TRT for old dudes Flashcards
What is a well-established effect of testosterone on muscle in young men?
Testosterone can significantly increase muscle mass and strength in young men.
What are the two main groups of older men considered when studying testosterone replacement therapy?
Older men with low testosterone levels (hypo-gonadal) and older men with normal testosterone levels (normal-gonadal).
How is low testosterone (hypo-gonadal) in older men typically defined using blood test measurements?
Having a serum testosterone level below 300 nanograms per deciliter on two consecutive blood tests.
What is the typical testosterone level range considered ‘normal’ for older men?
Between 300 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter, with the average between 409 and 558 nanograms per deciliter, measured on two separate blood tests.
What are the common ways in which testosterone replacement therapy is administered?
Through a gel, orally, or by intramuscular injection.
How does testosterone work in the body to increase muscle growth?
It circulates in the bloodstream, binds to receptors, and influences gene expression to increase muscle protein synthesis.
What are some identified adverse effects of testosterone replacement therapy on the heart?
Alterations to the heart, such as thickening of the left ventricle and decreased heart pumping function.
What are some identified adverse effects of testosterone replacement therapy on the blood?
Alterations to the blood, including changes in blood lipids and increased red blood cell count.
What are some identified adverse effects of testosterone replacement therapy on male reproductive function and physical characteristics?
Shrinking of the testes, lack of sperm in ejaculate, and growth of mammary glands (gynecomastia).
What are some other health concerns that have been raised in association with testosterone replacement therapy?
Concerns about kidney function.
What are some potential, but not yet proven, adverse reactions linked to testosterone replacement therapy?
Development of scarring of the lungs and male-pattern baldness.
What is a speculated risk of testosterone replacement therapy concerning a specific cancer?
An increased risk of developing and/or worsening prostate cancer.
What is the general finding of reviews regarding testosterone replacement therapy’s effect on older men’s muscle?
Testosterone replacement therapy generally helps older men maintain or gain muscle mass and strength.
What are some additional benefits associated with testosterone replacement therapy?
Improvements in bone density, sexual function, and cardiovascular health.
What did research suggest about the risk of heart attacks in hypogonadal men using testosterone replacement therapy?
There doesn’t appear to be an increased risk of heart attacks in hypogonadal men using testosterone replacement therapy.
What did research indicate about the risk of prostate cancer development in hypogonadal men using testosterone therapy?
Testosterone therapy does not appear to increase the risk of developing prostate cancer in hypogonadal men.
What positive effect has testosterone been shown to have on muscle in conjunction with resistance training in older men?
It increases lean muscle mass.
What are the overall benefits of testosterone replacement therapy observed in studies?
Increased physical capacity, lean muscle mass, and muscle strength.
What physical performance changes were measured in studies assessing testosterone’s effects?
Changes in leg strength, chest strength, and stair-climbing ability.
In some studies, was resistance training combined with testosterone treatment?
Some studies looked at the effects of testosterone alone, without resistance training.
What strength-related benefit was seen in older men from testosterone treatment alone in some studies?
Notable increases in strength.
What is the relationship between resistance training and testosterone regarding muscle growth?
Their effects are additive, meaning they work together to increase muscle growth.
What happened to muscle when testosterone production was reduced below normal levels in research?
Muscle deficits and worsening were observed.
What kind of relationship exists between testosterone dosage and muscle gains?
A dose-dependent relationship, where higher testosterone levels generally lead to greater muscle gains.
What was a limitation in some longer-term studies of testosterone replacement therapy in older men?
Participants were not allowed to engage in resistance training.
Even without exercise, what changes were seen in older men using testosterone in some studies?
Improvements in muscle.
What consistent benefits of testosterone replacement were seen in older men with low testosterone?
Increases in lean muscle mass, muscle strength, and response to resistance training.
What has research suggested about the connection between testosterone replacement therapy and the development of certain serious diseases?
It does not appear to cause heart attacks or prostate cancer.
What are the current limitations in research on testosterone replacement therapy?
A lack of long-term safety studies and a lack of studies combining testosterone therapy with resistance training.
What is the general recommendation for using testosterone replacement therapy in older men with low testosterone?
It can be a safe addition to resistance training to improve muscle and health.
What is a key caution regarding testosterone replacement therapy in older men with normal testosterone levels?
More long-term safety data is needed.
What was the target testosterone level aimed for in most studies administering testosterone?
Around 450 ng/dL.
Did studies typically raise testosterone levels to extremely high ranges?
No.
Besides muscle, what other tissue has shown increases from testosterone supplementation?
Bone.
What does research show about combining testosterone and exercise?
They have an additive effect on muscle growth.
Is testosterone replacement therapy used in men who are not hypogonadal?
Yes, it is a common practice.
Do the discussed side effects apply only to older men using testosterone?
No, they are general side effects of testosterone supplementation.
What is a primary reason doctors are cautious about prescribing testosterone replacement therapy to older men with normal testosterone?
The concern about potential harm in otherwise healthy individuals.
What is a concern about long-term use of testosterone replacement therapy and natural testosterone production?
It might make it difficult for the body to return to normal testosterone production after stopping treatment.
