Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is gaining popularity. Men with lower testosterone levels can use TRT to improve their energy levels, reinvigorate their sex drives, and stabilize their moods.
As the popularity of TRT has risen, however, so have the myths surrounding its use. It is important to sift through the myths surrounding testosterone replacement therapy and get to the truth.
Two of the biggest myths surrounding TRT are:
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It increases the risk of cardiovascular problems in men.
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It fuels the development of prostate cancer.
Both of these myths are false and the medical science proves it.
Where Did These Myths Come From?
These two myths originated in bad science. Several years ago, there were two poorly conducted studies that brought up the question about the cardiovascular risk of testosterone. They claimed that men who had high levels of testosterone had a higher chance of heart problems. Both of these studies have been completely discredited. Unfortunately, their false conclusions linger.
The concerns about prostate cancer did not even originate in a scientific study. It came from a lack of scientific data. The prevailing medical theory for years was that testosterone actually fueled the growth of prostate cancer. There were no studies to back up this theory, but it became the theory doctors used to discourage the use of TRT.
Getting To The Truth About TRT
Two well-conducted medical studies have blown those myths completely away. In 2014, the Journal of Urology published a study of over 1,000 men who were actively on testosterone replacement therapy for a period of seventeen years. The study found that men on TRT are more than 50 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer than the general population. The study also found that men who were treated for prostate cancer in the past can benefit from TRT, as long as their cancer is clear.
In early 2015, the Mayo Clinic Proceedings published a literature review that found there was no evidence that TRT increased the chances of a negative cardiovascular event. The review looked at several studies conducted since 1940, many of which cautioned that TRT increased the risk of heart problems. The authors of the review found many of the studies were poorly designed or used thin data to come to big conclusions. The authors cited a number of other studies, which showed that men on TRT have a lower risk of cardiovascular problems, compared to the general population.
The evidence available right now shows that testosterone replacement therapy is a healthy, viable option for men with a lack of energy, low libido or unstable moods. If you are interested in learning more about treatment for any of these symptoms, contact Matrix Age Management in Amarillo.
