Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is often available in trade as a change player for men with low testosterone, however, it is not without risk.
Although promising increased energy, power, libido and improved well -being, there are potentially disadvantages that are worth more attention.
This article focuses on these dangers, which are often overlooked in talks on this topic. For men with medically diagnosed hypogonadism, TRT may be necessary and changing treatment-but understanding the complete image is essential.
While some men feel a direct push of TRT, there are several possible side effects and risks often overlooked. Before jumping on the TRT, it is important to understand the potential disadvantages, especially since interruption of treatment is not always as simple as starting.
Here are seven potential risks and risks of testosterone replacement treatment that each person should consider before starting.
1. Increased red blood cells as a risk of testosterone replacement treatment
One of the most interesting side effects of TRT is the increase in red blood cell production, a condition known as polycythemia or erythrocytosis.
- While red blood cells are essential for oxygen transport, an excessive amount can make blood thicker and more prone to coagulation.
- This increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), stroke and heart attack.
- Because of this, men in TRT require regular blood tests to monitor hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.
- In some cases, doctors recommend another drug such as aspirin or therapeutic venomy (bloodthirsty) to dilute blood.
For men with pre -existing cardiovascular issues, this can be of significant concern. Erythrocytosis prevalence in patients with TRT varies widely, from 7% to 66.7% According to this study.
2. Increased cardiovascular risks by testosterone replacement therapy
Based on increased erythrocyting or possibly some other factors, there may be increased cardiovascular risks. The research is mixed, but some show increased risk:
- Heart attack
- Rap
- High blood pressure
- Syncope
Reported a criticism of 2019 That some retrospective studies and randomized tests have suggested an increased cardiovascular risk with TRT.
A 2021 study was found A short -term increased mortality and cardiovascular risk in men over 65 with TRT, but long -term treatment was associated with reduced risks.
Some studies were reported Reduced cardiovascular risk with higher levels of endogenous testosterone and improved known TRT risk factors.
But other studies, such as the Tom test, It had to stop prematurely due to increased cardiovascular events in the intervention group.
At best, research shows a mixed bag. In any case, the risk seems to be higher in elderly men and those with pre -existing heart disease.
3. Estrogens (boobs, water retention, etc.)
Testosterone in the body is naturally converted to estrogen through an enzyme called aromatase. It is a normal process and estrogen balance plays an important role in men’s health.
But out of balance, when there is an extra testosterone beam around it can lead to excessive levels of estrogen. This can lead to unwanted side effects, such as:
- Gynecomastia (men boobs) – increased estrogen can cause breast tissue growthleading to tenderness or swelling. “Excessive estrogens can lead to gynecomastia and/or chest pain, both of which can be observed in 10-25% of men in TRT.”
- Keeping and bloating water – Higher estrogen levels may cause conservationleading to swelling and discomfort.
- Mood swings and emotional instability – Just as estrogen fluctuations affect women, high estrogen levels in men can cause irritability and depression.
- Increased body fat – Specifically, excessive estrogens can cause an increase in visceral obesity, that is, fat around your organs, generally acceptable to be the worst form of fat.
Most men in standard TRT doses have elevated levels of estradiol, although not all levels will have high enough to cause symptoms.
What is worse is that A 2020 study was found That almost 40% of health care providers do not systematically evaluate estrogen levels at start or during TRT. This is problematic.
If doctors pay attention to it, men will often be prescribed then aromatase (AIS) drugs to neutralize estrogen conversion, but these drugs can have their own negative effects, including joint pain, brain fog.
Many are prescribed AIS such as Aastrosol (Arimidex) condoms without measuring levels.
Other drugs such as Clomid, a selective estrogen receptor (serm), sometimes used. This comes with a long list of possible side effects, including hot flashes, headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, mood changes, depression, anxiety, irritability and much more.
A drug can lead to the next, and then you are in the polypharmacia wagon. Great for the pharmacist’s pocket, but not necessarily for your health.
4. Sleep apnea Risks of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
TRT can worsen or activate sleep apnea, a severe sleep disorder where breathing stops repeatedly and begins during sleep.
TRT can increase the strength of upper airways and reduce muscle tone in this area. It can lead to a reduced contraction of air duct expansion muscles, increased metabolic consumption and reduced nervous central response to hypoxia and hypercapnia.
- Sleep apnea is associated with high blood pressure, heart disease and excessive fatigue during the day.
- Men with pre -existing sleep apnea often see their condition worsen when starting the TRT.
- Some men who had never had sleep apnea to develop it after TRT was initiated due to respiratory changes and air duct relaxation.
However, while TRT problems were at first, the same study showed some indications that sleep apnea could be improved in long -term use. This area definitely needs more research.
5. Zero fertility
In Count downShawna Swann says, “Testosterone replacement therapy has been studied as a method of birth control, because 90 % of men may have their sperm falling to zero while they are in it.”
This result even occurs in lower doses of TRT.
In most cases, the effects on fertility are reversible after the TRT stop. This can often take 6-24 months. However, some men may not fully regain sperm production at all.
Now, most men who get TRT have gone through their childbirth. Probably because this is happening, this does not often speak, the younger that they think they need to know the TRT.
6.
Both follicular stimulation hormone (FSH) and the Luteinist hormone (LH) will be reduced on the basis of hormonal feedback of the body, detecting that there is enough testosterone in the body. These two hormones are mainly associated with fertility, sperm production as they are just covered and testosterone production.
And with that, your testicles will shrink. Many will not care, but some find this important.
A study was found that 73% had suppressed LH at some point during TRT treatment for three months. But 22% were constantly suppressed.
In addition, it is that we probably don’t understand all that the FSH and LH do in the body. Given the widespread effects of these hormones, their suppression can affect multiple body systems, including cardiovascular and metabolic functions.
7. Repression of natural testosterone and dependency
An important consequence of TRT is the discontinuation of natural testosterone production. Since the body detects an external testosterone source, it reduces its own production through a feedback loop that includes the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
This repression leads to some of the effects already mentioned, from shrinking testicles to reduced sperm measurements and much more.
The big issue is that there seems to be a “testosterone trap”, which refers to the possible dependence on TRT once started. It may take many months to recover natural testosterone levels.
In some cases, as with fertility, testosterone suppression can be permanent.
We have heard from some customers that TRT has successfully released using natural methods, including the tincture of our pine, Tongkat Ali and others.
No stimulation of prostate cancer
One of the largest initial discussions about TRT is its possible connection to prostate cancer. The traditional medical belief was that testosterone supplies the growth of prostate cancer. But this seems to have been answered quite definitively scientifically.
Show many studies that TRT does not seem to increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Indeed, A study saw 50% less aggressive prostate cancer in men in TRT.
Even more surveys show That while TRT increases testosterone levels, it does not alter the intra -protection levels of androgen, that is, inside the prostate itself, possibly explaining the lack of increased risk of cancer.
Conclusion: Do you have to start TRT?
Testosterone is an important hormone that brings a wide range of benefits. However, these risks of testosterone replacement therapy are not often discussed as open.
While there is time and place for TRT, as with all things in our hyper-medical society, this is what is used too much.
A study is provided This graph as the focus of the dangers and what you can watch to keep them under control.
If you are going to do TRT, make sure you take a look at some of these other indicators. It can be done safely and successfully, but it needs more than adding testosterone to do so.
