A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]
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In the previous decade, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has become widely popular in Summerville. Numerous older men have embraced TRT to boost their hormone levels, with the aim of boosting their energy and rejuvenating their sexual desire.
Even with its broad use, TRT is a divisive issue due to its uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Years ago, studies hinted at a possible connection between TRT and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, causing safety concerns.
The limitations in some studies are noted by Dr. Frances Hayes, a reproductive endocrinologist at the Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.
“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
Fresh studies have affirmed this position. Research revealed at the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions included 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone levels and no cardiovascular disease history.
The results demonstrated that TRT did not heighten the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in healthy men.
The August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings reported further findings showing 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 association with other health issues presents a mixed scenario. Although TRT was previously linked to a higher risk of prostate cancer, a study published in the December 2015 Journal of Urology indicated no increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer with five years of TRT exposure. This challenges the traditional view of TRT’s impact on prostate health and necessitates further research into TRT’s long-term effects.
The long-term risks of TRT are still uncertain, given the limited follow-up in many studies. Despite this, individuals should not hesitate to consider TRT as an option, as it may still be suitable for certain cases.
Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?
Meeting two prerequisites is essential for obtaining a TRT prescription in Summerville: having low testosterone levels (below 300 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 key symptoms like fatigue and sexual dysfunction aren’t present, starting TRT isn’t recommended due to current uncertainties about its long-term safety.”
The assessment of testosterone levels commonly relies on a standard blood test. Considering the daily variations and the impact of medication and diet, conducting multiple tests becomes imperative. Dr. Hayes underscores, “In about 30% of cases where the initial testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests demonstrate normal levels.”
Low testosterone levels and experiencing different symptoms don’t always warrant immediate testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Dr. Hayes suggests, “By uncovering the root cause of declining levels, we can address it and naturally raise low levels.”
Take weight gain, for instance, often the top cause of decreasing levels. “Weight has a more significant impact on 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 instances, your doctor might handle the root cause or tweak your medication or dosage to sidestep affecting testosterone levels.
Men should recognize the limitations of TRT, as it’s frequently lauded as a miraculous solution. “Its outcomes are typically not as astounding as men expect,” Dr. Hayes observes.
Highlighted frequently as advantages of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) are sexual health and vitality. A study 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 administered TRT for one year, in contrast to those on a placebo, noticed improvements in sexual function, including activity, desire, and erectile function. However, the group experienced only a slight uplift in mood and observed no changes in walking speed, an indicator of TRT’s effect on vitality.
Using TRT
TRT can be administered either through gel application or injection. With gel, the daily dose, approximately 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.
Both methods offer specific 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 spike temporarily and then decline, leading to mood and energy levels fluctuating like a roller-coaster.
Within four to six weeks, the majority of men in Summerville often experience symptom improvement, although muscle mass changes may take three to six months.
TRT may not be lifelong. “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.