A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]

Get Started Now

Over the past ten years, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has seen a notable rise in popularity in Northeast Frisco. Many older men have chosen TRT to balance hormone levels, aiming to increase their energy and rejuvenate their sex drive.

While TRT has seen a rise in use, it remains contentious due to uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Years ago, studies highlighted safety concerns by suggesting a possible connection between TRT and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

According to Dr. Frances Hayes from Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, some studies had certain limitations.

“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

Latest research has bolstered this perspective. Research shared at the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions involved 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone and no previous cardiovascular disease.

Researchers found that TRT did not lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or death among healthy men.

A study in the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings indicated 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.

Additionally, the December 2015 Journal of Urology research indicated that exposure to TRT over a five-year period was not linked to an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer, prompting a reevaluation of the risks associated with TRT.

TRT’s long-term risks remain a puzzle, given the limited follow-up in many studies. Nonetheless, this shouldn’t deter individuals from exploring TRT as an option. It could still be appropriate for certain individuals.

Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?

TRT prescription in Northeast Frisco necessitates 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 typically used to evaluate testosterone levels. Given their daily fluctuations and susceptibility to medication and diet influences, multiple tests are required. Dr. Hayes notes, “In approximately 30% of cases where the initial testosterone test shows low levels, subsequent tests indicate normal levels.”

Low testosterone levels and several symptoms don’t automatically mean testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) as the first step. According to Dr. Hayes, “Understanding the underlying cause of declining levels allows us to address it and naturally enhance low levels.”

Consider weight gain, for example, often the top cause of decreasing levels. “Weight exerts a greater influence on testosterone levels than aging. With an increase in weight, testosterone levels tend to fall,” she emphasizes. A five-point increase on the body mass index (BMI) scale, like progressing from 30 to 35, equates to 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 scenarios, your doctor might manage the root cause or adjust your medication or dosage to avoid impacting testosterone levels.

It’s important for men to realize the constraints of TRT, as it’s commonly portrayed as a wonder drug. “Its effects are usually not as impressive as many might hope,” Dr. Hayes remarks.

As an example, sexual health and vitality are frequently highlighted as benefits of TRT. A study in the Feb. 18, 2016 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine explored the impact of TRT on 790 men aged 65 and older. Those administered TRT for a year, as opposed to those on a placebo, noticed enhancements in sexual function, including activity, desire, and erectile function. Nevertheless, the group experienced only a marginal improvement in mood and observed no alterations in walking speed, a measure of TRT’s effect on vitality.

Using TRT

TRT is often given either by gel application or injection. The gel is applied daily, with a dose the size of a ketchup packet, spread over the upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are typically administered into the buttocks every two weeks.

Each method comes with specific advantages. Gels provide steadier testosterone levels. “However, you need to avoid close skin contact for a few hours, particularly with women, as testosterone could cause acne or hair growth,” Dr. Hayes advises.

Testosterone levels can surge for a few days following an injection and then gradually decline, creating a roller-coaster effect with fluctuating mood and energy levels.

Symptom improvement typically occurs within four to six weeks for most men in Northeast Frisco, while changes in muscle mass might require up to six months.

TRT might not need to be indefinite. “If the cause of your low testosterone is resolved, you should try stopping treatment and be re-evaluated by your doctor,” says Dr. Hayes.