Side-Effects of Testosterone

Of all the anabolic steroids available, for the healthy adult male there are very few as well-tolerated as testosterone. While this is true, there are possible side-effects of testosterone that can occur due to exogenous use. Fortunately, for the healthy adult male the side-effects of testosterone use are very controllable; in-fact, with responsible use there is no reason a healthy adult male should fall prey to a single one. For the man receiving testosterone replacement therapy, these side-effects will be of very little concern; after all, in his case he will only be replacing what is deficient. For the performance enhancer, this is where the game changes, as it will be supraphysiological doses that can open the door to problems. However, supraphysiological doses can be used very safely, but there is something important you need to keep in mind. As is with most anabolic steroids, there is a strong risk to reward ratio; the more you take, the greater the reward, but the more you take, the greater the risk. Let's discuss the possible side-effects of testosterone use.

Possible Side-Effects of Testosterone
When we supplement for testosterone in amounts that take us far beyond our average range, there are five possible side-effects that may occur. Again, we must emphasize the word 'possible' as this in no way implies guaranteed. Total dosing and more importantly individual response will dictate the total outcome more than anything else, but so will ones general overall lifestyle. In any case, the reason such effects may occur is largely due to the aromatase process, by-which testosterone converts to estrogen. Such effects include:

    Gynecomastia
    Excess Water Retention
    High Blood Pressure
    High LDL Cholesterol
    Low HDL Cholesterol

Combating the Possible Side-Effects of Testosterone

To combat the side-effects of testosterone there are a few things we can do. Most importantly is supplementing with an Aromatase Inhibitor (AI) such as Arimidex or Letrozole. AI's do exactly what their name implies, they inhibit the aromatase process, meaning, they inhibit the conversion to estrogen. Further, by their nature, AI's also reduce the total amount of estrogen in the body, thereby preventing what doesn't exist from causing a problem. In any case, AI's remain the primary line of defense.

Beyond AI's, and this will greatly protect your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, we're speaking of our overall diet. Eating foods that promote healthy levels and avoiding activity such as smoking and drinking that have a negative impact will greatly protect you. Avoiding heavy alcohol consumption and ensuring your diet is full of plenty Omega Fatty Acids will do wonders for you and greatly protect against the side-effects of testosterone.

There is further one more thing we must mention, and this revolves around excess water retention. As testosterone aromatizes, often it is blamed for the water retention gained, and absolutely, this can be a problem. However, with AI's it is easily controlled, but even with an AI water retention can still occur, but nine times out of ten it is for one simple reason. If you're supplementing with testosterone, supplementing with a quality AI yet still holding water, the odds are you're eating too many carbohydrates. If you eat more carbs than you need you're going to bloat, this doesn't mean the testosterone is the problem, it simply means you're overeating.

Guaranteed Side-Effects of Testosterone
There are two side-effects of testosterone use that are absolutely guaranteed in all men who supplement, and they are interconnected. When we supplement with anabolic steroids, even testosterone, our natural testosterone production will be suppressed. It does not matter how special you believe you are, it does not matter what your friend or some big guy at the gym told you; if you supplement your natural levels will fall. Of course, if you are supplementing with testosterone this is of little concern, as you are providing your body with what it needs.

As testosterone levels will be suppressed, as production occurs in the testicles and is no longer occurring your testicles will shrink. This does not mean they shrivel up and disappear, it simply means they lose some of their fullness, but there is good news. Once anabolic steroid use is discontinued and all the hormones have left your system natural testosterone production will begin again, and your testicles will return to their normal size.

The Truth
The truth is so simple it's almost scary. What you've been told your entire life regarding anabolic steroids, and in this case testosterone, in most cases it's all been a lie. Testosterone is one of the most beneficial hormones you'll ever supplement with, and through supplemental use can dramatically improve your life. While the side-effects of testosterone use are real, this is not a foreign substance to the body, it is not something your body will view as an enemy. Testosterone is welcomed by the body, and with responsible use the side-effects of testosterone can be kept at bay.