Little help in the gym

[sahcivan]

Has anybody ever had any experience using Testosterone ? Mainly Testosterone cypionate.

[milov]

I go to the gym to train my body. I appreciate the results I get from the effort I apply. I seriously cannot comprehend the acceptance of performance enhancing drugs.

Not only are you cheating if you take them... but you will expose yourself to very significant side effects.

[Manofsteelpt]

Originally Posted by milov

I go to the gym to train my body. I appreciate the results I get from the effort I apply. I seriously cannot comprehend the acceptance of performance enhancing drugs.

Not only are you cheating if you take them... but you will expose yourself to very significant side effects.

What's he cheating? What significant side effects?

Newsflash... testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone in the HUMAN body (Even women have testosterone in their bodies). As men get older, their natural testosterone production lowers. TRT is VERY common nowadays, is extremely safe, and virtually side effect free if done properly (listening to their dr).

[dmash]

This could easily be prescribed by his physician if he's of a certain age. Takes zero effort.

Edit: Manofsteel beat me to it

[Manofsteelpt]

Originally Posted by dmash

This could easily be prescribed by his physician if he's of a certain age. Takes zero effort.

Edit: Manofsteel beat me to it

2 answers are better than 1

[ronricks]

Originally Posted by milov

I go to the gym to train my body. I appreciate the results I get from the effort I apply. I seriously cannot comprehend the acceptance of performance enhancing drugs.

Not only are you cheating if you take them... but you will expose yourself to very significant side effects.

Many factors to consider here. Not everyone has the same testosterone level for one. So, if my friend has a higher natural level than I do is he 'cheating'? As far as side effects it will vary with the dosage just how if I drink 2 beers or 20 my intoxication level will likely produce unwanted side effects. There is a difference between use and abuse. Just like with all things in life. Eating 2 slices of pizza a week is not going to be as detrimental as eating 10 slices a week.

[mistermann]

It's prescribed to me, am I cheating?

[milov]

The question is are you taking it to buff up at the gym, or to lift heavier weights in competitive lifting?

Or to get by. That said... artificially fluctuating your natural hormone levels is always going to have a degree of side effects. If you (or your friend) has been told otherwise then you should get a second opinion.

I guess I have been down on this subject purely from the perspective of a former competitive runner. I hated the way Lance Armstrong used to 'legally' raise his testosterone levels during the Tour.

[Tony64]

.

[1st amg]

Haha, that made me laugh! Good one..as far as testosterone, being 47, my body is changing and I think it has to do with the lack of testosterone and possibly the increase in estrogen levels. I am going to do blood work to confirm this, and if it is the case, I will happily take the needed boost. I work out daily, and have been for the last twenty five years, so this would be OK with me. I have many friends my age who are on the prescribed testosterone from the doctors and they look and feel better.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by milov

I go to the gym to train my body. I appreciate the results I get from the effort I apply. I seriously cannot comprehend the acceptance of performance enhancing drugs.

Not only are you cheating if you take them... but you will expose yourself to very significant side effects.

Lmao. What?!?!?

[superdog]

Originally Posted by milov

The question is are you taking it to buff up at the gym, or to lift heavier weights in competitive lifting?

Or to get by. That said... artificially fluctuating your natural hormone levels is always going to have a degree of side effects. If you (or your friend) has been told otherwise then you should get a second opinion.

I guess I have been down on this subject purely from the perspective of a former competitive runner. I hated the way Lance Armstrong used to 'legally' raise his testosterone levels during the Tour.

My man, you are seriously misinformed.

I'm sure there are a few doctors on board that can explain it better than I can.

But what you are stating is complete and utter rubbish.

And Armstrong increased the levels of oxygen in his body by increasing the amount of red blood cells in his body through blood doping. This is what led to his enhanced performance.

[Maybelline]

It has side effects.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by superdog

My man, you are seriously misinformed.

I'm sure there are a few doctors on board that can explain it better than I can.

But what you are stating is complete and utter rubbish.

And Armstrong increased the levels of oxygen in his body by increasing the amount of red blood cells in his body through blood doping. This is what led to his enhanced performance.

x2

& lol at thinking Armstrong took test.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Maybelline

It has side effects.

What are they?

A man diagnosed with low levels of restoring will feel lethargic and weak.

Adding testosterone artificially to allow him to have normal levels does not create adverse side effects. at least none that have been clinically proven.

[milov]

As I said previously... I think taking testosterone to buff up at the gym or increase any athletic performance is a flawed course of action.

If you have been prescribed testosterone for other medical reasons then that is another story. But I believe that the the endocrine system is extremely complicated and tampering with it can produce a range of side effects.

And for the record, Lance Armstrong was openly taking testosterone supplements during his career to balance his lowered testosterone due the removal of one of his testes. The issue was his testosterone levels were being restored to normal levels on a daily basis whilst his competitors levels were fading in each day of competition. This all happened long before the admission of guilt over the other supplements.

[ronricks]

Originally Posted by superdog

What are they?

A man diagnosed with low levels of restoring will feel lethargic and weak.

Adding testosterone artificially to allow him to have normal levels does not create adverse side effects. at least none that have been clinically proven.

HRT or TRT has many positive documented benefits and if prescribed and monitored by a MD is completely safe.

[ronricks]

Originally Posted by milov

As I said previously... I think taking testosterone to buff up at the gym or increase any athletic performance is a flawed course of action.

If you have been prescribed testosterone for other medical reasons then that is another story. But I believe that the the endocrine system is extremely complicated and tampering with it can produce a range of side effects.

Side effects can happen from anything in life. Be it alcohol, drugs, etc. you will find that alcohol which is completely legal has caused far more harm both directly and indirectly to people than steroids have.

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by superdog

What are they?

A man diagnosed with low levels of restoring will feel lethargic and weak.

Adding testosterone artificially to allow him to have normal levels does not create adverse side effects. at least none that have been clinically proven.

From the Cleveland Clinic:

"What are the side effects of testosterone replacement therapy?

The side effects of testosterone replacement therapy include:

acne or oily skin
swelling in the ankles caused by mild fluid retention
stimulation of the prostate, which can cause urination symptoms such as difficulty urinating
breast enlargement or tenderness
worsening of sleep apnea (a sleep disorder that results in frequent nighttime awakenings and daytime sleepiness)
smaller testicles
skin irritation
Laboratory abnormalities that can occur with testosterone replacement include:

increase in PSA (prostate-specific antigen)
increase in red blood cell count
decrease in sperm count, producing infertility (inability to have children), which is especially important in younger men who desire fertility"

It also causes enlargement of the prostate and may contribute to prostate cancers. Taken as prescribed for low T makes sense. Taken by someone without low T for purposes of muscle enhancement seems like a bad idea.

[BristolCavendish]

As promoted on TV. Boosts strength, vitality and women will enjoy the differences too.

[locutus49]

I had muscle wasting about 9 months ago, and had to undergo every test imaginable. No specialist could figure it out, but my testosterone was a little low so I was prescribed androgel and told to do resistance training and eat lots of protein/calories.

Progress in building muscle (in my 60's) has been extremely slow, and I can only tolerate half dose of the testosterone (or I have extreme inching, etc.

The medical community cannot explain what triggered or caused my muscle loss (not neuromuscular and ruled out for all the usual diseases like Lambert Eatons, MG, celiac, etc), and my testosterone has been fine for months, so I keep eating protein supplements and exercising.

Bottom line, no problem in testosterone supplements if under medical supervision, but it can be very expensive if you do not have very strong medical justification as (according to our insurance provider, MANY people abuse it for body building).

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Tony64

From the Cleveland Clinic:

"What are the side effects of testosterone replacement therapy?

The side effects of testosterone replacement therapy include:

acne or oily skin
swelling in the ankles caused by mild fluid retention
stimulation of the prostate, which can cause urination symptoms such as difficulty urinating
breast enlargement or tenderness
worsening of sleep apnea (a sleep disorder that results in frequent nighttime awakenings and daytime sleepiness)
smaller testicles
skin irritation
Laboratory abnormalities that can occur with testosterone replacement include:

increase in PSA (prostate-specific antigen)
increase in red blood cell count
decrease in sperm count, producing infertility (inability to have children), which is especially important in younger men who desire fertility"

It also causes enlargement of the prostate and may contribute to prostate cancers. Taken as prescribed for low T makes sense. Taken by someone without low T for purposes of muscle enhancement seems like a bad idea.

I'll have to check into this. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong.

But it looks to me that this is from increasing levels when you already have enough. I'm arguing that those that are testosterone deficienct won't see adverse effects such as listed above.

[THC]

Have grandkids over 3 times a week... who needs a gym..

[dmash]

That is simply a list of possible side effects like every other drug on the pharmaceutical market. Cleveland Clinic would also say that a simple aspirin could possibly cause severe diarrhea, bloody stools, severe stomach pain and confusion.

Lol don't over analyze, these are stated for insurance purposes.

[locutus49]

My personal experience is that I only have itching. And, yeah, due to our litigious society, drugs have to list every possible risk, even those that are one in a million.

A good doctor who prescribed the medication should take routine blood tests every so often to monitor effect.

Originally Posted by dmash

That is simply a list of possible side effects like every other drug on the pharmaceutical market. Cleveland Clinic would also say that a simple aspirin could possibly cause severe diarrhea, bloody stools, severe stomach pain and confusion.

Lol don't over analyze, these are stated for insurance purposes.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by locutus49

My personal experience is that I only have itching. And, yeah, due to our litigious society, drugs have to list every possible risk, even those that are one in a million.

A good doctor who prescribed the medication should take routine blood tests every so often to monitor effect.

100%, even responsible users who use this recreationally will get periodic bloodwork to ensure levels are in range and other functional organs are operations properly. I'm pretty sure my father (has a TRT script) has to pull bloods once ever 3-4 months.


Also, in regards to your itching, it may just be due to the application of the gel on your skin. Not to mention the amount of absorbable test is fairly minimal with the Androgel.....you may want to perhaps look into injections. May sound much more serious, but it's actually much more effective with no additional problems.

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by dmash

That is simply a list of possible side effects like every other drug on the pharmaceutical market. Cleveland Clinic would also say that a simple aspirin could possibly cause severe diarrhea, bloody stools, severe stomach pain and confusion.

Lol don't over analyze, these are stated for insurance purposes.

So aspirin will make my testicles shrink?? Dammit

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by superdog

I'll have to check into this. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong.

But it looks to me that this is from increasing levels when you already have enough. I'm arguing that those that are testosterone deficienct won't see adverse effects such as listed above.

As I said, taken for low T and prescribed by a physician it's approporate. For a normal person just wanting to bulk up - not so much.

The thread title was "a little help at the gym" after all.

[Etschell]

It has negative side effects which are quite embarassing.

[BristolCavendish]

(1) Do seniors ever use supplements or is this muscle bulk naturally achieved via diet and workouts. (2) True six-pack abs? (3) Arnold today