Understanding Short-Term Testosterone Therapy

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What are the long-term risks of low testosterone therapy?

The marketing of therapy for low testosterone highlights the short-term benefits, like increased energy, mental sharpness, and improved sexual function. But serious concerns remain about potential long-term risks. They include higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death from heart disease and possibly a higher risk of prostate cancer.

Should you take testosterone replacement therapy if you have low testosterone?

Although TRT has become a popular treatment, many experts do not recommend TRT for age-related symptoms of low testosterone. A primary reason is due to the many side effects of long-term testosterone replacement therapy, including a controversial increased risk of heart disease.

What is testosterone replacement therapy?

Testosterone replacement therapy is the process of replacing the testosterone that is lost as a result of an injury, a condition that is present at birth, or a disease that causes low testosterone levels. It can also be given to replace testosterone levels that have fallen as a result of an orchiectomy (removal of one or both testicles).

Can testosterone replacement therapy help a man with hypogonadism?

Illustration by JR Bee, Verywell. Testosterone replacement therapy is a common treatment option for men with low testosterone levels and symptoms of hypogonadism. TRT can produce very positive results and even cause a person to regain masculine qualities that were lost due to low testosterone production.

What should a patient know about testosterone treatment?

Patients should be fully informed about the expected benefits and side-effects of testosterone therapy to facilitate a joint decision on treatment choice. Short-acting preparations are recommended initially, so treatment can be adjusted or discontinued in the event of adverse side-effects. A full flowchart is show in Figure 2.

What is testosterone therapy & how does it work?

Testosterone therapy is treatment where medication is given for a low testosterone blood level (usually if TD is combined with other symptoms). The medication is given by injection, by mouth, by gel through the nose, by pellets under the skin or directly on the skin by cream, patch, or gel.

Should testosterone therapy be used to treat testosterone deficiency?

Prescriptions for testosterone therapy (TT) to treat testosterone deficiency have increased in recent years. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the risks of several treatment modalities to better counsel patients.

What Is Short-term Testosterone Therapy

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/testosterone-therapy/art-20045728
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/is-testosterone-therapy-safe-take-a-breath-before-you-take-the-plunge
3. https://www.kch.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/pl-934.1-testosterone-replacement-therapy.pdf
4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/testosterone-replacement-therapy-trt
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9925408/
6. https://www.verywellhealth.com/testosterone-replacement-therapy-4581254
7. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(23)00191-5/fulltext
8. https://www.healthline.com/health/trt
9. https://www.forbes.com/health/mens-health/testosterone-replacement-therapy/

Short-term Testosterone Therapy Information

1. https://www.urologyhealth.org/documents/Product-Store/English/Testosterone-Therapy-Patient-Guide.PDF
2. https://bssm.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Trends-Urol-Men-s-Health-2023-Hackett-A-practical-guide-to-the-assessment-and-management-of-testosterone-deficiency-1.pdf
3. https://www.endocrinologyadvisor.com/conference-highlights/endo-2021/short-acting-testosterone-replacement-therapy-more-effective-than-long-acting-trt/