Steroid Information

Side-Effects of Testosterone


You want to supplement with anabolic androgenic steroids and if you do the most important steroid youll ever supplement with is testosterone; in-fact, for many it will be the only steroid needed. With that in mind a common question is what are the side-effects of testosterone use? That is a fine question to have and it is here we will display the truth.

The side-effects of testosterone use are very real, that much is true but they are often exaggerated and highly overstated. Exogenous testosterone use is generally well-tolerated by all healthy adult men who supplement responsibly; in-fact, more men will have problems with Aspirin than testosterone. Of course its still important to know what the side-effects are, what we can do to prevent them and what if anything we can do to alleviate them should they occur. Lets delve into the side-effects of testosterone and see what we can learn.

Common Side-Effects of Testosterone:

There are five common side-effects of testosterone use and by common we are not saying they commonly occur in most men but they are the most common to occur; there is a difference. With these possible side-effects, largely they are brought on by a buildup of estrogen in the body. When exogenous testosterone enters into the body it will eventually convert into estrogen due to the aromatase enzyme. As estrogen levels increase the most common side-effects of testosterone can become a reality but each one of these effects is easily avoidable. Such side-effects include:

  • Gynecomastia
  • Excess Water Retention or Bloat
  • High LDL Cholesterol
  • Low HDL Cholesterol
  • High Blood Pressure

To prevent the common side-effects of testosterone the most obvious route is to combat the estrogen buildup and we have the tools are our disposal. Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) can be of great importance here as they will do exactly what their name implies; inhibit aromatase, thereby preventing conversion and even reducing the total amount of estrogen in the body. If it is an estrogen buildup that can lead to these common side-effects of testosterone, if the estrogen isnt there it cannot cause a problem. You will find AIs to be extremely beneficial especially regarding combatting Gynecomastia and excess water retention.

While AIs can be very useful there are other important factors to consider. If we are to combat the side-effects of testosterone the absolute best thing we can do is to ensure we are living a healthy lifestyle. A lifestyle that promotes a healthy blood pressure and proper cholesterol levels will do wonders and largely protect most men. Of course if you already have a problem with either one of these factors, especially high blood pressure, you are encouraged to avoid any anabolic steroid use until it is under control. Further, while steroids are being used it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your health to ensure you dont run into any problems.

Guaranteed Side-Effects of Testosterone:

There are two side-effects of testosterone use that are guaranteed in all men who supplement; natural testosterone suppression and testicular atrophy. These side-effects of testosterone use go hand-in-hand as they are dependent on one another. When we supplement with anabolic steroids, even testosterone, our natural testosterone production is suppressed. As our natural production is suppressed and as testosterone is produced in the testicles, they will atrophy when use is at hand. When we say atrophy that is exactly what we mean; we dont mean they will disappear but they will lose some of their fullness.

Once use has been discontinued and all anabolic steroids are out of your system your natural testosterone production will begin again. As this production begins your testicles will regain their normal level of fullness and everything will be just that again; normal. As you can see, while on its surface this is a very worrisome side-effect it is largely of no concern.

The End Game:

In the end the truth is simple; the side-effects of testosterone use are very real but very controllable in healthy adult men. While we have given you the information you need to combat the side-effects there is one more thing we must say and there is not enough emphasis we can put on this fact. To truly avoid the side-effects of testosterone you must supplement responsibly. Keep your doses reasonable and if you respond to a dosing well only to respond to a higher dose in a negative fashion, for crying out loud drop the dose down. This isnt rocket science and if you can hold to a responsible level of supplementation you will hold to a very enjoyable and beneficial experience.