Research indicates that gynecomastia is usually caused by a hormone imbalance between male hormones (testosterone) and female hormones (estrogen or estradiol), with the ratio between the two as the determining factor. When exogenous testosterone is introduced into your system in order to bring levels up into the optimum range, your hypothalamus will determine that there is now enough testosterone present. Any significant elevation of PSA levels indicates the need for a thorough examination to determine the cause. Hormone levels fluctuate, so its important to administer correct doses to keep your testosterone in the optimum range AND in balance with your other hormones. Healthy testosterone levels will signal the body to burn fat and instead produce lean muscle. It sounded great! Wed like to be perfectly clear that potential side effects are often negated or minimized by utilizing: Its important to ensure that your healthcare professional understands the intricacies involved with the minimization of the potential risks while seeking to maximize the potential benefit. Another study found that one of the benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy was increased muscle mass. When is it necessary? For this reason, it is extremely important that your urinary habits, prostate health and PSA be closely monitored if you are on treatment for Low T. Reported upon by Jody Charnow, a study by Dr. Kevin McVary, of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine showed no significant increase in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients being treated with testosterone when compared to those not on TRT. experience hypogonadism, or low testosterone. 469.716.4950. This style of treatment allows patients to stay above borderline low levels, which often are still associated with unwanted symptoms, while keeping you out of the borderline high range that increases your risk of side effects. By evaluating the results of the PSA velocity test we discussed above, we keep track of potentially abnormal changes that could fly under the radar by remaining below the upper limits of normal. Once you start to fall outside this range, either on the top or the bottom, youre entering abnormal territory. After your initial consultation, you should know your potential out-of-pocket costs. Heavy snoring and waking up suddenly during sleep are common symptoms indicating OSA. Here are other reasons we dont usually recommend topical methods for administering supplemental testosterone: The medical literature is filled with incidents of accidental transference of topical medications to a spouse or child, and weve even seen it ourselves. TRT may not be recommended when a person has conditions such as: Testosterone levels naturally decrease as a man ages, starting at around age 30, and continue to decline throughout life. Testosterone Replacement Therapy is a safe and effective way to treat these symptoms, but how quickly will TRT take effect? Therapy isnt a simple matter of increasing or reducing a single hormone. PSA levels in the blood between 0-2.5 ng/mL are considered normal. WebAn increasing number of men are experiencing testosterone deficiency a condition often referred to as low T. Recent research suggests that testosterone levels may decrease as Testosterone exposure may not reduce men's cognitive empathy, a new study finds. For instance, men who are dealing with a loss of interest in sexual activity will typically claim to notice an increase in their drive within three weeks, and often find a return to their full level of activity after six weeks. Competing with high-testosterone man is a tough and nerve-wracking task, but in this part, youre going to learn the secrets of testosterone telepathy along with a few proven techniques that will help you to win the arguments and Low testosterone is a fairly common problem, especially in men over 30. By assimilating information that has been proven in the academic and clinical fields, we are able to tailor plans that meet the unique demands of each of our patients. Feel these emotions as if However, this hormone therapy isn't for everyone. Any quality provider is going to be ready, willing, and able to discuss the details of your therapy in depth, and as a patient, you have a right to get all the information you want before you begin your treatment. Other benefits may include the following: Ask your provider how long will it take for symptoms to go away? In a summary of recent research published by the Mayo Clinic, the authors found evidence that men receiving TRT were at lower risk of death due to heart attack than those not receiving therapy. Request a discussion on all available options and whether that particular practice utilizes them or not. Worst of all, you could be risking your health. Testosterone Replacement Therapy isnt a new treatment, but with increased public awareness and current medical research that has debunked many of the myths surrounding some of the possible side effects associated with TRT, large numbers of men are seeking and receiving this treatment. It can be really convincing when a clinic or service says something like this: We only use bioidentical testosterone, which most closely resembles the natural hormones produced by your body, because they exhibit better absorption and have a lower risk of side-effects.. Ask your provider: Do you use injections for Testosterone Replacement Therapy? Another factor that poses a controversial issue in prescribing TRT to aging healthy men is that once a person begins to take it, the body will stop making testosterone. Follicle sensitivity is determined by your genes. So, balding and testosterone are connected, but not in the way you would think. The goals of treatment are determined by the symptoms youre experiencing. Couples have successfully conceived children using sperm that has been frozen for up to 12 years. Before taking TRT, its important to examine all the pros and cons of its safe and effective use. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Regular blood tests ensure your therapy can be altered to meet your bodys changing needs. In other words, just donate some blood to the charity of your choice. I was tired, even when getting plenty of sleep. This metabolism, or break down of testosterone, occurs in the same manner for both exogenous and endogenous testosterone (naturally produced testosterone), but because of an increased abundance of testosterone this may lead to higher than normal levels of these metabolites. Increased iron in the blood signals your bone marrow to work harder at its job, producing more red blood cells. happily say that those symptoms have really gotten kicked to the curb since starting TRT. Put all of this together and you have the first demonstration of telepathy: One person concentrates on something in particular, this is read as specific EEG brain activity, that is sent by wire to a TMS wand, and that stimulates another persons brain and they see a flash of light. If you and your partner are hoping to expand your family in the near future, it may be necessary to look at other possible avenues of Low T treatment that will maintain sperm production. Suffering from clinical hypogonadism will make the problem worse. They may even lose the desire to have sex completely. At the heart of cardiovascular disease lies the propensity of the body to form clots and blood pressure changes. Many occur only in the presence of higher testosterone levels, and still others are simply the consequences of the bodys normal metabolism of testosterone. That means consistent monitoring of hormone levels by conducting regularly scheduled lab work. This form of TRT is definitely not recommended for people with a history of liver problems. Many of the common symptoms of low testosterone that we listed above, especially chronic fatigue, anxiety, and low mood, can be caused by circumstances that affect your emotions, or by other diseases or disorders. Try to focus on the person you want to send your love to. The following side effects are possible, but occurrences can be significantly reduced (or prevented entirely) through consistent monitoring of your major hormone levels and expert dosing procedures: What is the link between Testosterone Replacement Therapy and high blood pressure? Sherry Christiansen is a medical writer with a healthcare background. We continue to recommend weekly injections because they better ensure dosing accuracy, which is necessary to get you the results you expect. Suite 118 Testosterone helps regulate other physical factors that impact mood and energy levels and protect heart health. Mild fluid retention means you can expect to walk around feeling like youve just polished off a couple helpings of Thanksgiving dinner plus dessert for a bit. Even more importantly, free testosterone should read 9-30 ng/dl. You dont need to feel embarrassed, hesitant, or like you have something to hide. Were going to address the most pressing questions our patients ask right up front. How important is it to you that we work to eliminate my symptoms? If youre taking supplemental testosterone without proper supervision or precautions, the risks of high blood pressure can definitely increase. Each of our clients is subject to an extensive medical history review and evaluation prior to TRT even being considered. If youre a man in your 30s or over who seems to feel tired more often than in years past without good reason, you could be suffering from the symptoms of hypogonadism (the medical term for low testosterone). In the afternoon and evening, mens testosterone levels tend to drop, sometimes severely. How will you determine if Im a good candidate for treatment? But it does mean you can fight the slow decline in your muscle mass that hypogonadism (Low Testosterone) causes. Simply put, these men arent happy with the results of their treatment because the medication is not working in the way that it should, owing to the inability of 30-40% of men to even absorb enough of the medication to improve their testosterone levels. Its great. This isnt something you can safely do yourself with any level of precision. Looking at your calculated free testosterone is critical for diagnosis and determining a treatment protocol. We know what to look for and how to intervene. By Sherry Christiansen This means regular visits to the clinic. My life was great, but I didnt quite feel like me anymore. However, problems with erectile function due to low testosterone may not respond for six months or longer. I got a phone call within a few days, and as it turned out, I was below the normal range. These are convenient to apply, but precautions must be taken to make sure that the skin that has been exposed to the TRT gel does not inadvertently rub off on other body parts. Keep in mind that although TRT has been linked with BPH (prostate gland enlargement), polycythemia, andsleep apnea, the evidence is not substantial enough to fully back up many of the potential risks. I used that phrase, abnormal territory, for a reason theres not a clear line dividing whats abnormal from whats normal. Osterberg EC, Bernie AM, Ramasamy R. Risks of testosterone replacement therapy in men. Something was missing. Does this mean you can get back into the kind of shape you were in throughout high school? For men who want to father children, the decision over whether or not to have Testosterone Replacement Therapy is a difficult one. In fact, many men who suffer from low testosterone are surprised to find that treatments for ED using drugs like sildenafil (Viagra) are not always effective. Due to aging, testosterone levels naturally decrease. 2015 Apr 16;3(4):338-44. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v3.i4.338. Depressive moods may show improvement after three to six weeks, but the greatest effects are not realized until 18 to 30 weeks of TRT. The focus should not be on reaching a predetermined number on a lab test. Youll be welcomed by another nice person with great manners and a pleasant disposition as you walk in the door, and then youll be taken to meet with the medical provider. Up to 40% of men over the age of 45 (and many younger like me!) Being cordial and friendly will put you both at ease and open the doors for real communication. These are average ranges based on the testing of many individuals. FSH is responsible for initiating spermatization (the production of sperm), and LH plays a key role in testosterone production. You can also exhibit symptoms if youre technically in the normal range. That means that we study our craft critically and thoroughly. Suite 5 Gynecomastia is enlargement of the male breast tissue, a condition thats commonly referred to as man boobs, an undesirable physical side effect. It stands to reason that youre interested in TRT because you havent been feeling well. The main reason patients choose topical medications is the ease of administration no needles. By the same token, theres a wide variety of other diseases and disorders that can cause these same symptoms. For men in otherwise good health but suffering from low testosterone, the answer is easy: Testosterone Replacement Therapy is a way for men suffering from the symptoms of low testosterone to feel better. Testosterone should never be used this way. And, if the problem isnt Low T, a blood test may help determine what the problem actually is thats causing your symptoms. As we age, our body fat levels naturally go up. Jia H, Sullivan CT, McCoy SC, Yarrow JF, Morrow M, Borst SE. It is important to note that Testosterone Replacement Therapy does not give you prostate cancer, but certainly elevated testosterone levels (even to the normal range) can cause an otherwise unnoticed prostate lesion to grow more aggressively. Several studies seem to indicate that normal levels of testosterone may actually have a protective effect on the heart. Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, M.D., a Harvard expert on TRT, had the following to say on the likelihood of substantial medical consequences: If the hematocrit goes up too high, we worry about the blood becoming too viscous or thick, possibly predisposing someone to stroke or clotting events. This might be in something called a mens clinic, or it might simply be in a clinic that specifically provides Testosterone Replacement Therapy. At TCT, we recommend testosterone injections over all other forms of Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We dont advise a shotgun blast approach to optimizing your testosterone levels; we prefer precision. They cant increase your testosterone directly, and the same is true for these OTC testosterone supplements. Thats why choosing your provider is so important. However, studies purporting that TRT causes this risky condition fail to answer some very obvious questions: Were any preventative measures were taken? There are several normal changes that may occur, including insomnia(or other sleep disturbances), lowsex drive, an increasein body fat, a reductionin muscle mass, a decreasein motivation, and a lowlevel of self-confidence. Making the right decision for you and your family is of utmost importance. Natesto is the first FDA-approved intranasal testosterone therapy. Typically, we test one month after therapy is initiated and/or a dosing change is made. 469.213.7996, 9986 Grapevine Highway, You also want a provider who understands hormone therapy generally, and not just Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Frisco,TX75034 Call to mind the feelings you experience when you interact with the person face-to-face. Are those claims true? Testosterone is not a compound that your body evolved to ingest directly. The same study above (click here to check it out) also found that testosterone injections benefit not just your muscles, but also your body fat levelsby decreasing them. Those treatments dont address low testosterone levels. If you dont feel comfortable for any reason, choose a different provider. Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy Safe? Some patients are not candidates for traditional low testosterone therapy and may benefit from topical (AndroGel, Testim, Axiron, Fortesta) or hCG therapy. Much of this is the same prescription or OTC, ingesting testosterone through the stomach is ineffective or harmful. First, most prescription testosterone pills are toxic to the liver. PSA Above 4.0 ng/mL Doesnt Automatically Mean Prostate Cancer, The Truth: We Dont Really Understand the Cause of Prostate Cancer, Testosterone, Cholesterol, and Effects on the Heart, Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Fertility, Introducing Testosterone into Your Body May Reduce Fertility, Sperm Count, Choosing Between TRT and Having Children Is a Difficult Decision. Every man is different, and the causes for ED vary. Although many patients come to us for help resolving particularly troublesome symptoms, they are often surprised at the many unexpected benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy. WebAnd a simple, almost stupid Testosterone Telepathy technique you can use on ANY man to make him worship you like his personal queen (even if he barely pays attention to WebTestosterone was first used as a clinical drug as early as 1937, but with little understanding of its mechanisms. As testosterone declines, mens hormone balance alters. It could potentially help to: Some experts in the field cite testosterones natural anti-inflammatory effects as the reason why some men enjoy a reduction in joint pain. (See this article from European Urology and this article from the New York Times to learn more). However, if you are in regular contact with other people, especially at home, topicals may not be a good option as they can be transferred accidentally to loved ones. For agitation and activation, both of these measurements showed sharp improvements at 9 weeks and stayed relatively stable thereafter. Elevated levels of DHT can cause benign growth of the prostate, increased oiliness of the skin and acne, as well as male pattern balding. While this is not the best way to maintain normal testosterone levels, and these medications carry their own profile of potential side effects, they are options that we would be happy to discuss with you if maintaining fertility is a concern for you or your family. The fact of the matter is that therapy, when done right, requires the diligent tenacity one would put toward any other serious medical issue. However, only your doctor can prescribe testosterone replacement therapy. When we talk about those benefits in detail, patients are surprised that healthy testosterone levels can improve their lives unexpected ways. Neither may Viagra or other drugs alone be sufficient. Use of TRT for those withhypogonadismhas been shown to be effective and generally safe, but additional clinical research data is needed to fully establish long-term safety. 817.918.4763, 4150 Justin Rd. The answer to that question will vary for each Low T clinic, just like any other business. Relationship issues, work-related stress, a family illness, financial difficulties, the loss of a job, and many other life events can take a toll on your mental and physical health. In one case, an individual being treated by another medical provider was on a topical when they reported a small growth of pubic hair in their daughter, who was less than 2 years old. . Talk to a TRT expert and get back to feeling the way you're supposed to. What do they do that makes them better than the rest? Placing your health at risk with unnecessary medication or the wrong form of treatment can cause even more problems than you began with. If you report side effects, we adjust. Preventing side effects is about finding what dose is right for your body and monitoring your levels consistently to make sure were adjusting for any changes were going to help you return to your bodys natural state of balance, not just some predetermined testosterone score. By using the term bioidentical, the manufacturers and providers of these treatment options would have you believe that they are offering an organic, non-pharmaceutical option for Testosterone Replacement Therapy, and they state it as if using that form of treatment is the only way to give your body something it recognizes. Something went wrong. This guide covers everything youve ever wanted to know about Testosterone Replacement Therapy for men and has been divided into simple sections for easy reading. Dont trust these delicate matters to just anyone. You would have to constantly test your own testosterone levels, which is a practice fraught with its own issues. Your levels are likely to be lower than they should be if youre suffering from low testosterone. Should Older Men Take Testosterone Supplements? We usually dont recommend topicals because they: (Click here to read a scholarly article containing a lot of information on transdermal and sublingual testosterone.). One good way to be sure that you do is to repeat back what was said in your own words and confirm that your understanding is accurate. Your provider should test your blood repeatedly (anywhere between once a month to once a quarter), and they should also know about other types of hormone replacement therapy and be willing and able to manage your other hormones as necessary. The FDA regulations that do exist to regulate these supplements are at times inadequate and are generally not well enforced. If your father went bald, then you are 2.5 times more likely to suffer from baldness yourself compared to someone whose father kept his hair. Im back to being the cheerful and confident guy I feel like I should be. Sexual desire followed a similar track, reaching a plateau around the 9th week. To quickly recap, the first objective of TRT is to raise testosterone levels into a normal range, but the overall goal is to improve the symptoms associated with that proven deficiency and to keep those levels there. She has worked in the hospital setting and collaborated on Alzheimer's research. Insist on understanding. The follicles are so susceptible to the action of this chemical that they slowly shrink and shut down. One studyfound that men taking testosterone had a 30% higher risk of death, heart attack, or stroke compared to those not taking TRT. That aside, because PSA is essentially a tumor marker for prostate cancer, patients with a first-degree relative who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and those with an elevated PSA level should proceed with caution and be monitored closely. The following are some of the more common symptoms Low T clinics treat: So ask your provider what are the goals of my treatment? Here are some of the factors which will influence how quickly you respond to treatment: It has been our experience that failure to respond to treatment is very rare (when the person is committed to staying consistent with appointments and recommendations). While one of the side effects of too much testosterone can be hair growth, this is generally limited to the rest of the body. Youll learn more about the romantic Very few studies (if any) have found that Testosterone Replacement Therapy for people with legitimately low testosterone is dangerous or harmful, either to the heart, to cholesterol levels, or to any other bodily function. In fact, its not even clear that a baseline for prostate-specific antigens even exists. Telepathy is the ability to transmit words, emotions, or images to someone elses mind. While theres no evidence that telepathy exists, you can still give it a try. Relax your body and mind, visualize the receiver is right in front of you, and focus your thoughts on sending them a simple word or image. Nobody wants those additional concerns. If you performed a quick online search for prevention of gynecomastia, nearly all articles are concerned with PED (performance enhancing drugs) used for bodybuilding or enhancing sports performance. This is typically short-term and can be treated as necessary. In that nearly-80-year-old project, 2 researchers, Huggins and Hodges, observed a single case where lower testosterone levels due to castration or estrogen treatment caused metastatic pCA (prostate cancer) to regress. Thats why Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) might be right for you. Testosterone helps to influence or provides: There are a number of conditions that could cause low testosterone levels, which include: Testosterone replacement therapy is the process of replacing the testosterone that is lost as a result of an injury, a condition that is present at birth, or a disease that causes low testosterone levels. That has lead to the term testosterone-induced gynecomastia.. Buying into the Low T myths, going for the bogus quick fix or one-size-fits-all solution means wasting time and money for no benefit. Abnormal increases in estradiol can lead to mood swings, breast tissue changes, and fluid retention that may cause swelling or increases in blood pressure. The most important reason we dont recommend topicals first: Some men receive little or no benefit from topical methods of delivering supplemental testosterone. We talked about treatment options, and about a week after I first filled out a form online I was getting treatment for my Low T. I swear Ive waited twice that long just to get to the first appointment with a doctor! Your symptoms may diminish within different periods, especially if you are dealing with more than one issue a medical condition such as diabetes, obesity, chronic illness, or use of medications could delay your response to TRT. They become very sensitive one of the byproducts of testosterone, known as dihydrotestosterone, often abbreviated to DHT. Baldness and testosterone have been associated with each other for literally thousands of years. Why Side Effects Occur With Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), Testosterone, Hematocrit Levels, Erythrocytosis, and High Blood Pressure, How High Hematocrit Levels May Affect Your Health, Testosterone and Hematocrit Levels The Risks, Preventing and Treating High Hematocrit Levels, Donating Blood to Reduce Elevated Hematocrit Levels Caused by TRT, Testosterone Injections and Water Retention, Balding and Testosterone Injections Are Not Related. (It is important to note that TRT should never be mistaken for a form of birth control or contraception.). A healthy hormone balance keeps your body tuned to produce more muscle and less fat, which can lead to a healthier self-image and higher perception of quality of life. Blood pressure changes often arise when blood becomes thicker. If testosterone increases muscle mass slightly without any sort of exercise routine, imagine what it might do combined with strength training. Many also have some serious negative effects on your cholesterol levels and may actually contribute to the development of cancer. We know that inflammation of the prostate is often associated with prostate cancer, but we dont know if this is an actual cause. Certainly discussing sensitive personal issues like urinary tract problems, erectile dysfunction, or low testosterone can be somewhat intimidating, but remember that by candidly addressing these, you are actually giving your provider the information they need to help you attempt to overcome them. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Just as with any other medical treatment, there are possible side effects associated with Testosterone Replacement Therapy. This is a serious decision that warrants thoughtful consideration. We would be happy to sit down with you and discuss the any questions you may have about therapy. Therefore, it is no surprise that increased energy and a boost in sexual desire top the list of benefits. With oral forms of testosterone, including sublingual testosterone, not only do we see a rapid spike in testosterone levels, but we also see them plummet relatively quickly. Unlike many other medical practices, we respect your time and dont leave you in the waiting room wondering when youll be next all of this sets us apart. Careful and consistent monitoring of our patients hematocrit levels (the concentration of red blood cells suspended in the blood plasma) through frequent blood testing allows us to take action before unnecessary strain on your circulatory system occurs. Ive been receiving testosterone therapy for about a year now, and I can say two things without a doubt: my everyday life has improved since starting, and I wished Id started sooner. The hypothalamus doesnt really concern itself with whether the testosterone in your system came from a TRT injection or was produced naturally. Do you have them codified somewhere? [email protected]. The 1940s myth that Testosterone Replacement Therapy and prostate cancer are directly related began with a single-patient study on a possible connection between TRT and prostate cancer, which was conducted and documented by two doctors back in 1941. Anyone embarking on TRT should realize that response to treatment manifests in different ways in different individuals. Although expecting overnight miracles would be unrealistic, its true that the physical health benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy exist and will have an effect on you over time in a sense, your body will stop working against you. Although TRT can normalize testosterone levels, it does not improve fertility because it suppresses the pathway for managing the levels of the other hormones involved in testicular stimulation.
