A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]
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In the last ten years, Sioux Falls, SD has seen a rise in the popularity of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) as older men turn to this treatment to enhance vitality and rekindle sexual interest.
The adoption of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is widespread, yet it continues to be a contentious issue due to uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Previous research has indicated a possible link between TRT and elevated cardiovascular disease risk, generating safety concerns.
Dr. Frances Hayes, a Reproductive Endocrinologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, associated with Harvard Medical School, has pointed out the limitations in certain 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 supports this assertion. At the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, a study of 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone and without a history of cardiovascular disease demonstrated that TRT did not elevate the risk of heart attack, stroke, or mortality in healthy individuals.
Additionally, in the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings, no correlation was found between TRT and venous blood clots 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 remains inconclusive. While earlier research suggested a potential association between TRT and an elevated risk of prostate cancer, a study published in the December 2015 Journal of Urology found no increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer after five years of TRT exposure. This finding contradicts conventional wisdom and underscores the need for further investigation into TRT’s long-term effects.
TRT’s long-term risks are not well-defined due to insufficient follow-up in many studies. However, it should be considered as a potential treatment option for certain individuals.
Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name], SD?
To qualify for a TRT prescription in Sioux Falls, SD, patients must have testosterone levels below 600 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) and exhibit multiple symptoms (refer to page 7). Dr. Hayes emphasizes the necessity of meeting these criteria, “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 using a standard blood test. Given the daily fluctuations and the impact of medication and diet, multiple tests are necessary for accurate assessment. Dr. Hayes provides insights into this testing process, “In around 30% of cases where the initial testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests show normal levels.”
Low testosterone levels and the presence of various symptoms do not always require immediate testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), according to Dr. Hayes, “By understanding the underlying cause of declining levels, we can address it and naturally enhance low levels.”
TRT is often touted for its potential benefits to sexual well-being and vitality. A study published in the February 18, 2016 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine involved 790 men aged 65 and older to study the effects of TRT. Those who received TRT for one year reported improvements in sexual function, including activity, desire, and erectile function, compared to those who received a placebo. However, the group experienced only slight improvements in mood and noticed no changes in walking speed, which measures 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. If confronted with such situations, your doctor could tackle the root cause or adjust your medication or dosage to avoid influencing testosterone levels.
Men should be aware of the limitations of TRT, frequently presented as a quick-fix solution. “Its outcomes are typically not as astounding as men expect,” Dr. Hayes observes.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is highlighted for its benefits in sexual health and vitality in a study published in the February 18, 2016 edition of The New England Journal of Medicine. Among 790 men aged 65 and older, those who received TRT for one year reported enhancements in sexual function, including activity, desire, and erectile function, compared to those who received a placebo. However, the study showed only slight improvements in mood and no changes in walking speed, suggesting limited effects on vitality from TRT.
Using TRT
Administering TRT involves gel application or injections. Gel application necessitates spreading a daily dose, approximately the size of a ketchup packet, over the upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are usually given into the buttocks every two weeks.
Each method offers specific 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 might temporarily peak before tapering off, resulting in mood swings and energy fluctuations similar to a roller-coaster ride.
In Sioux Falls, SD, most men usually find relief from symptoms within four to six weeks, while changes in muscle mass may take three to six months. Recognizing that TRT isn’t necessarily a lifelong commitment is important. “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.