As more non-athletes abuse testosterone, greater awareness of the long-term health consequences is needed
Summary
This content discusses the tendency of gym-goers to use synthetic testosterone supplements to improve their appearance in the short term, despite exposure to long-term harmful health consequences.
The desire for a ripped physique is leading some amateur gym-goers to try synthetic steroids, particularly testosterone supplements. This trend is largely driven by social media, with thousands of posts discussing ways to boost testosterone levels and high-profile influencers promoting the supposed benefits of using the synthetic hormone – and even recommending products that anyone can buy online without a prescription.
But while synthetic testosterone may improve your appearance in the short term, its long-term health consequences shouldn’t be ignored.
Testosterone is a steroid hormone that plays a role in the function of all our organs. Both men and women produce testosterone, although men’s bodies have about 15 times more circulating testosterone than women’s.
Many factors can naturally increase testosterone production, including exercise, stress, and sex. But using a synthetic testosterone supplement to increase testosterone levels – especially in amounts that exceed what your body produces – will have many health effects.
Initially, this can lead to increased sex drive and help your body build more muscle mass for several months. It can also cause acne, male pattern baldness and breast enlargement in men. Women may experience amenorrhea (loss of menstrual periods), increased body hair, a deeper voice, and an enlarged clitoris.
But these side effects are minor when compared to the serious consequences that prolonged and repeated abuse has on the body. Steroid abuse changes the heart, causing it to enlarge, increase blood pressure and lose elasticity of the arteries. All of these changes make it difficult for the heart to function, increasing the risk of sudden death. Cardiovascular changes persist in most drug abusers. Liver and kidney damage often develops in people who use steroids long-term.
Testosterone also has psychological effects, including increased aggression, depression, and anxiety. Basically, testosterone supplements turn off the normal stimuli for this hormone in the brain. This causes hypogonadism, a condition in which the tissues that normally produce testosterone shrink. In men, this leads to a decline in sperm count and testicular volume.
Hypogonadism also contributes to a wide range of withdrawal effects. Some of these symptoms include depression and reduced libido – unless, of course, more testosterone is used.
Many men who have abused steroids will become hypogonadal and consequently require lifelong testosterone replacement.
Watch the video with commentary by André Forastieri.
André Forastieri is a journalist and entrepreneur, founder of Homework and the content and connections agency Compasso, as well as a mentor to professionals and executives. Find out more aboutandreforastieri.com.br
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
