Does Testosterone Therapy Pose a Heart Risk to Men?
Introduction
Testosterone, the male sex hormone, is essential for development during puberty. In adulthood, men rely on it to regulate several bodily functions, enable sex drive and sexual functioning, and maintain mental and physical sharpness.
Normal aging and a variety of medical conditions can negatively impact a man’s testosterone levels. Some men experience chronic illnesses or congenital disorders that alter their hormone production and regulation. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a common intervention used to address low testosterone levels.
As researchers learned more about this hormone's vital role, they developed various treatments to boost and stabilize its levels in men who need it. This article discusses what TRT is, the benefits, and the risks associated with using it. Learning about the importance of hormones to male health and relevant treatment options can help you talk to your doctor if you think low testosterone is affecting your life.
What is Testosterone Therapy?
TRT is a doctor-prescribed intervention that introduces outside testosterone to a man's body. Once in the bloodstream, the body uses the synthetic hormone the same as it does naturally produced testosterone. Doctors use TRT to treat the symptoms of low testosterone.
Types of Testosterone Therapy
The most common form of TRT is intramuscular injections administered by a medical provider. The shots rapidly raise testosterone levels, and their effects wear off over time. Most men receive biweekly injections.
You can also treat low T with transdermal patches or topical gels. These treatments are applied daily and deliver testosterone through the skin. They can help stabilize hormone levels but require careful application to ensure the gel isn't accidentally removed or transferred to another person.
Doctors can also administer testosterone pellets. These implantable devices are effective for several months and release a constant flow of hormones into the bloodstream. Doctors remove and replace implants once they’re no longer releasing testosterone.
Benefits of Testosterone Therapy
Once your doctor determines the correct dose and optimal form of TRT for you, you can use the treatment to raise and stabilize your hormone levels. Many men report feeling invigorated as a result of the treatment.
Depending on the symptoms you experience from low testosterone, TRT can improve your sex drive and erectile function. Some men undergo a gain in lean muscle and loss of body fat while on TRT when they commit to a healthy diet and proper exercise during the treatment.
In many cases, TRT can boost and stabilize a man's mood while also sharpening his mind. The treatment can help eliminate the mental fog and forgetfulness that often develop when hormone levels drop.
What Makes a Good Candidate for Testosterone Therapy?
Most men with low testosterone levels and symptoms like fatigue, increased body mass around the midsection, mental fog, erectile dysfunction, and low sex drive are good candidates for TRT.
It's essential to consult an experienced men's health doctor about your eligibility. Everyone has a different baseline testosterone level. Your doctor can order blood tests and assess your symptoms to determine if they’re a result of declining testosterone levels.
Side Effects of Testosterone Therapy
All treatments carry the risk of side effects. In this case, their occurrence and severity depend on an individual's biochemistry and the dose of TRT they take. The most common side effects are acne, swelling of the hands and feet, lowered sperm count, sleep apnea, and an enlarged prostate.
Rarer and more critical side effects include slurred speech, breathing difficulty, chest pain, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. Obtaining TRT from a qualified doctor is the best way to rule out potential complications and maximize the safety of your treatment.
Does Testosterone Therapy Put Your Heart at Risk?
The rising profile of TRT and its expanded availability have resulted in increased media coverage and widespread speculation about its safety. Some doctors initially raised concerns about an elevated risk of heart attack, particularly among older men, when taking TRT.
A recent clinical trial, considered the highest caliber study in medicine, confirmed that TRT does not elevate the risk of heart attack, cardiac death, or stroke in men with clinically low testosterone. The study featured over 5,000 participants between 45 and 80 with either high risk for or pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
The lack of elevated risk reported by the researchers was for TRT administered with proper evaluation, prescription, and supervision by a doctor. Observers stressed that the study's findings do not pertain to over-the-counter testosterone boosters or men who self-diagnose and purchase products online to manage their hormone levels.
Safely undergoing TRT requires consultation with a licensed physician, who will conduct a comprehensive exam and measure your testosterone levels using blood tests. They will also rule out underlying health conditions that contraindicate the treatment. The provider can then determine the optimal form of TRT for you based on the nature of your symptoms and the extent of your hormone loss.
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- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2701485/#:~:text=Most%20importantly%2C%20these%20include%20beneficial,benefits%20on%20cardiovascular%20risk%20factors.
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/testosterone-therapy/art-20045728
- https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2215025
July 10, 2023
Written By
Jake Peter
Fact-checked By
Dr. Avidon Appel
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