Testosterone | Play Healthy Testosterone What is Testosterone? Testosterone is the principal male sex hormone and an anabolic androgenic steroid. Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone in humans that plays a key role in normal growth and development of male secondary sex characteristics. To be used legally, this substance requires a legitimate prescription from a physician. What are the common names or slang terms for Testosterone? Testosterone is commonly referred to as Test. Injectable forms of the steroid Testosterone include Testosterone Propionate (“Test Prop” or “Prop”), Testosterone Cypionate, and Testosterone Enanthate (“Test E” or “Enan”). An injectable steroid called Sustanon (“Sus” or “Sust”) contains four different Testosterone compounds and is also illegally sold under the commercial name Testonon. What are its short and long-term effects on the body? Although anabolic androgenic steroids like Testosterone may increase lean muscle mass, strength, and the ability to train longer and harder, the serious side effects of steroids are many and may not be reversible. The minor side effects of steroid use include acne, oily skin, excess hair growth, and deepening of the voice.

The major side effects of steroid use include an increased risk of cancer, increased risk of heart and liver disease, jaundice, fluid retention, reduction in HDL-C (“good cholesterol”), high blood pressure, changes in blood coagulation, increased risk of atherosclerosis, swelling of the soft tissues of the extremities (edema), and obstructive sleep apnea. Side effects specific to men can include testicular atrophy or the shrinking of the testicles, reduced sperm count, infertility, baldness, and the development of breasts. For women, side effects can include enlargement of the clitoris, changes in the body contour growth of facial hair, disruption of the menstrual cycle, deepened voice and infertility. An increase in androgenic (male) hormones from steroid use may also lead to aggressive behavior. Research also indicates that steroid users often suffer from paranoid jealousy, extreme irritability, delusions, and impaired judgment stemming from feelings of invincibility. Adolescents who abuse steroids like Testosterone are at a significant risk of suffering irreversible side effects, including stunted growth, accelerated puberty changes and abnormal sexual development.

Adolescent girls in particular may suffer from severe acne, excessive body and facial hair, deepened voice, permanent enlargement of the clitoris, disruption of the menstrual cycle, and permanent infertility. Testosterone users also are very likely to experience flu-like symptoms upon commencing a cycle of Testosterone. This common occurrence is often referred to as “Test Flu” or “Sustanon Flu” (“Sus Flu”). What is its federal classification? Testosterone is included in Schedule III of the Code of Federal Regulations' Schedule of Controlled Substances. Share DrugFacts: Anabolic Steroids | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons /CC0 How do anabolic steroids affect the brain? Anabolic steroids work differently from other drugs of abuse; they do not have the same short-term effects on the brain. The most important difference is that steroids do not trigger rapid increases in the brain chemical dopamine, which causes the "high" that drives people to abuse other substances. However, long-term steroid abuse can act on some of the same brain pathways and chemicals—including dopamine, serotonin, and opioid systems—that are affected by other drugs. This may result in a significant effect on mood and behavior.

Short-Term Effects Abuse of anabolic steroids may lead to mental problems, such as: paranoid (extreme, unreasonable) jealousy delusions—false beliefs or ideas impaired judgment Extreme mood swings can also occur, including "roid rage"—angry feelings and behavior that may lead to violence. What are the other health effects of anabolic steroids? Aside from mental problems, steroid use commonly causes severe acne. It also causes the body to swell, especially in the hands and feet.

Long-Term Effects Anabolic steroid abuse may lead to serious, even permanent, health problems such as: kidney problems or failure liver damage enlarged heart, high blood pressure, and changes in blood cholesterol, all of which increase the risk of stroke and heart attack, even in young people Several other effects are gender- and age-specific: In men: increased risk for prostate cancer In women: growth of facial hair or excess body hair male-pattern baldness changes in or stop in the menstrual cycle enlarged clitoris deepened voice In teens: stunted growth (when high hormone levels from steroids signal to the body to stop bone growth too early) stunted height (if teens use steroids before their growth spurt) Some of these physical changes, such as shrinking sex organs in men, can add to mental side effects such as mood disorders. Anabolic Steroids and Infectious Diseases People who inject steroids increase their risk of contracting or transmitting HIV/AIDS or hepatitis. Read more about drug use and HIV/AIDS in DrugFacts: HIV/AIDS and Drug Abuse: Intertwined Epidemics at . Read more about drug use and hepatitis at . Are anabolic steroids addictive? Even though anabolic steroids do not cause the same high as other drugs, they can lead to addiction.

Studies have shown that animals will self-administer steroids when they have the chance, just as they do with other addictive drugs. People may continue to abuse steroids despite physical problems, high costs to buy the drugs, and negative effects on their relationships. These behaviors reflect steroids' addictive potential. Research has further found that some steroid users turn to other drugs, such as opioids, to reduce sleep problems and irritability caused by steroids. People who abuse steroids may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop use, including: mood swings One of the more serious withdrawal symptoms is depression, which can sometimes lead to suicide attempts. How can people get treatment for anabolic steroid addiction? Some people seeking treatment for anabolic steroid addiction have found behavioral therapy to be helpful. More research is needed to identify the most effective treatment options. In certain cases of severe addiction, patients have taken medicines to help treat symptoms of withdrawal. For example, health care providers have prescribed anti-depressants to treat depression and pain medicines for headaches and muscle and joint pain. Other medicines have been used to help restore the patient's hormonal system. Points to Remember Anabolic steroids are synthetic variations of the male sex hormone testosterone. Health care providers can prescribe steroids to treat various medical conditions.

But some athletes and bodybuilders abuse these drugs to boost performance or improve their physical appearance. People who abuse anabolic steroids usually take them orally or inject them into the muscles. They are also applied to the skin as a cream, gel, or patch. Some athletes and other people abuse steroids by cycling, stacking, and pyramiding them. Abuse of anabolic steroids may lead to short-term effects such as mental problems. Extreme mood swings can also occur, including "roid rage"—angry feelings and behavior that may lead to violence. Continued steroid abuse can act on some of the same brain pathways and chemicals—including dopamine, serotonin, and opioid systems—that are affected by other drugs. Anabolic steroid abuse may lead to serious long-term, even permanent, health problems. Several other effects are gender- and age-specific. People who inject steroids increase their risk of contracting or transmitting HIV/AIDS or hepatitis. Even though anabolic steroids do not cause the same high as other drugs, they can lead to addiction. Some people seeking treatment for anabolic steroid addiction have found behavioral therapy to be helpful. In certain cases of severe addiction, patients have received medicines to help treat symptoms of withdrawal.

Learn More Anabolic Steroids: Mechanisms and Effects References Anabolic steroids are drugs that resemble androgenic hormones (sometimes called male hormones) such as testosterone (Figure 1). Athletes consume them in the hope of gaining weight, strength, power, speed, endurance, and aggressiveness. They are widely used by athletes involved in such sports as track and field (mostly the throwing events), weight lifting, and American football. However, in spite of their tremendous popularity, their effectiveness is controversial. The research literature is divided on whether anabolic steroids enhance physical performance. Yet, almost all athletes who consume these substances acclaim their beneficial effects. Many athletes feel that they would not have been as successful without them. There are several possible reasons for the large differences between experimental findings and empirical observations. An incredible mystique has arisen around these substances, providing fertile ground for the placebo effect. The use of anabolic steroids in the "real world" is considerably different from that in rigidly controlled, double-blind experiments (in a double blind study, neither the subject nor experimenter knows who is taking the drug). Most studies have not used the same drug dosage used by athletes. Institutional safeguards prohibit administration of high dosages of possibly dangerous substances to human subjects.

Subjects in research experiments seldom resemble accomplished weight-trained athletes. Under these conditions, we must assess the results of sound research studies, as well as clinical and empirical field observations, in order to obtain a realistic profile of the use, effects on performance, and side effects of these substances. How Anabolic Steroids Work Male hormones, principally testosterone, are partially responsible for the tremendous developmental changes that occur during puberty and adolescence. Male hormones have androgenic and anabolic effects. Androgenic effects are changes in primary and secondary sexual characteristics. These include enlargement of the penis and testes, voice changes, hair growth on the face, axilla, and genital areas, and increased aggressiveness. The anabolic effects of androgens include accelerated growth of muscle, bone, and red blood cells, and enhanced neural conduction. Anabolic steroids have been manufactured to enhance the anabolic properties (tissue building) of the androgens and minimize the androgenic (sex-linked) properties. However, no steroid has eliminated the androgenic effects because the so-called androgenic effects are really anabolic effects in sex-linked tissues. The effects of male hormones on accessory sex glands, genital hair growth, and oiliness of the skin are anabolic processes in those tissues.

The steroids with the most potent anabolic effect are also those with the greatest androgenic effect. Steroid Receptors Steroid hormones work by stimulation of receptor molecules in muscle cells, which activate specific genes to produce proteins (see Figure 1). They also affect the activation rate of enzyme systems involved in protein metabolism, thus enhancing protein synthesis and inhibiting protein degradation (called an anti-catabolic effect). Figure 1: How a Steroid Hormone Works Heavy resistance training seems to be necessary for anabolic steroids to exert any beneficial effect on physical performance. Most research studies that have demonstrated improved performance with anabolic steroids used experienced weight lifters who were capable of training with heavier weights and producing relatively greater muscle tension during exercise than novice subjects. The effectiveness of anabolic steroids is dependent upon unbound receptor sites in muscle. Intense strength training may increase the number of unbound receptor sites. This would increase the effectiveness of anabolic steroids. Anti-Catabolic Effects Of Anabolic Steroids Many athletes have said that anabolic steroids help them train harder and recover faster. They also said that they had difficulty making progress (or even holding onto the gains) when they were off the drugs. Anabolic steroids may have an anti-catabolic effect.

This means that the drugs may prevent muscle catabolism that often accompanies intense exercise training. Presently, this hypothesis has not been fully proven. Anabolic steroids may block the effects of hormones such as cortisol involved in tissue breakdown during and after exercise. Anabolic steroids may prevent tissue from breaking down following of an intense work-out. This would speed recovery. Cortisol and related hormones, secreted by the adrenal cortex, also has receptor sites within skeletal muscle cells. Cortisol causes protein breakdown and is secreted during exercise to enhance the use of proteins for fuel and to suppress inflammation that accompanies tissue injury. Anabolic steroids may block the binding of cortisol to its receptor sites, which would prevent muscle breakdown and enhances recovery. While this is beneficial while the athlete is taking the drug, the effect backfires when he stops taking it. Hormonal adaptations occur in response to the abnormal amount of male hormone present in the athlete's body. Cortisol receptor sites and cortisol secretion from the adrenal cortex increase. Anabolic steroid use decreases testosterone secretion. People who stop taking steroids are also hampered with less male hormone than usual during the "off" periods.

The catabolic effects of cortisol are enhanced when the athlete stops taking the drugs and strength and muscle size are lost at a rapid rate. The rebound effect of cortisol and its receptors presents people who use anabolic steroids with several serious problems: (1) psychological addiction is more probable because they become dependent on the drugs. This is because they tend to lose strength and size rapidly when off steroids. To stave off deconditioning, athletes may want to take the drugs for long periods of time to prevent falling behind. (2) Long-term administration increases the chance of serious side-effects. (3) Cortisol suppresses the immune system. This makes steroid users more prone to diseases, such as cold and flu, during the period immediately following steroid administration. Psychological Effects Some researchers have speculated that the real effect of anabolic steroids is the creation of a "psychosomatic state" characterized by sensations of well being, euphoria, increased aggressiveness and tolerance to stress, allowing the athlete to train harder. Such a psychosomatic state would be more beneficial to experienced weight lifters who have developed the motor skills to exert maximal force during strength training. Diets high in protein and calories may also be important in maximizing the effectiveness of anabolic steroids.

Anabolic Steroids and Performance The effects of anabolic steroids on physical performance are unclear. Well controlled, double blind studies have rendered conflicting results. In studies showing beneficial effects, body weight increased by an average of about four pounds, lean body weight by about six pounds (fat loss accounts for the discrepancy between gains in lean mass and body weight), bench press increased by about 15 pounds, and squats by about 30 pounds (these values represent the average gains for all studies showing a beneficial effect). Almost all studies have failed to demonstrate a beneficial effect on maximal oxygen consumption or endurance capacity. Anabolic steroid studies have typically lasted six to eight weeks and have usually used relatively untrained subjects. Most changes in strength during the early part of training are neural: increased strength is mainly due to an improved ability to recruit motor units. Anabolic steroids affect processes associated with protein synthesis in muscle. Studies lasting six weeks (typical study length) would largely reflect neural changes and could easily miss the cellular effects of the drugs. The gains made by athletes in uncontrolled observations have been much more impressive. Weight gains of thirty or forty pounds, coupled with thirty percent increases in strength, are not unusual. Such case studies lack credibility because of the absence of scientific controls.

However, it would be foolish to completely disregard such observations because the "subjects" have been highly trained and motivated athletes.Please see the articles on pharmacology of sport and sports medicine in the countries of the former Soviet Union for more information on anabolic steroids. References American Medical Association, Council on Scientific Affairs. Medical and non-medical uses of anabolic-androgenic steroids. J. Amer. Med. Assoc. 264: 2923-2927, 1990. Bahrke, M.S., C.E. Yesalosk, and J.E. Wright. Psychological and behavioural effects of endogenous testosterone levels and anabolic-androgenic steroids among males: a review. Sports Med. 10: 303-337, 1990. Buckley, W.E., C.E. Yasalis, K.E. Friedl, W.A. Anderson, A.L. Streit, and J.E. Wright. Estimated prevalance of anabolic steroid use among male high school seniors. J. Amer. Med. Assoc. 260: 3441-3445, 1988.

Rogozkin, V. Metabolism of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids. Leningrad: Nauka, 1988. United States Olympic Committee. USOC Drug Education Handbook. Colorado Springs: USOC, 1989. Anabolic Steroids - Abuse, Side Effects and Safety Anabolic Steroids - Abuse, Side Effects and Safety Medically reviewed on May 04, 2014 by L. Anderson, PharmD What are Anabolic Steroids? Androgens and anabolic steroids include the endogenous male sex hormone testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, and other agents that behave like these sex hormones. Androgens stimulate the development of male sexual characteristics (such as deepening of the voice and beard growth) and development of male sex organs. Anabolic steroids stimulate growth in many other types of tissues, especially bone and muscle. Anabolic effects also include increased production of red blood cells. Medically, androgens and anabolic steroids are used to treat: delayed puberty in adolescent boys hypogonadism and impotence in men endometriosis other conditions with hormonal imbalance Anabolic steroids can be given by injection, taken by mouth, or used externally. In the U.S.

they are classified as Schedule III Controlled Substances due to the possibility of serious adverse effects and a high potential for abuse. Are Anabolic Steroids Prohibited in Sports? Some athletes may abuse anabolic steroids to build muscle, prolong endurance and enhance performance. Anabolic agents are prohibited at all times, both in- and out-of-competition in collegiate and professional sports and appear on both the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) Prohibited Lists . Anabolic steroid use is also prohibited by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as well as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).1,2 Anabolic steroids include all synthetic derivatives of testosterone, both oral and injectable. Examples of anabolic steroids include testosterone, methyltestosterone, danazol, and oxandrolone. Anabolic steroids are performance-enhancing agents and act by increasing lean muscle protein synthesis and body weight, without increasing fat mass.3 What is the Extent of Illicit Anabolic Steroid Use in the U.S? Illegal use and street purchase of anabolic steroids is risky.

Illicit steroids may be sold at gyms, sporting competitions, and via mail order, and buyers may be at risk of purchasing adulterated or contaminated products. Often, illicit steroids are smuggled into the U.S. from countries that do not require a prescription for the purchase of steroids. Steroids may also be illegally sourced from U.S. pharmacies or synthesized in backroom laboratories. Common street names that are used to refer to anabolic steroids may include: Juice Andro Stackers Abuse of anabolic steroids can occur in any age group, but statistics on their abuse is difficult to quantitate because many surveys on drug abuse do not include steroids.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), scientific evidence indicates that anabolic steroid abuse among athletes may range between one and six percent.2 The NIDA-funded Monitoring the Future study from 2011 showed that 0.5% of 8th graders, 0.9% of 10th graders, and 1.3% of 12th grade males had abused anabolic steroids at least once in the year prior to being surveyed; among females, the rates were 0.5%, 0.7%, and 0.1%, respectively.5 Laboratory drug testing can usually detect the presence of anabolic steroids, and athletes in higher level sports are frequently monitored for abuse of a large number of drugs, including steroids. Steroidal dietary supplements can be converted into testosterone or other androgenic compounds in the body.

Steroidal over-the-counter dietary supplements such as androstenedione and tetrahydrogestrinone (THG) were previously available without prescription through health food stores, however, these supplements are now illegal after amendments to the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004.3 Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), another steroidal dietary supplement is still available legally; however, it does appear on the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency’s list of prohibited agents for both in- and out-of-competition. Clinical research reports indicate that these agents are ineffective or lack evidence of performance-enhancing effects.3,4 What are the Most Common Side Effects That May Occur with Anabolic Steroid Use? There is a wide array of serious side effects associated with abuse of anabolic steroids.4 Steroid use can alter the normal hormonal production in the body. Most side effects can be reversed if the drugs are stopped, but some, such as a deepened voice in women may persist.

Data on long-term side effects primarily come from case reports and not from well-controlled, long-term epidemiological studies, which might be reliable.4 Common side effects with anabolic steroids may include: Severe acne, oily skin and hair Hair loss Excess facial or body hair , deeper voice in women Stunted growth and height in teens Risk of viral or bacterial infections due to unsterile injections Are Anabolic Steroids Addictive? Users of anabolic steroids can become both physically and psychologically dependent upon the drugs, as evidenced by a drug-seeking behavior, continued use even with adverse effects, and physical withdrawal symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, restlessness, loss of appetite, insomnia, reduced sex drive, and steroid cravings. Severe withdrawal can lead to depression and possible suicide. Depressive symptoms can persist for up to one year after the user stops taking the steroid.4 Supportive treatments and medication interventions may be needed for severe anabolic addiction. Medications that have been used for treating anabolic steroid withdrawal allow the natural hormonal system to restore. Other medications target specific withdrawal symptoms.

For example, antidepressants may be prescribed to treat depressive episodes and analgesics , such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may be used for headaches and muscle and joint pains. Some patients may also undergo behavioral therapies.4 What is Being Done to Combat Anabolic Steroid Abuse? Awareness and educational efforts are working to help prevent anabolic steroid abuse in schools and communities. The Adolescents Training and Learning to Avoid Steroids (ATLAS) and the Athletes Targeting Healthy Exercise and Nutrition Alternatives (ATHENA) programs, funded by the NIDA, and supported by the Oregon Health & Science University programs is teaching athletes that they do not need steroids to build powerful muscles and improve athletic performance. These programs provide weight-training and nutrition alternatives, increase healthy behaviors, less likelihood to try steroids, and less likelihood to engage in other dangerous behaviors such as drinking and driving, use of marijuana and alcohol , and and improved body image. Bother Congress and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration endorsed these model prevention programs.4 See Also: Testosterone Deficiency Contact Testosterone Deficiency Testosterone is a steroid hormone from the androgen group.

Although most people associate testosterone with men (and with body builders!), women make it also, though in much smaller amounts. Testosterone is secreted in the testes of men and the ovaries of women. It is the principal male sex hormone and the “original” anabolic steroid . In both males and females, it plays key roles in health and well-being. Examples include enhanced libido (sex drive), energy, immune function, and protection against osteoporosis. In our practice, we check testosterone levels in patients complaining of persistent fatigue, symptoms of Fibromyalgia, chronic muscle aches or sense of muscular weakness, or who demonstrate evidence of poor or slow healing. Sources of testosterone Like other steroid hormones, testosterone is derived from cholesterol. The largest amounts of testosterone are produced by the testes in men, but it is also synthesized in smaller quantities in women by the ovaries, by the placenta , as well as by the adrenal gland in both sexes. Like most hormones, testosterone is supplied to target tissues by the blood where much of it is transported bound to a specific plasma protein, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Effects of testosterone In general, androgens promote protein synthesis and growth of tissues that have androgen receptors.

Testosterone effects can be classified as virilizing and anabolic effects, although the distinction is somewhat artificial, as many of the effects can be considered both. Anabolic effects include growth of muscle mass and strength, increased bone density and strength, and stimulation of height growth and bone maturation. Therefore, testosterone is important as part of the body’s normal maintenance and repair processes. Virilizing effects include maturation of the sex organs, particularly the penis and the formation of the scrotum in fetuses, a deepening of the voice in both sexes at puberty, and growth of facial and body hair. Testosterone derivatives are also often used (illegally) by bodybuilders to enhance muscle building, and by athletes to enhance performance. In addition, in the brain and bones, testosterone gets metabolized (converted) to estradiol (a form of estrogen). In the bones, estradiol accelerates maturation of cartilage into bone, leading to closure of the growth plates and conclusion of normal growth.

In the central nervous system, estradiol, rather than testosterone, serves as the most important feedback signal to the hypothalamus , a portion of the brain that links the nervous system to the endocrine system , which helps control the release of many hormones in the body. As mentioned above, testosterone is typically associated with men. But testosterone is essential in women as well. In women, testosterone contributes to: Improved sense of well-being Increased strength, especially in the upper body Increased repair mechanisms (protein synthesis) Increased libido Increased nipple and clitoral sensitivity Increased bone mineral density Low testosterone levels are associated with: Loss of lean muscle mass Increased fat Increased risk of cardiovascular disease Loss of libido (sex drive and interest) Hopelessness, helplessness, depression Impaired healing Measuring Testosterone Levels Testosterone can be measured in both the blood and saliva. While most labs have established “normal” ranges, optimum testosterone blood levels are listed below. In addition, PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels should be measured in men, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and estradiol levels should also be measured (estrogen blocks the receptor sites for testosterone, especially in men).

PSA should be <4.0 Estradiol – target < 40 pg/ml Testosterone Replacement Although testosterone supplementation is available in commercially-prepared forms, bio-identical hormone replacement—replacing exactly what your body makes—is preferred. We give patients a prescription for a custom-formulated cream that is prepared by a compounding pharmacy. (Your local CVS or Walgreen’s does not have compounding capabilities. They only dispense medications.) The cream is applied to the skin where it gets absorbed directly into the blood stream. For men, testosterone supplementation usually starts at 50-200 mg a day, depending on initial test results. For women, we usually start at 1-5 mg a day. Dosing is adjusted based on subsequent lab testing and patient symptoms. The advantages of using a custom compounded cream include the ability to fine-tune the dose and the ability to mix other hormones in the cream. Some patients (about 15%) do not absorb medications well through the skin. In those cases injectable testosterone, as Depotestosterone cypionate, is available. It most commonly comes in vials containing 200 mg (1 cc) of the drug. Injections are best given twice weekly.

Labs should be rechecked in a month after starting therapy or after changing doses. Potential Side Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy When used under careful medical supervision, testosterone replacement is safe and effective, especially if it used to replace low or suboptimal levels. However, it important to keep an eye open for potential side effects. If side effects do occur, they are almost always mild and reversible. Testosterone can exert a negative feedback on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular axis. This can affect other hormone levels. Women can experience acne or the eruption of facial hair. Men can experience testicular atrophy (shrinking testicles). Male pattern baldness can occur. Since testosterone can get metabolized to estrogen, there is theoretically an increased risk of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) or prostate cancer. In addition, reflective of potential increased estrogen, there is a risk of increased fat deposition around the trunk, and the development of enlarged breast tissue in men. Services This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Our Philosophy At Valley Sports Physicians & Orthopedic Medicine our goal is to provide the highest quality care and an exceptionally personal level of service for persons with musculoskeletal problems and sports injuries using the latest advances in medicine and with exceptional skill and caring. We strive to treat you the same way that we would want to be treated ourselves. We aim to ensure that not only do you completely understand your diagnosis but also that you understand the proposed treatment plan. Finally, we know that you have choices when it comes to your health care; we consider it an honor that you have chosen us. Important Links Testosterone in Men Testosterone in Men Testosterone Testosterone in Men In the human body testosterone is one of the most important hormones we naturally produce but for a man it is even more so than a woman, as testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. The total production of testosterone in men is nearly ten times the natural production of testosterone in women; in-fact, in many ways testosterone is what makes men just that, men. Testosterone plays a vital role in how we function on both a physical and mental level, effecting both our physique and sex life, as well as playing a role in our overall state of mind.

It is for these reasons low testosterone in men can create massive problems but in the same light yet in the opposite direction high levels of testosterone in men can have most welcomed affect. High Levels of Testosterone in Men While there are many reasons to supplement with anabolic steroids one of the most common and primary goals is to increase the total amount of testosterone you have flowing through your body. Every man is limited to the amount of testosterone he can naturally produce and this total amount can vary greatly from man to man; in the U.S. total testosterone readings of 350ng/dL to 850ng/dL are all considered to be in the “normal” range; as you can see that is a massive difference. However, it is rare, very rare that a man will naturally produce an amount beyond this high number and it is when total testosterone far surpasses it that we really begin to see beneficial change. As by its nature testosterone is both highly anabolic and androgenic making it a perfect steroid for increasing lean mass, increasing strength, increasing total metabolic activity and simply providing a more pleasing as well as high performing physique; it is worth mentioning, testosterone is equal in both anabolic and androgenic power.

Are there risk involved in increasing total testosterone in men, absolutely; as with any exogenous hormone or medication there is always risks involved; however, as testosterone is not a foreign hormone to the body it is generally very well-tolerated by most who supplement with exogenous forms. Further, while it is generally well-tolerated side-effects may still occur but they are in most cases easily avoidable. Side-effects such as Gynecomastia , excess water retention, high blood pressure and cholesterol issues can all occur, as well as testicular atrophy but only atrophy is guaranteed. While testicular atrophy will occur it is only temporary; once exogenous testosterone makes itself present natural testosterone production comes to a halt but once exogenous use is discontinued natural production begins again and the testicles return to their normal size. As for the rest of the side-effects that may occur by increasing the levels of testosterone in men, with a proper diet rich in omega fatty acids and supplementation with an aromatase inhibitor they can in almost all cases be avoided. The primary side-effects that can occur through testosterone supplementation are brought on by the aromatase enzyme by way of a conversion into estrogen .

By way of a quality aromatase inhibitor we block this conversion; what doesn’t convert cannot exist and what does not exist cannot lead to problems. Low Levels of Testosterone in Men Many men the world over suffer from low testosterone ; in-fact, most men will suffer from it to one degree or another at some point in their life and in most all cases it is irreversible in a natural sense. The only way to combat and remedy low testosterone completely is through hormone replacement therapy and the only way this can be efficiently achieved is by increasing the levels of testosterone in men who suffer. The same testosterone hormone used by performance enhancers must necessarily be applied for this purpose; however when increasing testosterone in men for a therapeutic purposes doses will normally be far lower than in the case of performance enhancement. When the testosterone in men falls below an optimal level several things may and will more than likely occur. Most men who suffer from low levels will notice several symptoms such as decreased sex drive , erectile dysfunction, a fatter, weaker and smaller physique, a loss of energy and mental focus and even a state of depression can occur just to name a few.

More times than not most men simply attribute their condition to age, they assume it’s simply part of getting older but it doesn’t have to be this way. For a man who suffers from low levels he can see his life severely diminished and unless you’re 157 years old why would you allow something like that to occur? You’ve seen the commercials talking about low testosterone in men and increasingly many men are beginning to do something about it. If you suffer from any of the symptoms discussed you are highly advised to do the same; consult with your doctor and see your life dramatically improved, this is guaranteed. The Bottom Line When it comes to the levels of testosterone in men, be it for the purpose of performance enhancement or simply in the grand scheme of life there may truly be few things of greater importance as it pertains to our overall well-being. This really shouldn’t come as too big of a surprise, as we discussed it is the hormone that makes a man a man and without he is simply a walking meat suit and shadow of his former self.

Anabolic Androgenic Steroids - Steroid .com Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Tweet Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Anabolic Androgenic Steroids ; you’ve heard the term, if you’ve ever dabbled in performance enhancement then you’re more than likely familiar with various items at least to a degree but what exactly does “Anabolic Androgenic” mean, what does it refer to? You’ve read articles from your favorite magazines and websites on the subject and they will tell you this or that steroid is more androgenic than the other while another steroid is generally more anabolic with a very slight androgenic nature but what does it all mean? In some circles you’ll be told not to worry about it, just take whatever you want because it’s all steroids and it doesn’t really matter; don’t listen to these people. Depending on your goals, your individual response and all things this will encompass you need to possess understanding; then and only then will you be able to maximize and truly find what works best for you. Androgens: Androgens are one of the primary sex hormones of the steroidal family; a four ringed carbon core of a cholesterol nature; in short, androgens are fat molecules.

Sometimes referred to as a testoid, androgens stimulate, promote and maintain the male sex characteristics by binding to the androgen receptors and while there are several androgens worthy of note testosterone is the primary androgen of the greatest importance. In the world of anabolic androgenic steroids androgens are of the greatest importance for without androgens we would have no anabolic steroids. Some of the most common anabolic steroids of all time exist solely by their androgenic nature; if you recall from you steroidal understanding all anabolic steroids owe their existence to testosterone and as testosterone is the primary androgen it’s easy to see how important the androgenic nature truly is. Androgens, of which as we will see there are many types are primarily produced in the testes, ovaries and adrenal glands depending on the sex, with potency and importance of each varying depending on the form. Generally existing by way of cholesterol Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are the two primary androgens worthy of concern but androgenic hormones such as androstenedione (Andro) and Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) play a role.

It is the production of androgens that largely influence our sexual development and regulate our sex drive ; at the point of puberty it is the influx of androgenic hormones that promote the deepening of the male vocal chords as well as body and facial hair-growth; yes, androgens also greatly affect a woman’s libido but a larger role is played in the male. As an individual who supplements with anabolic androgenic steroids the obvious question is why is any of this important to you; well, it’s very important. Androgens largely regulate growth and play a key role revolving around stored adipose tissue. In simple terms the greater androgenic presence the greater growth in muscular structure there will be; this shouldn’t be too surprising, after all, for the anabolic steroid user the primary hormone of growth is testosterone. As eluded to, androgens also affect the manner in-which body-fat is stored; men typically have less body-fat than women and as such much of this is due to the higher androgenic nature of the male species as androgens have been shown to inhibit fat accumulation and storage.

Anabolic: Anabolic simply refers to anabolism which in-turn simply refers to the metabolic process; worthy of note, anabolism is the direct opposite of catabolism. This anabolic process aids in building molecules or perhaps a better way to look at it, the anabolic process strengthens and restructures molecules in order for them to become larger and more efficient. This process aids in growth and in the promotion of strength to a large degree but also promotes many things of a secondary nature that can be of interest to the performance such as hardness. At first glance you might ask what the difference is between anabolic and androgenic and the short answer is quite a bit. The anabolic process aids in enhancing the cells that exist, yes, it can enhance them in-terms of actual growth in size but will have a larger role on increasing strength and play a larger role in conditioning. Further, steroids that are primarily anabolic will not convert to estrogen as estrogen is a precursor to androgenic hormones. Anabolic & Androgenic Ratings: Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) all carry their own anabolic and androgenic rating and such rating is based on the primary steroid testosterone.

Testosterone carries with it an anabolic rating of 100 and an androgenic rating of 100 and it is by this rating in-which all other steroids are measured in each regard. The higher its rating is in a particular category the higher its nature is to that end in-terms of its makeup but interestingly enough this does not always translate into action. Take for example Trenbolone , the Trenbolone hormone has an anabolic rating of 500 and an androgenic rating of 500 and performs mirroring such ranking. Then take the Fluoxymesteron ( Halotestin ) its anabolic and androgenic ratings blow Trenbolone out of the water, in-fact its androgenic rating is 850 but it provides absolutely no androgenic traits to the user. Why is this important? As you recall, for a steroidal hormone to provide an androgenic benefit it must necessarily bind to the androgen receptors; regardless of how androgenic in nature the particular hormone is if it has a poor androgen receptor binding ability it will provide no androgenic action.

This is the case of steroids such as Halotestin which carry with it little to no binding affinity and even some DHT based steroids such as Stanozolol ( Winstrol ) making them almost useless in-terms of building size but as you may already know, due to their anabolic nature they can still be very useful. Then we have anabolic androgenic steroids with positive androgen binding ability yet produce little in-terms of massive growth but can still be very useful. Recall, androgens not only promote size but fat-loss as well or more aptly increased metabolic activity; when we couple this with solid anabolic activity we have a worthwhile steroid of an androgenic nature although weak in-terms of size or growth; Primobolan being a prime example. As you should be easily able to see, as it pertains to the anabolic and androgenic rankings while the anabolic ranking of a steroid lends to a strong understanding of the particular steroids power the androgenic rating tells us very little unless we understand how well it binds to the androgen receptors.

Maximizing Hormones: Our goals vary depending on our pursuit, depending on our need but generally speaking the same rules apply to all if we are to maximize activity and reach the productive end we truly desire. For the individual who supplements with anabolic androgenic steroids for therapeutic measures, most commonly being that of low testosterone treatment, as testosterone is needed androgen replacement is really all they will be concerned with; after all, if you’re testosterone deficient the only thing that will cure it is androgen replacement. It is the performance enhancer that will truly find understanding here to be a little more worthwhile as quality stacks and cycles will generally include steroids of both anabolic and androgenic nature and activity. As the use of anabolic androgenic steroids will suppress natural testosterone production, with total suppression varying from steroid to steroid, in most cases the primary androgen testosterone is needed in exogenous fashion in order to maintain adequate levels in the body while the cycle is in play.

For many this will be the only androgen they will need and anything else they add may be of a strict anabolic capacity; this does not mean you must add anything, some will be fine even more than fine with only testosterone; after all, it is not only highly anabolic and androgenic in nature but equal in both in-terms of makeup and action and extremely well-tolerated by most healthy adult men. For others , especially those who are really looking to grow and this is found in many bodybuilding and hardcore gym circles, multiple androgenic items may be coupled together in the same cycle with an additional possible strong anabolic in nature steroid. Prime examples of such stacks might be Testosterone/Trenbolone/ Anadrol ; with this stack you have two steroids of powerful anabolic and androgenic power and a third steroid in Anadrol, while possessing decent androgenic activity highly anabolic in nature. Actual Ratings: To give you an understanding of how the anabolic and androgenic ranting can vary we’ve left you with some of the most commonly used anabolic androgenic steroids and their respective ratings so you can decide for yourself how best to maximize what you’re stacking.

You will find some of the ratings to be very specific with some being in an approximate range due to the nature of a particular steroidal hormone. Anadrol: Anabolic/Androgenic: 320/45

Question: What anabolic steroid is the principal male sex hormone?
Answer: Testosterone