A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]

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Over the past decade, TRT has gained notable popularity in Wellington. Many older men have opted for this therapy to restore their hormone levels, aiming to elevate their energy and revive their sexual drive.

Despite its common use, TRT is a divisive issue due to uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Years back, studies suggested a possible connection between TRT and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, prompting safety concerns.

At the Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Frances Hayes, a reproductive endocrinologist, points out the study limitations.

“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 corroborates this view. At the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, a study on 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone levels and no history of cardiovascular disease showed that TRT did not elevate the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in healthy men.

Additional research in the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings showed no link 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 relationship with other health issues presents a mixed scenario. Although previous studies linked TRT to a higher risk of prostate cancer, the December 2015 Journal of Urology published a study finding no increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer with five years of TRT exposure. This challenges traditional views and calls for further research into TRT’s long-term effects.

The long-term risks of TRT are still unclear, given the limited follow-up in many studies. Nevertheless, individuals should not shy away from considering TRT as a potential option, as it may still be suitable for specific cases.

Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?

Meeting two prerequisites is essential for obtaining a TRT prescription in Wellington: 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.”

Utilizing a standard blood test is a typical method to evaluate testosterone levels. Considering the daily fluctuations and the influence of medication and diet, conducting multiple tests is imperative. Dr. Hayes points out, “In roughly 30% of cases where the initial testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests demonstrate normal levels.”

Even in the presence of low testosterone levels and encountering diverse symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may not be the first choice. Dr. Hayes advises, “By uncovering the root cause of declining levels, we can address it and naturally elevate low levels.”

Take weight gain, for instance, often the chief culprit behind diminishing levels. “Weight exerts a greater influence on testosterone levels than aging. With an increase in weight, testosterone levels tend to decrease,” she emphasizes. A five-point surge on the body mass index (BMI) scale, like progressing from 30 to 35, equals adding a decade 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 manage the root cause or adjust your medication or dosage to sidestep impacting testosterone levels.

Men should recognize the constraints of TRT, as it’s frequently lauded as a miraculous remedy. “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, compared 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 detected no changes in walking speed, indicating TRT’s limited impact on vitality.

Using TRT

When it comes to TRT administration, options include gel application or injection. With gel, the daily dose, about the size of a ketchup packet, is evenly spread over both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are typically administered into the buttocks every two weeks.

Both methods provide specific benefits, with gels delivering 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 may briefly peak before tapering off, causing mood and energy levels to oscillate in a roller-coaster-like fashion.

Within four to six weeks, it’s common for most men in Wellington to notice symptom improvement, although muscle mass changes may take three to six months.

TRT doesn’t necessarily need to be 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.