A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]

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In recent years, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has experienced a significant rise in popularity in Simi Valley. Many older men have pursued TRT to restore hormone levels, seeking renewed energy and a rejuvenated sex drive.

Although TRT has seen increased use, it remains controversial because of uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Years ago, safety concerns emerged when studies indicated a possible link between TRT and higher cardiovascular disease risk.

Dr. Frances Hayes, affiliated with Harvard’s Massachusetts General Hospital, highlights the limitations in some of these 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 research has validated this perspective. At the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, a study involving 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone and no heart disease history was presented.

It was observed that healthy men undergoing TRT did not have a heightened risk of heart attack, stroke, or death.

Moreover, findings from the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings found no relationship between TRT and venous blood clots in a sample of 30,000 men. “Right now, the jury is still out about TRT’s influence on cardiovascular disease,” says Dr. Hayes.

TRT’s correlation with other health issues shows a mixed pattern. Despite TRT being previously associated with an increased occurrence of prostate cancer, a study outlined in the December 2015 Journal of Urology demonstrated that exposure to TRT over a five-year period did not lead to a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

The long-term risks of TRT continue to be uncertain due to limited follow-up in various studies. However, this shouldn’t discourage individuals from considering TRT. It might be a suitable option for specific groups of men.

Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?

Meeting two conditions is essential for TRT prescription in Simi Valley: low testosterone levels (less than 600 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL)) and the manifestation of multiple symptoms (see page 7). Dr. Hayes points out, “While low levels can exist without symptoms, if key symptoms such as fatigue and sexual dysfunction are absent, commencing TRT isn’t recommended due to ongoing uncertainties about its long-term safety.”

Evaluating testosterone levels commonly involves a standard blood test. Given their susceptibility to daily fluctuations and influences from medication and diet, multiple tests are necessary. Dr. Hayes highlights, “In roughly 30% of cases with an initial low testosterone test result, subsequent tests demonstrate normal levels.”

Even if you have low testosterone levels and experience several symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) isn’t always the primary option. Dr. Hayes explains, “Identifying the source of declining levels helps us address it and naturally raise low levels.”

Take weight gain, for instance, which is frequently the main contributor to declining levels. “Weight has a larger impact on testosterone levels compared to aging. As weight increases, testosterone levels decrease,” she explains. A five-point increase on the body mass index (BMI) scale, such as moving from 30 to 35, is comparable to adding 10 years to your age concerning testosterone levels.

“Your doctor should also review any additional factors that could impact levels, such as medication or medical conditions,” says Dr. Hayes. In these scenarios, your doctor may address the underlying issue or change your medication or dosage to one that wouldn’t affect testosterone levels.

It’s essential for men to understand the boundaries of TRT, as it’s often perceived as a miracle treatment. “Its impact is generally not as transformative as many believe,” says Dr. Hayes.

Take sexual health and vitality, for example, often cited advantages of TRT. A study published in the Feb. 18, 2016 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine examined the effects of TRT on 790 men aged 65 and older. Those receiving TRT for one year, compared to those on a placebo, witnessed improvements in sexual function, encompassing activity, desire, and erectile function. Nonetheless, the group experienced only a slight mood enhancement and observed no changes in walking speed, a measure of TRT’s impact on vitality.

Using TRT

TRT is often given by either gel or injection. For the gel, you apply the daily dose, similar to the size of a ketchup packet, to both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are usually administered into the buttocks every two weeks.

Both methods come with advantages. Gels provide more stable testosterone levels. “But it’s crucial to avoid close skin contact for a few hours, particularly with women, as testosterone can cause acne or hair growth,” notes Dr. Hayes.

Injections cause testosterone levels to peak for a few days before slowly decreasing, leading to a roller-coaster effect with fluctuating mood and energy levels.

Improvement in symptoms is typically noticed within four to six weeks for most men in Simi Valley, with muscle mass gains taking three to six months.

TRT doesn’t necessarily need to be lifelong. “If the reason for your testosterone drop is resolved, you should attempt a trial off treatment and consult with your doctor for re-evaluation,” says Dr. Hayes.