An Inside Look at Testosterone and TRT Therapy

A natural decline in testosterone levels occurs as we age. It is natural to wonder if you might benefit from supplementation.

What is Testosterone and What Does It Do?

Testosterone is the male hormone that is responsible for male characteristics such as a deep voice, muscular build, and facial hair. It fosters bone density and red blood cell development.

The Latest Findings

• A study presented at an American Heart Association scientific session in 2015 supported the notion that TRT can help restore a person’s natural testosterone levels. It found that healthy men who took the supplement did not have an increased risk of experiencing a heart attack, stroke, or death.
• A different study presented in 2015 by the Mayo Clinic did not find a link between TRT and the development of blood clots in the veins. This study contained data from 30,000 participants. There was no conclusive outcome.
• Other studies also suggest mixed results when it comes to the use of TRT. For instance, it has been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. However, a study conducted in 2015 found that the use of TRT did not increase cancer risk.

The Bottom Line

The long-term risks of TRT are still unknown, as many of these studies have limited follow-ups. That does not mean you should avoid TRT. If you are in the group of men that can benefit from this form of therapy, chances are that the benefits greatly outweigh the potential risks.

Am I a Candidate?

To be considered a proper candidate for HRT, you need to have both low levels of testosterone and several symptoms. Low levels alone are not enough to qualify. A blood test is given to determine levels at the time of consultation.

Manage Expectations

Being realistic is key. There is no actual fountain of youth. Testosterone supplementation can make a world of difference in how you feel and how you look over time. It cannot, however, make you 21 again.

The New England Journal of Medicine reviewed the effects of TRT for 1 year on 790 men ages 65 and older. Those receiving the hormone vs the placebo group saw improvements in sexual function, sexual intercourse stamina, desire, erectile function, and a slight improvement in mood. They saw no change in walking speed, which was used to measure vitality.

Do I Need to Take TRT for Life?

This is a common misnomer. Most men feel improvement within four to six weeks, although changes like an increase in muscle mass may take from three to six months.

TRT may not need to be taken for life. In some cases, the issues that caused the drop in level may be resolved. All treatments need to be re-evaluated by your physician at regular intervals.

If you believe you may be a good candidate for TRT, we would love to work with you to get you feeling your very best and help you rebalance and return your testosterone levels to where they should be.

Interested in Knowing More or Ready to get started?

If you suspect you may benefit from TRT, please visit www.vitalityhealthsfl.com to learn more about the practice and the services we offer at Vitality Health SFL in Naples, Fort Myers, Bonita Beach, Bradenton, Clearwater, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Estero, Bonita Springs, Winter Haven, Cape Coral, Sarasota, Miami, and Orlando, Florida.

Give us a call at 1-833-4LOWTEE to schedule your consultation with Dr. Zughbi.