A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]

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Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has become increasingly popular over the past ten years in O’Fallon. Numerous older men have embraced TRT to balance their hormone levels, hoping to enhance their energy and rekindle their sex drive.

TRT remains a debated topic because of uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Years ago, safety concerns emerged when research suggested a possible link between TRT and increased cardiovascular disease risk.

According to Dr. Frances Hayes, a reproductive endocrinologist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, these studies had some 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 findings have endorsed this position. Research presented at the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions included 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone and no previous heart disease.

The study showed that TRT did not pose a greater risk of heart attack, stroke, or death for healthy men.

Further findings 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.

TRT’s connection with other health matters presents a diverse outlook. Despite previous associations between TRT and heightened prostate cancer risk, a study detailed in the December 2015 Journal of Urology indicated that exposure to TRT for five years did not increase the likelihood of aggressive prostate cancer.

With limited follow-up in many studies, the long-term risks of TRT remain unknown. Yet, it’s crucial not to discount TRT altogether. It could still be a suitable option for certain individuals.

Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?

TRT prescription in O’Fallon eligibility hinges on meeting two conditions: low testosterone levels (below 600 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL)) and experiencing multiple symptoms (refer to page 7). According to Dr. Hayes, “While low levels can occur without symptoms, if critical symptoms like fatigue and sexual dysfunction aren’t evident, starting TRT isn’t advisable given current uncertainties regarding its long-term safety.”

Measuring testosterone levels typically involves a standard blood test. Due to their daily fluctuations and susceptibility to medication and diet, multiple tests are needed. Dr. Hayes states, “Around 30% of cases where the first testosterone test indicates low levels show normal levels upon repeated testing.”

Low testosterone levels and multiple symptoms don’t automatically mean testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is required. According to Dr. Hayes, “Identifying the 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 assess any additional factors that could impact levels, such as medication or medical conditions,” advises Dr. Hayes. In such instances, your doctor might address the underlying issue or adjust your medication or dosage to avoid impacting testosterone levels.

It’s important for men to realize the constraints of TRT, as many regard it as a cure-all. “Its effects are often not as transformative as many believe,” says Dr. Hayes.

For example, sexual health and vitality are commonly lauded benefits of TRT. A study outlined in the Feb. 18, 2016 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine investigated the impacts of TRT on 790 men aged 65 and older. Those undergoing TRT for one year, in contrast to those receiving a placebo, noted enhancements in sexual function, including activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group experienced only a slight mood improvement and saw no alterations in walking speed, which was used to assess TRT’s effect on vitality.

Using TRT

TRT can be provided through gel application or injection. When using a gel, the daily dose, roughly the size of a ketchup packet, is spread over both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are typically administered into the buttocks every two weeks.

Each method comes with benefits. Gels produce more consistent testosterone levels. “But you need to be cautious of close skin contact for a few hours, particularly with women, as testosterone may cause acne or hair growth,” Dr. Hayes notes.

Injections cause testosterone levels to spike for several days and then gradually decline, resulting in a roller-coaster effect where mood and energy levels initially rise and then fall.

Within four to six weeks, most men in O’Fallon experience symptom improvement, although muscle mass changes can take from three to six months.

TRT might not be needed indefinitely. “If the underlying cause of your low testosterone levels is resolved, you should attempt a trial off treatment and consult your doctor for re-evaluation,” says Dr. Hayes.