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TRT and Sleep Apnoea

26 October 2024 | 

TRT and Sleep Apnoea: Understanding the Connection

At Omniya Clinic, we are dedicated to providing holistic and personalised healthcare solutions for men experiencing the complex (low-T), including . Testosterone Replacement (TRT) has become an effective treatment for men experiencing low testosterone levels, but it's important to understand the relationship between TRT and sleep apnoea (OSA). Sleep apnoea is a condition in which breathing is interrupted during sleep, often leading to poor sleep and daytime fatigue. For men considering at Omniya Clinic, understanding how it may impact or interact with sleep apnoea is key to achieving the best health outcomes.

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

Can TRT Cause Sleep Apnoea?

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

According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, sleep apnoea disrupts the normal sleep cycle, which is critical for testosterone production. The majority of testosterone is during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is frequently interrupted in individuals with sleep apnoea. This reduction 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. Studies looking at testosterone levels in patients with OSA have not however found that levels recover once the OSA is treated.

How does TRT affect OSA?

A study published in The Journal 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 entirely 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 complication of OSA. Thus, patients with OSA starting TRT are at a risk of polycythaemia.

Whilst the research that looks to clarify the relationship between TRT and OSA is inconclusive and more large scale, robust studies will need to be conducted to further delineate this, it is widely agreed that TRT should be prescribed with caution in individuals with untreated sleep apnoea. If there is a suspicion of OSA, some doctors may ask for a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of OSA with use of CPAP therapy at night, before starting TRT. Monitoring by a healthcare professional thereafter is critical to mitigate 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 medical professional. These include:

Managing Sleep Apnoea and Low Testosterone

At Omniya Clinic, we prioritise a personalised approach. If you're experiencing 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 specific needs. We ensure that any is carefully monitored to balance 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 hormonal health, review any underlying sleep disorders, and recommend a that suits your body’s unique needs. This ensures that men undergoing TRT can safely address low testosterone symptoms while minimising the risk of worsening sleep apnoea. Our doctors are committed to providing the highest standard of care for men suffering from low testosterone and related conditions such as sleep apnoea. Our approach is holistic, ensuring that each patient receives a treatment 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 encourage you to book a consultation with our expert medical team.

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

Start your journey to better health today with Omniya Clinic.

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

What to Expect at Omniya Clinic:

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

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

For men who require TRT, we provide ongoing monitoring to ensure that testosterone levels remain within the healthy range and that sleep apnoea symptoms are not worsening. follow-ups help us adjust the treatment as needed and ensure your overall health is prioritised.

Alongside TRT, we may recommend changes such as weight loss, exercise, and 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 improve sleep apnoea symptoms and hormone levels.

References:

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

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

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

et al. explored the intricate relationship obstructive sleep apnoea, hypogonadism, and testosterone replacement therapy (trt) (https://helixcore.Co.uk)) in men. Conducted at the University of Padova, this research highlights the potential interactions between TRT and respiratory conditions, shedding light on important considerations for treatment in men with sleep apnoea and low testosterone.

Dr Aman Chungh is a highly regarded men’s health physician and medical author whose work bridges the gap between clinical expertise and accessible health education. With over a decade of experience in practice, he has an approach that seamlessly integrates insights from medicine, surgery and holistic health. His clinical journey has deepened his understanding of the complex interplay between hormones, mental well‐being and physical - a perspective that enriches his written contributions to the field.

A proud alumnus of the University of Southampton, Dr Chungh obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree in 2014, following his success in both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Medical Sciences. This robust academic foundation, combined with years of hands‐on care, fuels his commitment to remaining at the forefront of medicine. As an author, he skilfully translates intricate medical principles into engaging, reader