The concept of “replacement” is synonymous with replenishment, restoring what’s lacking in the body. When it comes to low testosterone therapy services, this notion becomes paramount. Testosterone, the male hormone, plays a pivotal role in various bodily functions. But what happens when it’s deficient? This is where testosterone replacement therapy steps in to rejuvenate life.
When is Replacement Therapy Prescribed?
In order to authorize the administration of testosterone medications, several prerequisites must be satisfied. Initially, the medical practitioner shall assess the necessity for this therapy by identifying the relevant indications:
- the presence of symptoms of testosterone deficiency (decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased physical strength, decreased performance, irritability, drowsiness, depression, hot flashes and a number of others)
- laboratory-confirmed decreased testosterone levels
- no contraindications to HRT
What Contraindications Exist for the Procedure?
There are a number of absolute contraindications for prescribing testosterone drugs:
Absolute Contraindications:
- Current or past prostate cancer
- Current or past breast cancer
- Presence of liver tumors, past or present
- Elevated level of blood calcium linked to malignant tumors.
Relative Contraindications:
- Sleep disturbances like “night apnea,” often linked to obesity and snoring
- Intolerance or hypersensitivity to the treatment
- Ignoring these contraindications can lead to dire consequences. For example, if asymptomatic prostate cancer exists, HRT might trigger rapid cancer growth.
How Can You Determine if You Have Contraindications to HRT?
Prior to initiating hormone replacement therapy, your healthcare provider will advise a set of comprehensive evaluations, which include:
- ultrasound examination of the prostate gland, as well as ultrasound examination of the liver and kidneys
- Mandatory determination of the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) – a specific marker, the level of which increases in prostate cancer
These assessments serve to eliminate the possibility of prostate cancer. In addition, other research is needed:
- general blood analysis
- biochemical blood test (assess the condition of the liver and kidney function, cholesterol level)
These assessments create a comprehensive picture of your health and help identify any potential risks.
What Effect Can Be Expected from Therapy?
Once the hurdles are cleared, and therapy begins, the positive effects of testosterone replacement therapy Gilroy CA become evident. Here are the expected outcomes:
- increased sexual desire (libido) and overall sexual satisfaction
- reduction in severity or disappearance of vegetative-vascular and mental disorders
- with long-term treatment (more than one year) – increased bone mass density and decreased incidence of fractures
- reducing the severity of obesity
- muscle mass gain
- laboratory parameters: increased hemoglobin level or red blood cell count; lower cholesterol levels
What are the adverse effects of HRT?
Pain at the injection site when using injectable forms (approximately 10% of cases), which is usually short-lived
- Diarrhea
- Painful sensations in the legs, mammary glands, testicles
- Joint pain
- Dizziness, headache
- Skin manifestations: acne, itching, subcutaneous hematoma at the injection site
- In rare cases – fluid retention, swelling
How Will the Doctor Monitor the Implementation of Replacement Therapy?
Throughout the initial assessment and the entirety of the treatment course, your doctor will perform a comprehensive examination, which includes assessing the prostate gland, conducting specialized tests to determine testosterone levels, analyzing red blood cell counts, and evaluating the function of the liver and prostate. It is essential to monitor PSA levels every three months during the initial year of treatment, followed by semi-annual checks thereafter.
Also Read: Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Indications and Features
Final Words
To summarize, the utilization of low testosterone therapy services, when meticulously recommended and supervised, possesses the capability to revolutionize one’s existence. Through a comprehensive grasp of the signs, contraindications, and prospective consequences, individuals can judiciously decide whether to embark on this path toward an improved quality of life. It is imperative to emphasize the significance of consulting with a proficient healthcare practitioner prior to embarking on any endeavor involving hormone replacement therapy.