Age, illness, and unfavorable conditions all have an impact on our bodies. That perfect body we spend hours at the gym sculpting, trimming, and strengthening shows signs of wear and tear as the years go by. Even regular exercise, nutritional diets, and a healthy lifestyle may not be enough to keep us at optimal health. This is why many people turn to supplements.
Luckily nutritional supplements have been around for a while and they can help our body cope with different ailments and deficiencies. Some will help relieve pain, prevent inflammation, and speed up recovery from different injuries. If you want an in-depth analysis of these supplements you can read the comprehensive review on OpenHealthTools.org.
Nutritional supplements are readily available over the counter without the need for a prescription. But that’s not the case for steroids or testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) which require consultation and diagnosis from a physician. So what are steroids and TRT and why do athletes more than other demographics seem attracted to them?
Who Uses Them?
Although they’re man-made chemicals, many supplements including steroids mirror the work and functionality of other hormones that the body produces naturally. Steroids play a major role in reducing inflammation and easing stiffness and pain in the body. Another form of steroids, anabolic steroids (AAS), builds muscles and gives bodybuilders and athletes the muscle mass and high performance they strive for. Anabolic steroids are illegal in many countries, including the USA, unless a doctor prescribes them to you. Which explains why athletes and bodybuilders, among others, use them either regularly or on and off. On a global scale, about 6.4 percent of males from all walks of life have used steroids at one point or another.
Since anabolic steroids contain muscle-building hormones, they help build up the muscle mass of the body by interacting with the muscle tissue. They reach the muscle cells through the bloodstream. Once there, they send signals to the cell’s DNA to trigger the protein synthesis process that leads to muscle growth. Steroids also have positive effects on bone density, and they boost recovery from injuries.
This might explain why bodybuilders and athletes find them indispensable as part of their training and practice. According to a 2004 research by Fred Hartgens and Harm Kuipers, a combination of anabolic steroids and exercise increased muscle mass and strength. That doesn’t mean that they don’t have side effects. As with other medications, steroids can have dangerous effects if taken in access. A study led by Gary A Green found that misuse of steroids could cause cardiovascular problems, oxidative stress, and damage to the organs.
TRT on the Rise
As people age, their body produces less and less testosterone. This important natural hormone is responsible for maintaining bone mass, muscle strength, and fat distribution. It also helps regulate one’s libido or sex drive. This is why when the testosterone levels in the body drop below normal, doctors would recommend testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). It is estimated that testosterone levels in the body decrease when men reach the age of 40. For some men, that decline could start as early as their 30s. From then on, each new year a person ages will bring their testosterone production levels down by one percent.
But it’s not just age. The overall health and body shape of the person could also interfere with their natural testosterone levels. People who are obese or suffer from type-2 diabetes, according to a 2020 study, will also undergo testosterone decline even at a higher rate. Low testosterone levels, AKA hypogonadism, could be behind some serious health issues that lead to a deterioration in the quality of life of the patient. Some of these health issues include erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis, lack of motivation, loss of muscle mass and strength, and osteoporosis. Another study on the health impact of low testosterone in men found that strokes and cardiovascular diseases are high risks.
From that, we can conclude that TRT can reverse the health risks and impact of low testosterone levels in the body. Although older men are more prone to hypogonadism, younger males and people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes are at risk as well. They all can benefit from TRT and regain their muscle mass and sex drive and enjoy higher energy levels.
From all the above body of evidence, science and medical studies have shown that healthy testosterone levels in the body are crucial for you to enjoy a fulfilling and rich life experience. Furthermore, hypogonadism isn’t just caused by old age or health conditions. It can happen at any age due to high levels of toxicity in the air, water, or diet. Testosterone therapy can mitigate many of the health conditions that result from hypogonadism.
Some other benefits that patients who had received TRT experienced include higher sex drive, improved muscle mass, and increased insulin sensitivity. Better overall moods are also some of the reported results of testosterone therapy. TRT comes in various forms and shapes and is not limited to injections. You can take it as a skin patch, gel, mouth patch, or even as an implant.
Supplements are widely accepted as an important component of a healthy lifestyle. With more and more people using them, you should make sure to read the instructions carefully. When in doubt, consult with your doctor and ask for their recommendations.