Testosterone is the male hormone produced primarily in the testes. Low testosterone levels result in fatigue, depression, reduced libido (sex drive) and erectile difficulties, decreased bone density, muscle atrophy (wasting), decreased athletic performance, and increased fat gain. It is also linked with heart disease and ill health.
Peak testosterone levels occur in males at approximately mid to late 20’s and steadily declines thereafter. It is estimated that 20% of men over 50 suffer from Testosterone Deficiency Disorder (also known as the Andropause).
In addition to age, other common variables which negatively effect natural testosterone production include alcohol consumption (particularly in excess of the Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines of 3-4 units per day for men), sedentary lifestyle, diet, poor sleep patterns, exposure to environmental chemicals, undiagnosed health complaints, stress, some prescription medications, being overweight, diabetes and trauma to the testes.
A simple blood test can inform you of the state of your masculine health and influence changes needed to attain optimal wellbeing, fitness and appearance.
Athletes who use Anabolic/Androgenic Steroids (AAS) will also result in natural testosterone deficiency, known medically as Anabolic Steroid Induced Hypogonadism (ASIH). This is an inevitable side effect of AAS use with varying degrees of severity and duration.
Additionally, AAS use is proven to have a detrimental effect on blood lipid profiles (and cardiovascular health as a result), liver and kidney values (see Your Health for further details) They also have an adverse effect on other hormones in the testosterone production pathway/feedback loop.
Injecting AAS results in an increased prevalence of Blood Borne Virus infections.
Having blood tests to monitor your hormone and other health marker levels before, during and after an AAS cycle is advisable to minimise side effects and ensure optimal results of your chosen AAS as well as the efficiency of any post-cycle therapy (PCT) utilised to reinstate natural testosterone levels.
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Vitruvian Man – Squaring the circle of men’s health.