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TRT and Sleep Apnoea

26 2024 | 

TRT and Sleep Apnoea: Understanding the Connection

At Omniya Clinic, we are to and for men experiencing the (low-T), including . Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) has become an effective treatment for men low levels, but it's to understand the relationship between TRT and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Sleep apnoea is a condition in which is during sleep, often to poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue. For men considering at Omniya Clinic, how it may impact or interact with sleep apnoea is key to achieving the best health outcomes.

As well as easily dozing off the day, patients with obstructive sleep apnoea are at risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Can TRT Cause Sleep Apnoea?

suggests that in some men, may worsen or contribute to sleep apnoea symptoms, especially in those already to the . The exact mechanism by which this may occur remains . One theory is that testosterone may affect the and contraction of the airways; as testosterone levels fluctuate (particularly in patients using certain formulations) so too does the degree of airway . A major confounding factor is that the primary risk factor for OSA is being overweight, and the study did not take into the BMI/body fat of the patients enrolled, nor those of the group. Nonetheless, if you have sleep apnoea or you might, it’s crucial to discuss this with the specialists at Omniya Clinic before TRT.

According to a study published in the of Clinical & Metabolism, sleep apnoea disrupts the normal sleep cycle, which is critical for testosterone production. The of testosterone is produced during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is frequently in with sleep apnoea. This in production can lead to a range of symptoms such as fatigue, reduced libido, and muscle loss, which are also common in individuals with low-T. at testosterone levels in with OSA have not however found that testosterone levels once the OSA is treated.

How does TRT affect OSA?

A study published in The of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that TRT can potentially worsen obstructive sleep apnoea by increasing the number of apnoea episodes during sleep. The exact mechanisms are not understood. The studies that have shown this correlation have either been small studies or a larger study with a significant confounding factor. We do know that one of the risks of TRT is that it can cause the blood count to rise, also known as polycythaemia. This is also a of OSA. Thus, patients with OSA TRT are at a greater risk of .

Whilst the that looks to the relationship TRT and OSA is inconclusive and more large scale, robust studies will need to be conducted to further this, it is widely agreed that TRT should be with caution in individuals with untreated sleep apnoea. If there is a suspicion of OSA, some may ask for a sleep study to confirm the and subsequent treatment of OSA with use of CPAP therapy at night, before starting TRT. by a healthcare professional thereafter is to any risks associated with sleep apnoea and TRT.

TRT’s Benefits for Low Testosterone in Sleep Apnoea Patients

Despite concerns about and sleep apnoea, men with low testosterone can experience a wide range of health improvements from TRT, especially when administered and monitored by a qualified professional. These benefits include:

Managing Sleep Apnoea and Low Testosterone

At Omniya Clinic, we prioritise a personalised approach. If you're symptoms of low testosterone, such as fatigue, low libido, or weight gain, while also dealing with sleep apnoea, our expert medical team will evaluate your needs. We ensure that any is monitored to your testosterone levels without negatively affecting your sleep health.

Balancing TRT and Sleep Apnoea at Omniya Clinic

With our focus on individualised care, our experts will assess your health, review any sleep disorders, and recommend a that suits your body’s unique needs. This ensures that men undergoing TRT can safely low testosterone while the risk of sleep apnoea. Our doctors are to the highest of care for men from low testosterone and related such as sleep apnoea. Our is holistic, ensuring that each a plan tailored to their unique health needs. While TRT can offer numerous benefits, particularly for men with low testosterone, it is essential to manage potential risks related to sleep apnoea.

If you are concerned about your testosterone levels or experiencing symptoms of sleep apnoea, we you to book a consultation with our expert medical team.

We are here to help you better health, sleep, and .

Start your to better health today with Omniya Clinic.

For expert guidance and safe that consider your full health profile, conditions like sleep apnoea,.

What to Expect at Omniya Clinic:

We start by assessing your levels and sleep assessments to determine whether you have sleep apnoea. If sleep apnoea is diagnosed or suspected, we may refer you for a sleep study to the of the condition.

Our will work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that both low and sleep apnoea. In some cases, sleep apnoea first, through the use of CPAP machines or other sleep therapies, can significantly symptoms of low-T, the need for TRT.

For men who require TRT, we provide to ensure that levels remain within the healthy range and that sleep apnoea symptoms are not . Regular help us adjust the treatment as needed and ensure your overall health is .

Alongside TRT, we may lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, and dietary adjustments to help alleviate both sleep apnoea and low testosterone. Obesity is a known risk factor for both conditions, and even modest weight loss can dramatically sleep apnoea symptoms and hormone levels.

References:

According to a study by Hoyos et al., testosterone therapy in obese men with severe sleep apnoea had notable effects on sleep and quality. This placebo-controlled trial, conducted by at the University of Sydney’s CIRUS Institute, highlights benefits and risks of testosterone therapy in health.

Research by Knapp et al. explored how positive airway (CPAP) impacts sexual function and levels in men with type 2 diabetes and sleep apnoea. This study, at the University of Western and Sir Hospital, CPAP therapy may positively hormonal balance and sexual health in affected individuals.

A study by Cole et al. the of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on the risk of thromboembolism, heart disease, and sleep apnoea in men. Conducted by researchers from Harvard Medical School, Bochum, and Walter Reed Center, the to understanding TRT’s impact on cardiovascular and respiratory health.

Graziani et al. explored the between sleep apnoea, hypogonadism, and testosterone therapy (TRT) in men. Conducted at the of Padova, this research highlights the potential interactions between TRT and conditions, light on important for treatment in men with sleep apnoea and low .

Dr Aman Chungh is a highly men’s health physician and medical author whose work bridges the gap between expertise and accessible health . With over a decade of experience in general practice, he has refined an that integrates insights from medicine, and health. His journey has deepened his understanding of the between hormones, mental well‐being and physical - a that his written to the field.

A proud of the University of Southampton, Dr Chungh obtained his of and Bachelor of Surgery degree in 2014, following his in both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of . This robust foundation, with years of hands‐on care, fuels his to at the forefront of . As an author, he skilfully translates into engaging, reader