Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Elevated Blood Pressure

[Curious2005]

I’m wondering if anyone else has noticed a connection between testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and elevated blood pressure.

My story: I’m a 45-year old male. About two years ago I was diagnosed with hypogonadism and started TRT. It took awhile to adjust dosages but then for about three months I felt great: increased energy, strength, etc. Afterwards the positive effects faded and have never really returned, even though I’ve tried different forms of TRT (injections, Androgel, and Striant) and different dosage regimes. When I’ve stopped TRT at different times the only difference I’ve noticed is that my weight would drop as much as five pounds, so the TRT was definitely causing fluid retention.

About six months ago, my primary care physician noticed that my blood pressure was elevated and prescribed a diuretic, which helped to reduce the readings to a high-normal level. I got a home blood pressure meter and started keeping records of my medications, weight, and blood pressure and there isn’t any doubt that TRT causes my blood pressure to rise—a few days after I stop taking any form of TRT, the pressure drops into a normal range.

In my Internet research on TRT I’ve seen mentions of fluid retention but no explicit connection to elevated blood pressure (though the connection is logical) and I wondered if anyone else has had a similar experience.

 

[thelion2005]

A couple of comments and these are just my findings:
- The best HRT doctors are specialists in that field and normally call themselves "alternative" or "anti-aging". Many are internists.
- They approach you for "total health" , closely monitoring all comprehensive indicators and hormone levels through quarterly blood tests ... more than 20 different readings including esto levels.
- If test and free test are low within range or below, they will prescribe replacement. The very latest replacements are topical. The doctors have found that topicals raise and maintain the levels without shock to the body or side effects. Adjustments are easy. These topical s are available through compound pharms.
- Diet is extremely important with a laser beam on identifying and eliminating simple sugars, the cause of many ailments, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Clean proteins, colorful fresh veggies and healthy oils take their place.

The end product of all this effort is vastly improved total health, healing and literally a roll-back of the clock.

Nowhere in this approach is the addition of "steroids" for massive muscle gain. Instead, there is fat loss and muscle gain as a product of better health and nuitrition. There is a general improvement of appearance and sexual activity.

It is my opinion that the replacements being given to you, and perhaps simple sugars, are driving up your bp. It is common with the appove approach to see bp below 120/70 ... 114/65 for example. It is also common to see total cholesterol below 150 with ldl/hdl at best levels.

It is also my opinion that "Centers" on the internet are in the business of selling. Yes, they do require a blood test and a Doctor is involved, but the voice on the phone wants a sale ... and at $1,000 - $2,000 a month, it can be very profitable. However, this is not health.

 

[Curious2005]

You make some good points, especially about the importance of working with knowledgeable specialists and that TRT needs to be part of a comprehensive diet and exercise program. When I first started TRT, the additional testosterone seemed to give me the energy I needed to exercise more, which in turn helped me to lose weight and feel better, etc. When the positive effects faded, I consulted an endocrinologist and we did try all the forms of TRT: injections, topical lotions (Androgel) and these new tablets that attach to your gums (Striant), in different amounts and different dosing regimens. Nothing seemed to help, and all forms seemed to cause fluid retention and elevated blood pressure readings. I am continuing a diet and exercise program, though I find it slow going without the boost that TRT provided for a short period. I was mostly wondering if anyone had a similar experience with the effects of TRT fading, possibly related to fluid retention and/or elevated blood pressure. It could be that for whatever reasons my body cannot tolerate extra testosterone and that I’ll just have to live with my natural low level, trying to control my blood pressure through diet and exercise.

 

[faaassst]

- Diet is extremely important with a laser beam on identifying and eliminating simple sugars, the cause of many ailments, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Clean proteins, colorful fresh veggies and healthy oils take their place.

Can you provide a reference to support the notion that simple sugars increase cholesterol and blood pressure?
Thanks.

 

[thelion2005]

- Diet is extremely important with a laser beam on identifying and eliminating simple sugars, the cause of many ailments, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Clean proteins, colorful fresh veggies and healthy oils take their place.

Can you provide a reference to support the notion that simple sugars increase cholesterol and blood pressure?
Thanks.

Just what I've learned from the Doc and my personal experience.
Seems very logical they have a direct effect on cholesterol tri level and insulin. This in turn effects bp and overall cholesterol levels.

Personal experience was that as I drove simple sugars out, water (urine) poured out of me. I was consuming lots of veggies, so I was getting my carbos. BP fell as did overall cholesterol.

What is also interesting is .... as simple sugars intake went down and complex up .... my overall energy level went up! No more highs and lows, which is also logical.

 

[thelion2005]

You make some good points, especially about the importance of working with knowledgeable specialists and that TRT needs to be part of a comprehensive diet and exercise program. When I first started TRT, the additional testosterone seemed to give me the energy I needed to exercise more, which in turn helped me to lose weight and feel better, etc. When the positive effects faded, I consulted an endocrinologist and we did try all the forms of TRT: injections, topical lotions (Androgel) and these new tablets that attach to your gums (Striant), in different amounts and different dosing regimens. Nothing seemed to help, and all forms seemed to cause fluid retention and elevated blood pressure readings. I am continuing a diet and exercise program, though I find it slow going without the boost that TRT provided for a short period. I was mostly wondering if anyone had a similar experience with the effects of TRT fading, possibly related to fluid retention and/or elevated blood pressure. It could be that for whatever reasons my body cannot tolerate extra testosterone and that I’ll just have to live with my natural low level, trying to control my blood pressure through diet and exercise.

I'm not being rude in this reply ... One last point.

The topical I have begun to use is not Androgel. It is a "compounded" topical. The pharm adds C19 H28 O2 Testosterone (powder) to a quick absorbing white cream base.

I'm not getting any ups or downs and look forward to next blood test.

One last suggestion:
Google compound pharmacy and find one in your zip area. They are a growing service for women and men. Call or visit them and talk to them about this issue and products. They seem eager to talk and counsel people.

Good luck!

 

[Curious2005]

Thanks for clarifying the difference between a compounded topical and Androgel. I had thought people used a compounded topical mostly to save money if their insurance wouldn't cover Androgel; I hadn't considered that it might work better. I also need to do more research on the effect of diet on blood pressure--I appreciate your input!

 

[thelion2005]

Went to Doc's office on 7/22. I have been using the test.
BP was 121/71.
Will return 8/5/05 after adding a very small amount of HGH to the topical test.

BP should be interesting. Workouts sure are improving.