Synthetic testosterone was developed in the 1930s to satisfy a growing desire for performance-enhancing drugs for athletes and body builders. It is still used today as a way to build muscle mass, boost energy levels, and increase virility in men. However, recent research shows that there are several reasons to use caution when considering synthetic testosterone.Unlike bioidentical or natural hormones, these manufactured hormones can only parrot the effects of natural testosterone and do not have the same power as their natural counterparts. In addition to their limited effectiveness, they can also cause users to develop some unsavory side effects, including:
- Infertility — As you're taking testosterone supplements, your body interprets this as a sign to create less of its own testosterone. This can cause a severe decline in fertility as sperm production declines sharply.
- Heart Disease — Studies have shown a severe increase in cardiovascular issues (such as enlarged hearts and high blood pressure) in men who take artificial testosterone regularly.
- Prostate cancer — For older men or men who have dealt with prostate cancer in the past, the risk of prostate cancer increases when taking synthetic testosterone, as the hormone causes prostate growth and even growth of a cancer if it is already present. Even if cancer does not become an issue, less severe forms of prostate disease can come into play when taking testosterone supplements.
- Liver damage — Excessive use of artificial testosterone can lead to liver damage and kidney problems as the body struggles to keep up with processing the influx of hormones.
- Mental disorders — If testosterone is overused or abused it can affect brain function, leading to paranoia and even delusions.
- Body changes — Synthetic hormone use has led to hair loss, shrinking testicles, and growth of breasts in men.
- Risk of stroke — Artificial testosterone has been linked to increased risk of stroke, as it thickens the blood with increased production of red blood cells.
- Sleep apnea — Men who deal with sleep apnea should avoid synthetic testosterone, as the supplement can exacerbate this sleep disorder.
Synthetic testosterone offers its users high energy, increased muscle mass, and escalated libido; however, it's important to note that serious long-term side effects are a possibility. Always discuss with your doctor before utilizing artificial testosterone supplements and you'll have all the information you need to make a confident decision.If you're looking to make a permanent change about your workout regimen, contact Blue Tree Health for weight loss in Austin. Our clinic can help create a comprehensive way for you to attack your weight loss and build lasting muscle without negative side effects.
