A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]

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In the last decade, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has become incredibly popular in SW Omaha. Many older men have opted for this therapy to restore their hormone levels, aiming to increase their energy and rejuvenate their sexual passion.

Although TRT is commonly used, it is a controversial subject due to its uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Years ago, studies indicated a possible connection between TRT and increased cardiovascular disease risk, sparking safety concerns.

Highlighting certain study limitations, Dr. Frances Hayes, a reproductive endocrinologist at the Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, offers her perspective.

“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

New studies corroborate this view. At the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, research on 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone levels and no history of cardiovascular disease indicated that TRT did not increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in healthy men.

Further research in the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings showed 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.

TRT’s link to other health issues presents a mixed scenario. Although 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 suggests further investigation into TRT’s long-term effects.

The long-term risks of TRT remain uncertain due to limited follow-up in many studies. Nevertheless, individuals should not shy away from exploring TRT as an option, as it may still be suitable for specific cases.

Who Is a Candidate For TRT In Southwest Omaha?

To obtain a TRT prescription in SW Omaha, meeting two prerequisites is necessary: having low testosterone levels (below 600 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL)) and experiencing various symptoms (refer to page 7). Dr. Hayes emphasizes, “While it’s possible to have low levels without symptoms, if crucial symptoms like fatigue and sexual dysfunction aren’t present, starting TRT isn’t recommended due to current uncertainties regarding its long-term safety.”

Employing a standard blood test is a common approach to evaluate testosterone levels. With the daily fluctuations and the impact of medication and diet, conducting multiple tests becomes crucial. Dr. Hayes explains, “In roughly 30% of cases where the initial testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests demonstrate normal levels.”

Despite low testosterone levels and presenting with various symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may not be the immediate solution. Dr. Hayes advises, “By understanding the underlying cause of declining levels, we can address it and naturally elevate low levels.”

Take weight gain, for instance, often the top cause of decreasing levels. “Weight plays a larger role in testosterone levels than aging. As weight increases, 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 situations, your doctor might handle the underlying cause or tweak your medication or dosage to sidestep influencing testosterone levels.

Men should grasp the constraints of TRT, as it’s commonly hailed as a miraculous remedy. “Its outcomes are typically not as astounding as men expect,” Dr. Hayes observes.

An illustration of this can be seen in the frequent emphasis on sexual health and vitality as benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). A study detailed in the Feb. 18, 2016 release of The New England Journal of Medicine investigated the effects of TRT on 790 men aged 65 and older. Participants who received TRT for one year, compared to those on a placebo, observed enhancements in sexual function, including activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group only experienced a marginal improvement in mood and detected no alterations in walking speed, a measure of TRT’s effect on vitality.

Using TRT

Administering TRT is possible through gel application or injection. With gel, the daily dose, approximately the size of a ketchup packet, is evenly spread over both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are commonly administered into the buttocks every two weeks.

Both methods offer unique benefits, 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.

After receiving an injection, testosterone levels can temporarily rise before declining, causing mood and energy levels to oscillate like a roller-coaster.

Symptom improvement is commonly observed within four to six weeks by most men in SW Omaha, while muscle mass changes may take three to six months.

TRT isn’t always a lifelong commitment. “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.