A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]
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In the last ten years, Paramus has witnessed a notable rise in the popularity of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Numerous older men are opting for this treatment to replenish their hormone levels, aiming to enhance their energy and rekindle their sexual interest.
While TRT is widely utilized, it remains a contentious subject because of uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Earlier studies indicated a possible link between TRT and an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, sparking safety concerns.
At Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Frances Hayes, a Reproductive Endocrinologist, points out the limitations in some 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
Recent studies confirm this viewpoint. At the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, research on 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone and no cardiovascular disease history revealed that TRT did not heighten the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in healthy men.
The August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings provided more findings demonstrating 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 link between TRT and other health issues is mixed. While previous studies linked TRT to 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 understanding and warrants further investigation into TRT’s long-term effects.
The long-term risks of TRT remain uncertain due to limited follow-up in numerous studies. However, individuals should consider TRT as a potential solution, as it may be appropriate for certain cases.
Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?
For a TRT prescription in Paramus, two requirements must be fulfilled: low testosterone levels (below 600 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL)) and experiencing several 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.”
Testosterone levels are commonly measured with a standard blood test. Due to daily variations and the influence 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 with low testosterone levels and various symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) isn’t always the immediate choice. Dr. Hayes suggests, “By understanding the underlying cause of declining levels, we can address it and naturally enhance low levels.”
As a case in point, TRT is frequently touted for its potential benefits in sexual well-being and vitality. According to a study published in the February 18, 2016 edition of The New England Journal of Medicine, 790 men aged 65 and older were studied to assess TRT’s effects. Those who received TRT for one year, compared to those on a placebo, reported enhancements in sexual function, including activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group experienced only slight improvements in mood and noticed no changes in walking speed, which is an indicator of TRT’s impact on vitality.
“Your doctor should also consider any additional factors that could influence levels, such as medication or medical conditions,” suggests Dr. Hayes. In such scenarios, your doctor could tackle the underlying issue or adjust your medication or dosage to avoid impacting testosterone levels.
Men should acknowledge the limitations of TRT, frequently hailed as a quick fix. “Its outcomes are typically not as astounding as men expect,” Dr. Hayes observes.
This is demonstrated by the frequent focus on sexual health and vitality as advantages of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). A study outlined in the February 18, 2016 edition of The New England Journal of Medicine investigated how TRT affected 790 men aged 65 and older. Participants who underwent TRT for one year, compared to those given a placebo, experienced enhancements in sexual function, such as activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group observed only a slight improvement in mood and detected no changes in walking speed, a measure of TRT’s impact on vitality.
Using TRT
Administering TRT is possible through either gel application or injections. Gel application involves applying a daily dose, roughly the size of a ketchup packet, over both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are commonly administered into the buttocks every two weeks.
Both options offer unique benefits, with gels ensuring consistent 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.
After receiving an injection, testosterone levels might briefly peak before gradually declining, resulting in mood and energy variations similar to a roller-coaster.
In Paramus, many men often observe symptom relief within four to six weeks, with changes in muscle mass potentially taking three to six months.
It’s important to understand that TRT doesn’t have to be maintained indefinitely. “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.