-coaster-like manner.
Symptom improvement is typically noticed by most men in North Overland Park within four to six weeks, though muscle mass changes might require three to six months.
TRT doesn’t necessarily need to be permanent. “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.