Pay no heed to the popular image of the ‘roid head, that biceps-flexing, almost champion with competing needs for hair replacement and anger management class.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), when prescribed for a medically valid reason and conducted under the supervision of a medical professional, is far from the specter of drug abuse that haunts athletic sports.
Steroid Abuse:
Why You Should Avoid It
What’s the difference between steroids and testosterone, though? Steroids and testosterone both contain androgens, the hormone that makes some men look like Michaelangelo’s David. But that’s where the resemblance ends because steroid abuse is an illegal, almost always unsupervised, use of androgenic hormones.
Steroid abuse typically involves large doses, much larger than what any doctor would prescribe under normal circumstances. It’s unregulated, both in the sense of illegality and because there’s no way for users to guarantee their safety while using it. They risk serious short- and long-term health consequences for relatively modest performance enhancements, which they could achieve without steroids if they put forth the effort.
Because steroid abusers aren’t medical professionals and don’t know what they’re doing, they’re forced to experiment on their bodies to get the desired results. That leads to many unfortunate outcomes: liver damage, infertility, aggression, and more. Sometimes they even receive counterfeit drugs that cause their own sets of health problems.
Steroid abuse can hurt you, your loved ones, and your professional career. If you’re a competitive athlete, you can get banned from your sport entirely. That’s why it’s not worth it at all, and you should stay far away.
Recognizing the Signs of Steroid Abuse
People almost always hide their use of illegal steroids, making detection a challenge. Industries like professional sports implement mandatory testing to root them out. But there are ways for chronic users to get around that.
There are classic warning signs you can watch out for, such as:
- Unusually fast muscle growth.
- An uncharacteristically unpleasant attitude (aggression out of nowhere, more irritable than usual)
- Mood swings, especially in someone not previously known for having them.
Regrettably, many who use steroids this way go undetected for long periods of time. They may start suffering from a range of male fertility problems, particularly those involving testicle size or sperm count. Unusual cardiovascular issues like heart palpitations and chest pain can also make a sudden appearance. This can gradually lead to serious consequences for their health.
Without medical supervision, the effects of these issues may cause serious harm before diagnosis. And since people are often afraid or embarrassed to disclose their own steroid use, they might not see a doctor until it’s too late to reverse the effects.
Educating the public — especially young people and athletes — is crucial for avoiding these kinds of outcomes.
Understanding Testosterone
Testosterone is one of the major hormones in the body, responsible for muscle growth, facial hair, deep voices, and all the other qualities associated with masculinity. Its presence can even determine one’s mood, especially during puberty when it turns into a raging hormone.
As men age, testosterone levels may naturally decline. This can sometimes contribute to a series of challenges that affect overall well-being. Fatigue, mood changes, and a reduced sense of motivation may be associated with lower testosterone levels, which in turn can affect lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise. These changes, especially when combined with the factors below, may contribute to a cycle that can feel difficult to overcome.
- Living a very inactive lifestyle.
- Eating a diet too high in sugar.
- Drinking too much alcohol.
- Living with elevated stress levels all the time.
- Poor or erratic sleep quality.
Left unaddressed, symptoms that might be related to low testosterone—such as fatigue or reduced confidence—can impact quality of life. However, it’s important to remember that these symptoms can also have a range of other causes. Seeking advice from a qualified healthcare provider is the first step in identifying underlying issues and exploring appropriate solutions.
Understanding Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a medically supervised treatment for men diagnosed with low testosterone (hypogonadism). This therapy is designed to help restore testosterone levels to a healthy range and support hormonal balance. When prescribed and monitored by a licensed healthcare provider, TRT can be a safe and effective option for eligible individuals.
How TRT Is Administered
TRT is typically administered through injections or creams. Injections deliver testosterone directly into muscle tissue, while creams are applied to the skin, allowing testosterone to absorb into the bloodstream. The choice between these methods depends on individual needs and preferences, as well as guidance from a healthcare provider.
For example, injection therapy is often preferred for its ability to maintain consistent testosterone levels. Men’s Revival men’s clinic in Scottsdale uses microneedles to minimize discomfort and works closely with patients to monitor testosterone levels throughout the treatment process.
You Can Make an Informed Choice
As you can see, the differences between steroid abuse and TRT are night and day. It’s important to consult with a licensed practitioner whenever you’re deciding about your healthcare decisions. You want expert guidance whenever something as sensitive as your physical health is on the line.
That’s why Men’s Revival only conducts TRT services in Scottsdale under the direction of qualified professionals. We provide specialized concierge services where we analyze the overall endocrine and metabolic functions so that TRT is effective, safe, and tailor-made for your body.. Contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of low T, reach out to our team to find out how we can help you.