What Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
- May 14, 2024
- Written by : Rebecca LaMarca, MSN, APN-BC, CNS
Testosterone is a hormone that’s primarily produced in testicles. Levels of testosterone tend to decline in people with testicles as they age. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is used to treat people with symptomatic hypogonadism, according to a 2014 study from the Department of Urology at New York Presbyterian Hospital.1
Hypogonadism, or the decreased functional activity of gonads, becomes more common as people age. A Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging found that incidences of hypogonadal T levels increased to 20% in men over 60 years old, 30% in those over 70, and half of those over 80.2
Is testosterone replacement therapy safe?
As with nearly any medical procedure, there are risks involved. But cautiously approaching testosterone therapy can be effective. Dr. Howard E. LeWine, the chief medical editor for Harvard Health Publishing, encourages patients to take stock of their health before undergoing treatment, get an accurate assessment of their testosterone levels, consider the risks and have realistic expectations about results.3
“Recent clinical trials, which provide more accurate information compared to observational studies, have provided some comfort around both the heart and prostate cancer risks,” LeWine writes. “For men who clearly have testosterone deficiency, there is no apparent increased risk of heart attack or stroke or greater chance of developing a new prostate cancer from testosterone replacement therapy.”
How much does testosterone replacement therapy cost?
IV Elements offers a two-month supply of at-home testosterone therapy treatments. This includes CBC, estradiol, testosterone, prolactin, DHEA-S, PSA, SHBG and cortisol.
The testosterone injections typically come as testosterone cypionate, and the concentration comes in 100 mg/ml or 200 mg/ml vials.
Call for a phone consultation to get started.
Is testosterone replacement therapy covered by insurance?
Many insurance companies do cover testosterone replacement therapy.
IV Elements doesn’t currently accept insurance, but treatments are FSA- and HSA-eligible.
Testoterone replacement therapy side effects
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several risks involved with testosterone therapy as it relates to normal aging.4 These potential side effects include worsening sleep apnea, causing acne, stimulating prostate growth (noncancerous) or growth of existing prostate cancer, enlarging breasts, limiting sperm production or shrinking testicles and overproducing red blood cells. While there’s not enough conclusive research, some research indicates that testosterone replacement therapy may increase the risk of heart disease. People with comorbities may be at greater risk of side effects from TRT.
Benefits of testosterone replacement therapy
“The benefits seen with TRT, such as increased libido and energy level, beneficial effects on bone density, strength and muscle as well as cardioprotective effects, have been well-documented,” according to the New York Presbyterian study.
From 1993 to 2009, there was an increase of more than 500% in sales of prescription testosterone products, according to a study published in Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management.5
Testosterone replacement therapy before and after
REFERENCES
- Osterberg, E. C., Bernie, A., & Ramasamy, R. (2014). Risks of testosterone replacement therapy in men. Indian Journal of Urology/Indian Journal of Urology, 30(1), 2. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-1591.124197
- Harman, S. M., Metter, E. J., Tobin, J. D., Pearson, J. D., & Blackman, M. R. (2001). Longitudinal effects of aging on serum total and free testosterone levels in healthy men. the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism/Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 86(2), 724–731. https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem.86.2.7219
- Harvard Health. (2024, April 3). Is testosterone therapy safe? Take a breath before you take the plunge. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/is-testosterone-therapy-safe-take-a-breath-before-you-take-the-plunge
- Testosterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks as you age. (2024, January 19). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/testosterone-therapy/art-20045728
- Bassil, N., Alkaade, S., & Morley, J. E. (2009). The benefits and risks of testosterone replacement therapy: a review. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, 427. https://doi.org/10.2147/tcrm.s3025
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