The popularity of men’s health telemedicine platforms that provide evaluation and treatment for trt telemedicine has led to speculation that these services will expand into the realm of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Testosterone is an important hormone for many reasons, but a physician needs to understand both the benefits and risks of TRT before recommending it.
TRT can increase quality of life by restoring libido, increasing energy levels, improving muscle mass and cognition, and even decreasing the risk for heart disease and bone fractures. However, long-term TRT can cause a variety of side effects, including high blood pressure, increased cholesterol, and an increase in the risk for stroke and heart attack.
Despite these potential side effects, some men with hypogonadism benefit greatly from TRT. It can also improve a man’s mental state, especially in areas like mood and memory. It’s important to note, though, that TRT can also increase the risk for prostate cancer and may worsen symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It’s also possible that TRT increases a man’s risk for erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems.
A trt telemedicine approach can help mitigate some of these risks by allowing for a more consistent monitoring of a patient’s tRT regimen. It can also reduce costs, as a study by Portney et al. found that telemedicine visits resulted in lower provider cost compared to in-person office visit costs in two andrology practices.
It’s essential that patients receiving TRT have a trt telemedicine care pathway that allows for regular laboratory evaluation and a sign-and-symptoms check, as recommended by the AUA. A trt telemedicine clinic can also be an excellent option for men with limited access to subspecialty men’s health providers. In fact, a study by Nangia et al. found that less than 200 male infertility specialists were available throughout the US, and a significant number of patients lived more than 60 minutes from their nearest specialist.
Testosterone can promote prostate cancer growth, so it’s important for physicians to monitor a patient’s PSA on a routine basis when starting TRT. This can detect any changes that might indicate a need to change the dose or the type of TRT. It’s also important for doctors to educate their patients on the potential risks of TRT, especially regarding LUTS and prostate cancer.
Some men with a genetic predisposition to blood clots should not use TRT, as it can cause them to have a higher risk of developing blood clots. Patients with a history of venous thromboembolism or deep vein thrombosis should also not use TRT, as it can make their symptoms worse.
While there is no definitive evidence that TRT causes or increases the risk for prostate cancer, it’s best to avoid TRT if you have a family history of prostate or colon cancer. Men with a history of prostate cancer or polycystic kidney disease should also consult their urologist before considering TRT. It’s also important to discuss the type of TRT with your doctor, as some types of TRT can require a surgical procedure to insert or deliver them.