“Is Testosterone Therapy Really Safe?” by HealthGains Team
by HealthGains Team
LipoAdvisor.com Notice: HealthGains Team is a team of experts that not focus exclusively in cosmetics and beauty but also in several other fields and our audience seems to be interested in their articles.. this is why we are publishing two more articles that explore the role of testosterone replacement therapy.. let’s have a look at them
Testosterone replacement therapy or TRT, has garnered a lot of media attention over the last few years. Many of the advertisements you see will claim that testosterone replacement can bring you improved stamina and strength while turning back the clock. While it has been abused as a performance enhancer, the truth is testosterone replacement therapy does serve a very important function to help men who are suffering potentially serious side effects from low testosterone levels.
If you are considering testosterone replacement or it’s been recommended by your doctor, it’s important to understand that, while safe, there are potential risks of hormone replacement therapy.
Testosterone Therapy and Heart Health
Two recent studies have found potential heart risks from testosterone replacement therapy. A study of the VA system found that men who had an angiogram and received testosterone had a 5.8% higher risk of heart attack, death and stroke. A second, larger study compared men who received testosterone injections with men who were prescribed Cialis or Viagra. This study found a 36% higher risk of heart attack in the first 90 days of beginning testosterone, with a 90% higher risk of heart attack in men over 65 over those taking Cialis or Viagra.
These studies show that it’s important to examine the risks against the benefits of beginning testosterone replacement. The risks are especially apparent if you have coronary artery disease or you are over 65.
Health Risks of Low Testosterone
While hormone replacement therapy does have risks, it’s important to consider that low hormone levels also come with health risks. This is why it’s important to have a discussion with your doctor.
Men who have low testosterone levels tend to develop osteoporosis, reduced muscle mass, and lower fertility. Low testosterone has also been associated with metabolic syndrome, which comes with high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and weight gain. This predisposes men to coronary artery disease.
A recent study found a new potential risk of low testosterone after analyzing the 10-year risk of atrial fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythm) based on baseline testosterone and sex hormone levels. This study found that men of all ages had a 28% higher risk of atrial fibrillation if their testosterone levels were low. Men over 80 had a 3.5x higher risk if they had low testosterone.
If blood hormone tests find that you have low testosterone and your doctor recommends it, make sure you carefully weigh the risks against the benefits.