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 (low-t). 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.

For men, testosterone replacement therapy is commonly used to treat hypogonadism, which can cause unnaturally low levels of testosterone (Low-T). 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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Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Men | SynergenX

Many pharmaceutical professionals promote the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy. They state that administering this hormone in the form of a gel, injection, or pellet can relieve the symptoms of low testosterone.

These symptoms can include:

Using a product such as testosterone pellets may relieve some of the symptoms associated with low testosterone levels. However, testosterone pellets have many risks and side effects. People should discuss these with a doctor before trying this treatment.

Testosterone pellets are a form of hormone replacement therapy. They are about the size of a grain of rice, and a doctor will implant them under the skin.

These pellets contain crystallized testosterone and deliver a steady, low dose of this hormone to the individual for up to 6 months at a time.

Although many people believe that testosterone replacement therapy can be beneficial, it can cause side effects and increase the risk of certain health conditions.

The possible side effects of testosterone replacement therapy include the following:

Too much testosterone can increase a persons risk of the following conditions:

Testosterone pellets also come with specific health risks. These risks include:

Taking testosterone supplements disrupts the bodys ability to make testosterone.

This means that when a person stops taking testosterone supplements, they may feel worse suddenly because their body has not adjusted to making testosterone on its own again yet.

Testosterone pellets work by emitting a steady, low level of testosterone over a period of several months. A doctor will typically implant the pellets under the skin, or subcutaneously, near the hip or on the buttocks. This procedure is quick and can take place in the doctors office.

First, the doctor will thoroughly clean the area where they plan to implant the pellets. They will then administer a local anesthetic before making a small incision in the skin and using a tool called a trocar to insert about ten pellets.

The pellets should release a steady dose of the hormone for several months following the implantation.

Testosterone pellets have received mixed feedback.

Many people who use some form of testosterone replacement therapy, including the pellets, report feeling an immediate boost in energy and sex drive.

In a 2014 study, only 17 percent of people who had testosterone replacement therapy chose to use testosterone pellets. However, of those who did, 70 percent were satisfied. The rate of satisfaction was similar for the testosterone gels and injections.

The same study shows that 64 percent of the people who chose testosterone pellets favored them over the other forms of therapy due to their ease of use.

A 2013 study investigating mens decisions to begin and stop using testosterone pellets reported that there was no difference in the testosterone levels of the men who continued to use testosterone pellets and those who discontinued the therapy.

Even so, many doctors still recommend testosterone pellets as an option for males with hypogonadism, a condition in which the body does not produce enough testosterone.

It can take some trial and error to achieve the correct testosterone dosage in replacement therapy.

However, the dosage is difficult to adjust when using testosterone pellets because adding or removing pellets requires an additional medical procedure each time.

As a result, some doctors recommend that people start with another form of testosterone replacement therapy, such as gels or injections, to get the dosage right before switching to testosterone pellets.

Most doctors will consider using testosterone pellets for a person once they have determined a dosage that alleviates the symptoms of low testosterone without raising red blood cell counts.

Medical professionals remain divided regarding the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy and whether or not it can help alleviate the symptoms of hypogonadism.

Harvard Mens Health advise people considering testosterone therapy to consult a doctor and learn about all of the side effects and risks before making a decision. They also recommend that people interested in this therapy try to boost their energy by making lifestyle changes first.

However, for people using testosterone replacement therapy, testosterone pellets may offer benefits over other forms of this treatment. Potential advantages include:

More research on testosterone replacement therapy is necessary to verify its benefits and minimize its potential risks. Testosterone pellets may be a more convenient treatment option than other forms of testosterone replacement therapy for those with hypogonadism.

However, people should not view testosterone pellets as a quick fix to boost their energy levels and sex drive. It is vital to always speak with a doctor before starting testosterone replacement therapy and to be aware of the potential side effects and risks.

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How effective are testosterone pellets: Side effects and benefits

FDA reviewed five observational studies4-8 and two meta-analyses of placebo-controlled trials9,10 to examine the risk of cardiovascular events associated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). The five observational studies were retrospective cohort studies that reported conflicting results. Two of these studies found statistically significant cardiovascular harm with TRT (Vigen and Finkle), 4-5 two studies found a statistically significant mortality benefit with TRT (Shores and Muraleedharan), 6-7 and one study was inconclusive (Baillargeon).8

The Vigen study evaluated male veterans who underwent angiography and had low testosterone concentrations. On average, testosterone-treated men were 64 years old and untreated men were 61 years old. This study found an increased risk with TRT compared to no TRT for the composite cardiovascular outcome of myocardial infarction, stroke, and death (Hazard Ratio [HR]=1.29, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.04-1.58).4

The Finkle study evaluated TRT users in a large claims database. The men included in this study were on average 54 years old. This study found an increased risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction during the 90 days following an initial prescription for TRT compared to the pre-TRT period (Relative Risk [RR]=1.36, 95% CI: 1.03-1.81).5

The Shores study evaluated a population of male veterans older than 40 years of age with low testosterone and found a decreased risk of all-cause mortality with TRT compared to no TRT (HR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.42-0.88).6

The Muraleedharan study evaluated men with type 2 diabetes in the United Kingdom. The main analysis assessed mortality in men with low serum testosterone concentrations compared to men with normal serum testosterone concentrations. Mortality was also assessed in a subgroup analysis of treated and untreated men with low serum testosterone; an increased risk of all-cause mortality in men with no TRT compared to those on TRT was found (HR=2.30, 95% CI: 1.30-3.90).7

Finally, the Baillargeon study evaluated men older than 65 years of age enrolled in Medicare and found no overall increase in risk of hospitalization for myocardial infarction when comparing those treated with TRT to those receiving no TRT (HR=0.84, 95% CI: 0.69-1.02).8

The Xu meta-analysis involved 27 published, randomized, placebo-controlled trials representing 2,994 mostly middle-aged and older male participants (1,773 treated with testosterone and 1,261 treated with placebo) who reported 180 cardiovascular-related adverse events.9 This study found that testosterone therapy was associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events (Odds Ratio [OR]=1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-2.1); however, methodological issues limit conclusions. These limitations include inconsistent and incomplete reporting of adverse events; substantial clinical heterogeneity in the design and conduct of the component trials and the types of cardiovascular outcomes included in the analyses; potential bias resulting from selection of component trials; and variable quality of the trials, particularly with regard to ascertainment of cardiovascular safety outcomes and balance in cardiovascular risk factors and discontinuation rates across study arms.

The Corona meta-analysis involved 26 published, randomized, controlled trials, 20 of which were also included in the Xu meta-analysis. The included studies represented 3,236 men (1,895 men treated with testosterone, 1,341 men treated with placebo) who reported 51 major adverse cardiovascular events, defined as cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or stroke, and serious acute coronary syndromes or heart failure.10 This study did not find a statistically significant increased risk of these cardiovascular events associated with testosterone treatment. Similar to the first meta-analysis, this study had methodological issues that limit conclusions. These issues include incomplete adverse event reporting in the published trials, clinical trial heterogeneity, possible treatment arm imbalances in cardiac risk factors, high or unbalanced discontinuation rates in some component trials, and the potential for bias in trial selection and interpretation of reported adverse events.

The five observational studies and the Xu meta-analysis were discussed at a joint meeting of the Bone, Reproductive and Urologic Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee on September 17, 2014. Based on these findings, the advisory committee members were in general agreement that the signal of cardiovascular risk is weak and that only a prospective, well-controlled clinical trial could determine whether testosterone causes cardiovascular harm. The Corona study was recently published and could not be reviewed in time to be presented at the Advisory Committee meeting; however, we have reviewed the study and factored its findings into our overall assessment.

For complete reviews, background information, and minutes of the September 17, 2014, Advisory Committee meeting, click here.

Here is the original post:
FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA cautions about using testosterone ...

Hypogonadism is a common condition in the male population, with a higher prevalence in older men, obese men, and men with type 2 diabetes. It is estimated that approximately 35% of men older than 45 years of age and 30-50% of men with obesity or type 2 diabetes have hypogonadism.

Testosterone is an important sex hormone in men. It is secreted by the testes and is responsible for the typical male characteristics, such as facial, pubic, and body hair as well as muscle. This hormone also helps maintain sex drive, sperm production, and bone health. The brain and pituitary gland (a small gland at the base of the brain) control the production of testosterone by the testes.

Be open with your doctor about your medical history, all prescription and nonprescription drugs you are now taking, sexual problems, and any major changes in your life. Your doctor will take a thorough history of your symptoms and then complete a physical exam, including your body hair, breast tissue, and the size and consistency of the testes and scrotum.

Your doctor will also use blood tests to see if your total testosterone level is low. The normal range depends on the lab that conducts the test. To get a diagnosis of hypogonadism, you need at least two early morning (710 AM) blood tests that reveal low testosterone in addition to signs and symptoms typical of low testosterone. The cause of hypogonadism can be investigated further by your doctor. This might include additional blood tests, and sometimes imaging such as a pituitary MRI.

Male hypogonadism is a combination of low testosterone levels and the presence of any of these symptoms:

Over time, low testosterone may cause a man to lose body hair, muscle bulk, cause weak bones (osteoporosis), low red blood cells and smaller testes. Signs and symptoms (what you see and feel) vary from person to person.

There are many causes of hypogonadism. They may involve a problem with the testes or with the signal from the brain that controls testosterone secretion. Low testosterone can result from:

Improvement of testosterone levels can improve sexual concerns, bone health, muscle and anemia (low red cells in the blood). Hypogonadism can be treated with the use of doctor-prescribed testosterone replacement therapy. This treatment is safe and can be effective for men who are diagnosed with consistently abnormal low testosterone production and symptoms that are associated with this type of androgen (hormone) deficiency.

Although testosterone replacement therapy is the primary treatment option, some conditions that cause hypogonadism, such as obesity, can be reversible without testosterone therapy. These should be addressed before testosterone therapy is contemplated. If testosterone therapy is needed, goals of treatment are to improve symptoms associated with testosterone deficiency and maintain sex characteristics.

There are many different types of testosterone therapy. Method of treatment depends on the cause of low testosterone, the patients preferences, cost, tolerance, and concern about fertility. You should discuss the different options with your physician "your partner in care" to find out which therapy is right for you.

Injections: Self or doctor administered in a muscle every 12 weeks; administered at a clinic every 10 weeks for longer-acting. Side effects: uncomfortable, fluctuating symptoms.

Gels/Solutions: Applied to upper arm, shoulder, inner thigh, armpit. Side effects: may transfer to others via skin contact must wait to absorb completely into skin.

Patches: Adhere to skin every day to back, abdomen, upper arm, thigh; rotate locations to lessen skin reaction. Side effects: skin redness and rashes.

Buccal Tablets: Sticky pill applied to gums twice a day, absorbs quickly into bloodstream through gums. Side effects: gum irritation.

Pellets: Implanted under skin surgically every 36 months for consistent and long-term dosages. Side effects: pellet coming out through skin, site infection/ bleeding (rare), dose decreasing over time and hypogonadism symptoms possibly returning towards the end of dose period.

Nasal Gel: Applied by pump into each nostril 3x a day. Side effects: nasal irritation or congestion.

Sometimes a medication called clomiphene citrate is used to treat hypogonadism, but this is not FDA approved for this indication. A thorough discussion is needed with your doctor.

You should discuss with your physician how to monitor for prostate cancer and other risks to your prostate. Men with known or suspected prostate or breast cancer should not receive testosterone therapy. You should also talk to your doctor about the risks of testosterone therapy if you have, or are at risk for, heart disease or stroke. In addition, if you are planning fertility, you should not use testosterone therapy.

You should not receive testosterone therapy if you have:

Possible risks of testosterone treatment include:

If you are treated with testosterone, your doctor will need to see you regularly, along with blood tests.Testosterone therapy is only recommended for hypogonadism patients. Boosting testosterone is NOT approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help improve your strength, athletic performance, physical appearance, or to treat or prevent problems associated with aging. Using testosterone for these purposes may be harmful to your health.

There is no firm scientific evidence that long-term testosterone replacement is associated with either prostate cancer or cardiovascular events. The FDA requires that you are made aware that the possibility of cardiovascular events may exist during treatment. Prostate cells are stimulated by testosterone, so be extra vigilant about cancer screenings. African American men over age 45 especially those with family history of cancer are already at risk for prostate cancer.

Read the rest here:
Hypogonadism in Men | Endocrine Society