If you have low testosterone levels and are wondering if you can take testosterone with high blood pressure, you're not alone. Millions of men face this dilemma on a daily basis when trying to balance hormone levels and cardiovascular health. At Viva Vitality, we work with men at all stages of health to ensure that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is safe and effective, even for those who control high blood pressure. This comprehensive article explores the relationship between TRT and high blood pressure and answers frequently asked questions, such as “Does testosterone therapy cause high blood pressure? , and provides 10 science-backed ways to lower blood pressure while testosterone is taken.
Testosterone is a vital male hormone responsible for muscle growth, libido, energy, and mood regulation. As men age, natural levels of testosterone decrease, leading many to seek TRT. However, TRT and high blood pressure can be a difficult combination. Keep a record of your blood pressure and bring it to your clinic visits.
This helps your provider adjust therapy as needed. Untreated sleep apnea is a hidden trigger for both low testosterone levels and high blood pressure. Chronic stress releases cortisol, a hormone that increases blood pressure and reduces the effectiveness of testosterone. But the good news? Most men can safely continue TRT once their blood pressure is under control.
Just make sure your provider monitors interactions, especially if you're taking diuretics, which can increase the risk of dehydration, while using hormone replacement therapy. By addressing the root causes of hypertension, testosterone therapy can improve quality of life without compromising heart health. The information provided on this website is for general information purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice, diagnosis or treatment of a medical professional. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider if you have any questions related to a medical condition or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of the information found on this website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 right away. Testimonials reflect people's personal experiences and don't guarantee specific results. Individual results may vary and we cannot guarantee that everyone will get similar results. The names and images used can be changed to protect the patient's identity.
Testimonials are intended to be indicative of patient satisfaction, but should not be used as a substitute for professional health guidance. Just because you're taking antihypertensive medications doesn't necessarily mean you need to stop taking medications for erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil, Viagra, vardenafil, and tadalafil are generally safe to take along with antihypertensive medications, although you should always consult first your doctor. While many medications used to treat high blood pressure have been linked to erectile dysfunction, some are much less likely than others to cause problems.
Some medications for high blood pressure may even improve erectile dysfunction in some men. All of these parameters are sensitive to the modulation produced by sex steroid hormones,1 in particular 17beta-estradiol, testosterone and its most active metabolite, 5α-dihydrotestosterone, 5α-DHT, which 5α-reductase produces from testosterone. It's critical that you report your condition to each new provider before you start taking medications that could reduce testosterone. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your testosterone levels and see if they are low before you start taking testosterone.
But what about variables that can cause low testosterone in the first place or that can aggravate low testosterone levels? Medications and lifestyle are just a few of these factors. Testosterone can cause a decrease in the number of sperm (male reproductive cells) produced, especially if used in high doses. Beta-blockers, another group of medications for high blood pressure, including metoprolol and propranolol, were also found to interfere strongly with testosterone levels. Erectile dysfunction can sometimes be an indicator of underlying health problems and hypertension (abnormally high blood pressure) is known to affect erectile dysfunction.
In fact, this genetic vascular predisposition could also underlie the development or worsening of secondary high blood pressure associated with testosterone abuse in humans. Research indicates that there is a possible link between antidepressants and low testosterone, so it's important to tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of low testosterone. It's a gradual process and takes time, meaning that, thereafter, your testosterone levels will only drop a little more than 1% each year.
