A New Look At Testosterone Therapy In [location_name]

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Over the past ten years, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has gained significant traction in Wilmington. Numerous older men have opted for this therapy to replenish their hormone levels, hoping to enhance their energy and rekindle their sexual desire.

Although TRT is widely embraced, it continues to be a controversial topic due to uncertain benefits and potential health risks. Years ago, studies proposed a possible connection between TRT and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, raising safety concerns.

At the Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Frances Hayes, a reproductive endocrinologist, highlights 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 studies reinforce this view. Research disclosed at the 2015 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions included 1,472 men aged 52 to 63 with low testosterone and no history of cardiovascular disease.

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

Additional research published in the August 2015 Mayo Clinic Proceedings indicated 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.

The link between TRT and other health issues is mixed. Despite earlier associations between TRT and a higher risk of prostate cancer, a study in the December 2015 Journal of Urology reported no increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer with five years of TRT exposure. This finding challenges traditional views and highlights the need for more research into TRT’s long-term effects.

The long-term risks of TRT are still unclear, given the limited follow-up in many studies. Nonetheless, individuals should not discount TRT as an option, as it may still be beneficial for certain cases.

Who Is a Candidate For TRT In [location_name]?

To receive a TRT prescription in Wilmington, meeting two prerequisites is necessary: 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, initiating TRT isn’t advisable due to current uncertainties regarding its long-term safety.”

Utilizing a standard blood test is a common method to assess testosterone levels. Considering the daily variations and the influence of medication and diet, conducting multiple tests becomes essential. Dr. Hayes emphasizes, “In about 30% of cases where the initial testosterone test indicates low levels, subsequent tests reveal normal levels.”

Even with low testosterone levels and encountering diverse symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) isn’t always the first choice. Dr. Hayes suggests, “Understanding the root cause of declining levels helps us address it and naturally raise low levels.”

Consider weight gain, for example, frequently the primary contributor to declining levels. “Weight has a more significant impact on testosterone levels than aging. As weight increases, testosterone levels tend to 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 situations, your doctor might handle the underlying cause or tweak your medication or dosage to sidestep influencing testosterone levels.

Men should grasp the limitations of TRT, as it’s often hailed 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, compared to those on a placebo, observed 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

TRT can be administered through gel application or injection. When using gel, the daily dose, roughly the size of a ketchup packet, is distributed over both upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. Injections are usually given into the buttocks every two weeks.

Each method provides specific advantages, 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 an injection, testosterone levels may briefly peak before tapering off, resulting in mood and energy variations reminiscent of a roller-coaster ride.

Most men in Wilmington usually observe symptom improvement within four to six weeks, although it may take three to six months to see changes in muscle mass.

TRT doesn’t have to be continued 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.