Hormone Replacement Therapy With Testosterone

What Are The Side Effects Of Trt

Possible risks of testosterone treatment include:

• a high red blood cell count, which can cause heart problems and blood clots
• acne and oily skin
• worsening of male pattern baldness
• an increase in prostate size
• unmasking or worsening of a pre-existing prostate cancer
• skin irritation of the area of the patch
• pulmonary oil microemoblism for Reandron injection
• testicular shrinkage on rare occasions with injections.

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When Should Testosterone Be Avoided Or Used With Caution

• During pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Active liver disease
• History of hormone sensitive breast cancer off label exceptions to this may be agreed in fully informed women with intractable symptoms not responding to alternatives
• Competitive athletes care must be taken to maintain levels well within the female physiological range
• Women with upper normal or high baseline testosterone levels / FAI

Should I Avoid Testosterone Replacement Therapy If I Have Certain Conditions

Guidelines from the Endocrine Society say you should not have TRT if you have prostate cancer or breast cancer.

But some studies suggest that men who have been successfully treated for prostate cancer may be candidates for TRT as long as they are closely watched for signs of disease. Before starting TRT, your doctor should assess your risk for prostate cancer.

You might be told by a doctor not to get TRT if you have these conditions, which may be made worse by TRT:

• Above-normal red blood cell counts

TRT is also not advised to be used for treating those with low testosterone caused by aging.

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Types Of Testosterone Products

Testosterone can be administered in skin patch, skin gel, pill or cream form or as an injection, a solution applied to the armpit or a patch or a buccal system applied to the upper gum or inner cheek.

While many testosterone products are available only with a prescription, some drug stores and health food stores sell them over the counter. A few of these products also claim to be all-natural.

Excessive Red Blood Cell Count

Excessive red blood cell count was a commonly observed side effect in a meta-analysis of clinical trials of testosterone therapy. Blood counts levels above 50 have been associated with an increased risk of stroke. Polycythemia is most commonly seen with injectable testosterone. Monitoring blood counts is important for patients on testosterone replacement. In addition, testosterone may suppress clotting factors II, V, and VII, and worsen bleeding in patients on anticoagulation.

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At What Point In My Gender Transition Can I Start Masculinizing Hormone Therapy

Together, you and your provider can decide the best time to start therapy. Some gender-nonconforming individuals go their entire lives without needing or wanting gender-affirming therapies or surgeries. Others begin therapy as soon as possible.

The Endocrine Society recommends that transgender adolescents start hormone therapy at 16 at the earliest. Earlier than 16, they recommend puberty blockers. The difference is that:

• Hormone therapy causes some changes to your body that are irreversible.
• Puberty blockers delay the onset of secondary sex characteristics associated with the gender you were assigned at birth. They prevent gender-nonconforming children from developing characteristics that may cause them to experience gender dysphoria, but they dont produce irreversible changes.

In some instances, transgender youths under 16 and their caregivers may decide that its best to begin masculinizing hormone therapy early for the well-being of the child. The right time to start treatment varies on a case-by-case basis.

Who Needs Testosterone Replacement

No one should ever self-diagnose low testosterone or low T. Even doctors will often test your blood twice to assure themselves of the accurateness of the testosterone levels found in your blood. If you havent been diagnosed, the doctors at Matrix Hormones are more than adept at assessing patient testosterone levels and uncovering any underlying causes. For example, low testosterone levels could be just a symptom of a different problem such as a malfunctioning adrenal gland.

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Maintenance Of Bone Mass

Another benefit is the maintenance of bone mass for strong musculoskeletal support and a decrease in the longer-term danger of osteoporotic fractures. Bone density, after all, declines sharply after menopause and testosterone can double or triple bone density relative to estrogen. The combination of testosterone and estrogen can, in fact, potentially improve bone loss up to 41 percent and that can have a dramatic effect on ones ability to achieve long-term longevity and well-being.

Risks Of Testosterone Therapy

Testosterone replacement therapy side effects most often include rash, itching, or irritation at the site where the testosterone is applied.

However, there is also evidence of a possible increased risk of heart attack or stroke associated with testosterone use. Experts emphasize that the benefits and risks of long-term testosterone therapy are unknown, because large clinical trials haven’t yet been done.

There are a few health conditions that experts believe testosterone therapy can worsen:

It will be years before large clinical trials bring any answers on the long-term benefits and risks of testosterone therapy. As with any medicine, the decision on whether the possible benefits outweigh any risks is up to you and your doctor.

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How Do I Take Testosterone Hrt

Medical providers will prescribe different forms of masculinizing HRT based on the level of physical changes you want, existing medical conditions, and personal preferences, says deNormand. One of the most common options is taking testosterone via injection. There are two standard forms of injectable testosterone: testosterone cypionate and testosterone enanthate. While the first is the most common form, enanthate is usually prescribed to people who are allergic to the carrier oil cypionate.

You can inject testosterone subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The two delivery methods differ in the following ways:

• Subcutaneous: Using a smaller needle, you inject your dose directly into the fatty tissue directly under your skin on your abdomen or thighs.
• Intramuscular: Using a longer needle, you inject your dose into your deeper muscles under the fatty tissue and skin on your thighs.

Intramuscular injections can be delivered once a week or bi-weekly depending on your doctors recommendation. However, for subcutaneous injections, the fatty tissue does not hold onto the injected supply of hormones for the same length of time, meaning weekly injections are typically better.

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Testosterone Replacement Therapy For Men

Taking charge of your health is a big step. SynergenX is here to guide you through the rest of your journey towards achieving optimal health. If you are suffering from symptoms of Low T, chances are its not just one aspect of your life that is being negatively impacted. For men, testosterone replacement therapy is commonly used to treat hypogonadism, a condition that causes low levels of testosterone . Mens testosterone levels can decline naturally, typically around age 30. Certain health conditions, or even lifestyle habits can also cause Low T. Symptoms such as persistent tiredness, chronic fatigue, brain fog, sexual deficiencies, even depression could start to appear. Testosterone replacement therapy can help correct T levels and reverse these symptoms to get you feeling like you again. Finding out if you have Low T is easy. Just schedule an appointment at one of our clinics. A simple blood test will reveal if your T levels are low.

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What Can I Expect From Testosterone

Most folks first start noticing changes like lower voice, facial hair growth, and stopping of monthly bleeding at about 2 to 3 months after starting testosterone by the injection method. Some folks notice feeling better emotionally shortly after starting T in particular, they report less anxiety and more confidence. Some other physical changes that occur more gradually include:

• Body fat redistribution

• Increased and darker facial and body hair growth

• Broadened shoulders

• More angular eyes and face

• Increase in libido

• Enlargement of some genital parts

Most people will max out on physical changes somewhere between 2 to 5 years after starting testosterone.

How Do I Take Testosterone Replacement Therapy

TRT comes in several different forms. Each has pros and cons.

Patches. These are easy to apply. But patches can cause skin rashes and may have to be applied more than once a day.

Gels. You rub gels into the skin daily. They are convenient to use. But you have to be careful that no one comes into contact with the treated area for several hours after you’ve applied it. Otherwise they could get testosterone in their system. A nasal gel is now available that eliminates the risk of exposure to others.

Buccal patch. You put this on your upper gum twice a day. These patches are convenient but can cause irritation or gum disease.

Injections. Injections are given anywhere from 2 to 10 weeks apart. They are inexpensive compared to other treatments. But injections may not provide steady benefits. Your testosterone levels will go back down between doses.

Subcutaneous pellets. Your doctor inserts these under your skin every 3 to 6 months. They are very convenient once they’re put in, but they require minor surgery for each dose.

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Can I Undergo Masculinizing Hormone Therapy Without Help From A Healthcare Provider

Taking testosterone without a healthcare providers guidance is dangerous. It can be tempting to bypass an appointment with a healthcare professional to get started on testosterone quickly. This is especially the case if you have friends who are undergoing therapy, who share their prescribed testosterone and dosage recommendations with you. But everyone is different. Getting the dosage wrong can pose long-term risks to your health. Taking testosterone without a prescription isnt safe.

See your provider to ensure youre getting treatment thats safe and optimized to help you achieve your unique treatment goals.

Mens Testosterone Replacement Therapy

For men, testosterone replacement therapy is commonly used to treat hypogonadism, which can cause unnaturally low levels of testosterone . Men can experience this condition at any age, so testosterone replacement therapy can help correct these levels and support sexual health, muscle mass and bone density.

If you would like to know more about the benefits or age-related side effects of testosterone replacement therapy, call SynergenX at 888.219.7259. Our skilled providers can help you determine if testosterone replacement therapy is right for you.

SynergenX Low-T clinics are located across Houston including Galleria, Katy, Kingwood, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Vintage Park, Webster, Atascocita, Spring and Cypress two Dallas locations located in McKinney and Walnut Hill or if you are in the San Antonio area, visit clinics including NorthWest, NorthEast, New Braunfels, Sonterra, or Alamo Ranch. Experiencing the symptoms of Low-T in Chicago? Get more information about testosterone replacement therapy for men at the Burr Ridge office.

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Who Is Masculinizing Hormone Therapy For

This therapy allows some gender-nonconforming people who are designated female at birth to feel more comfortable in their bodies. For many transgender men and nonbinary DFAB people, masculinizing hormone therapy changes the way they look and sound to better match their understanding of their gender or gender identity.

Masculinizing hormone therapy is just one option for treating gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria is the medical term for the emotional distress that happens when societys expectations of your gender dont match your gender identity. Hormone therapy may allow you to feel more at ease living as your authentic self.

Testosterone Levels And Aging

Testosterone levels naturally decrease as a man ages.

The effects of gradually lowering testosterone levels as men age have received increasing attention in recent years. It is known as late-onset hypogonadism.

After the age of 40, the concentration of circulating testosterone falls by about 1.6 percent every year for most men. By the age of 60, the low levels of testosterone would lead to a diagnosis of hypogonadism in younger men.

About 4 in 10 men have hypogonadism by the time they reach 45 years old. The number of cases in which older men have been diagnosed as having low testosterone increased 170 percent since 2012.

Low testosterone has been associated with increased mortality in male veterans. Late-onset hypogonadism has become a recognized medical condition, although many of the symptoms are associated with normal aging.

The following are symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism:

• diminished erectile quality, particularly at night
• a decrease in muscle mass and strength
• increase in abdominal fat mass.

As well as sexual dysfunction, late-onset hypogonadism has also been associated with metabolic disease and cardiovascular disease.

The degree to which testosterone levels decline varies between men, but a growing number of men experience the effects of reduced testosterone levels. Life expectancy has increased, and many men now live beyond the age of 60 years.

As a result, a higher number of men see the effects of age-related testosterone depletion.

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Low Testosterone Symptoms & Diagnosis

To make an accurate diagnosis of low testosterone, symptoms or findings must accompany a blood draw showing a low testosterone level. This combination makes treatment worthwhile to pursue. Symptoms include decreased sexual desire and erectile dysfunction, changes in mood associated with fatigue, depression and anger, and decreases in memory and spatial orientation ability. On examination, there may be decreased lean body mass with reduced muscle volume and strength, and increases in abdominal girth. Decreased or thinning of facial and chest hair and skin alterations such as increases in facial wrinkling and pale-appearing skin suggestive of anemia may also be noted. Testicles that have become smaller or softer may also be present. Finally, low bone mineral density with osteopenia or osteoporosis may also suggest a problem.

Not all of these findings need to be present at the same time to diagnose the problem. In fact, many of these symptoms can be attributed simply to the natural and unavoidable consequence of aging. For example, frailty may be due to many causes, some of which include loss of muscle strength, bone fractures, decreased mood, and impaired cognition, symptoms typical of testosterone deficiency. However, the association of such symptoms along with a low testosterone certainly implicates this as a problem. By these criteria, it is estimated that only 10% of men with low testosterone levels are currently being diagnosed.

What Changes Can I Expect From Masculinizing Hormone Therapy

You may notice changes as early as one month after youve started taking testosterone, but it may take a little longer to achieve the maximum effects. How quickly your body responds to the therapy depends on individual factors, like your age and genetics.

Many of these changes persist even if you stop taking hormones. Others require that you continue taking testosterone regularly. For example, changes related to muscle mass, body fat distribution and menstruation all require that you dont stop taking testosterone.

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For Use In Certain Men

Some men with unnaturally low levels of testosterone can benefit from hormone therapy. For example, the condition hypogonadism can cause unnaturally low levels of testosterone. Its a dysfunction of the testicles that prevents the body from producing the right amount of testosterone.

Whats less certain is whether testosterone therapy can benefit healthy men whose testosterone decline is simply caused by aging. This has been a difficult question for researchers to answer. Not many studies have observed the effects of testosterone therapy in men with healthy levels of the hormone. The studies that have were smaller and had unclear results.

How Will I Be Monitored While On Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Your doctor will measure your testosterone levels at the 3- and 6-month marks after treatment begins. After that you’ll be tested once a year. If your levels are OK you’ll stay on your current dose.

If your testosterone levels are too low, your dose may be adjusted. At the same time, your doctor will check your red blood cell levels.

Within 1 to 2 years of TRT, your doctor will measure your bone density if you had osteoporosis when treatment began. Your doctor will evaluate your prostate cancer risk at the start of treatment and may do more tests at the 3- and 6-month marks, and then annually.

Patients taking TRT should call 911 immediately if they have symptoms which include:

• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Weakness in one side of the body

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Testosterone Hormone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone is a hormone that is critical to overall health. Although commonly credited with a healthy sex drive, testosterone support much more than that.

Consider the following important functions and features:

• Increased Muscle Mass and Strength
• Helps Improve Cholesterol
• Improved Sexual Performance

Types Of Hormone Therapy For Men

If your doctor suggests testosterone therapy, several options are available. These include:

• Intramuscular testosterone injections: Your doctor will inject these into the muscles of your buttocks every two to three weeks.
• Testosterone patches: You apply these each day to your back, arms, buttocks, or abdomen. Be sure to rotate the application sites.
• Topical testosterone gel: You apply this each day to your shoulders, arms, or abdomen.

Side effects are a primary drawback of hormone therapy with testosterone. While some of the side effects are relatively minor, others are more serious.

Minor potential side effects of hormone therapy with testosterone include:

• fluid retention

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Evaluation And Diagnosis Of Hsdd

A biopsychosocial approach is recommended for optimal diagnosis and treatment of HSDD. This can include a mental health provider, sexual health medical expert, and/or physical therapist. A comprehensive history should be obtained in these patients including past medical, surgical, social, and sexual/relationship history. Primary goals of the biopsychosocial assessment are to appropriately diagnose the subtype of HSDD while ruling out reversible causes including depression, medication side effects, relationship issues, neurologic conditions, and dyspareunia. Validated questionnaires are a useful tool in the diagnosis of HSDD. The Female Sexual

Function Index is a validated questionnaire used to assess 6 domains within sexual function in women. Other useful questionnaires for screening of HSDD include the

Sexual Interest and Desire Inventory , the Female Sexual Distress Scale , and the Decreased Sexual Desire Screener .

Table 2 Reference ranges of testosterone level in women based on age.