A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]

Get Started Now

Over the past ten years, TRT has gained a lot of traction in West Des Moines. Many older men have opted for this therapy to restore their hormone levels, aiming to elevate their energy and rekindle their sexual interest.

Despite being widely utilized, TRT remains a controversial issue owing to its uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Studies from years ago suggested a possible link between TRT and increased cardiovascular disease risk, raising safety concerns.

According to Dr. Frances Hayes, a reproductive endocrinologist at the Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, some studies have significant 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

New research backs this stance. A study unveiled at the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions involved 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone and no history of cardiovascular disease.

The results showed that TRT did not increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death among healthy men.

Additional findings from the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings demonstrated 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.

The relationship between TRT and other health issues is mixed. Despite prior links between TRT and a higher risk of prostate cancer, a December 2015 Journal of Urology study found no increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer with five years of TRT exposure. This finding questions the conventional view of TRT’s impact on prostate health and suggests the need for more research into TRT’s long-term effects.

TRT’s long-term risks remain a mystery due to the limited follow-up in many studies. Nevertheless, individuals should not overlook TRT as a potential solution, as it may still be suitable for specific individuals.

Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?

In West Des Moines, getting a TRT prescription involves meeting two prerequisites: 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 essential symptoms like fatigue and sexual dysfunction aren’t present, initiating TRT isn’t advisable due to current uncertainties regarding its long-term safety.”

Employing a standard blood test is a common practice to measure testosterone levels. With the daily fluctuations and the influence of medication and diet, conducting multiple tests becomes necessary. Dr. Hayes points out, “In approximately 30% of cases where the initial testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests reveal normal levels.”

Despite low testosterone levels and exhibiting various symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may not be the immediate resolution. Dr. Hayes advises, “Understanding the underlying cause of declining levels helps us address it and naturally boost low levels.”

Consider weight gain, for example, frequently the primary contributor to declining levels. “Weight plays a larger role in testosterone levels than aging. As weight increases, testosterone levels typically decrease,” she stresses. A five-point rise on the body mass index (BMI) scale, such as advancing from 30 to 35, corresponds to adding a decade to your age concerning 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 cases, your doctor may address the underlying issue or modify your medication or dosage to prevent influencing testosterone levels.

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

Frequently emphasized as benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) are sexual health and vitality. A study published in the Feb. 18, 2016 edition of The New England Journal of Medicine explored the impact of TRT on 790 men aged 65 and older. Those who underwent TRT for one year, compared to those on a placebo, experienced improvements in sexual function, including activity, desire, and erectile function. Nevertheless, the group observed only a marginal improvement in mood and no changes in walking speed, which measures TRT’s effect on vitality.

Using TRT

When it comes to TRT administration, options include gel application or injection. Using gel involves spreading the daily dose, roughly the size of a ketchup packet, over both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are commonly given into the buttocks every two weeks.

Each method presents its advantages, 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.

Post-injection, testosterone levels may exhibit a temporary increase before tapering off, resulting in mood and energy fluctuations resembling a roller-coaster effect.

Most men in West Des Moines observe symptom improvement within four to six weeks, although muscle mass changes can take three to six months.

TRT doesn’t have to be taken indefinitely. “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.