NovaGenix Insights

Does Taking Testosterone Increase Blood Pressure? When asked “ Does taking testosterone cause high blood pressure? ” it’s important to understand that the relationship between testosterone and blood pressure is complex.  Individuals exhibit varying causes and effects. While certain studies propose testosterone's potential vasodilatory impact, possibly reducing blood pressure, others indicate elevated testosterone levels might correlate with increased blood pressure. The complexity arises from numerous risk factors that scientists find challenging to isolate when studying testosterone's effects on blood pressure. These factors encompass family history, age, gender, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, obesity, smoking habits, exercise routines, stress levels, occupational hazards, diet, and personality traits, among others. Thankfully, a substantial body of scientific literature is available for research, providing valuable insights into this relationship. An illustrative instan...

What Blood Tests Are Needed to Start TRT? Most doctors will not test for hormone levels and testosterone levels are rarely checked with routine bloodwork . If someone is interested in starting HRT they would need a series of blood tests to evaluate their endocrine health. The specific blood tests that one would need to start testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)   may vary among healthcare providers and clinics. However, most physicians typically order a series of lab tests from places like Labcorp   , including free and total testosterone, estradiol, complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA).  Studies have shown that TRT will not cause a patient to develop prostate cancer , however its still important to ensure that a patient has normal PSA levels prior to starting TRT to make sure that they don’t already have developed prostate cancer. These tests are tailored based on an...

Managing Hematocrit Levels on Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): What You Need to Know   What Should My Hematocrit Levels be on TRT? When it comes to maintaining hematocrit levels on TRT, understanding the balance is crucial. However, discussing hematocrit and TRT often involves navigating a complex landscape. The normal range of hematocrit levels varies based on factors such as age and gender. In adults, men typically range between 40-50%, whereas for women, it’s generally lower, around 35-44%. Striking the right balance in these levels is essential to avoid potential health risks such as stroke and blood clots. It can be measured using a    CBC   in a routine blood test. Interestingly, elite athletes like Lance Armstrong once used EPO, a medication to boost endurance and red blood cell production. This performance-enhancing method drew intense scrutiny, especially regarding hematocrit levels during competitions. Armstrong's reported hematocrit levels a...