IFBB Pro's doing there hearts a favor with high test levels.

[redlinedrummer]

Anabolic Research Update

By William Llewellyn



Testosterone and the Heart— A New Era?



If you are a man, at some point in your life you are likely to be a candidate for hormone replacement therapy. As we age, our testosterone levels decline, and with them often a number of physical and psychological characteristics. It has long been understood that low testosterone levels can be linked to reduced libido, sexual dysfunction, diminished energy, and a reduced overall sense of well-being. For these reasons, replacement therapy with testosterone drugs is a strong and steadily growing area of medicine for aging men.

Beyond these basic facts, testosterone remains a controversial drug. Its abuse is linked to changes in the body that may increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, and partly because of this, the potential benefits and risks of testosterone replacement therapy have long been the subject of much debate. Is this therapy actually safe?

In recent years, evidence has been surfacing that testosterone replacement may actually reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Usually isolated in scope, these papers concern many favorable changes in cardiovascular health markers, such as the management of triglycerides and cholesterol. I believe I’ve discussed some of these papers in this column before. Hopefully, a paper published in the Journal of Andrology will further this discussion a great deal.

This 37-page report entitled “The Dark Side of Testosterone Deficiency” is the third in a series of papers covering the potential benefits of hormone replacement therapy in men.1 It specifically reviews the mounting evidence in favor of the use of testosterone for reducing heart disease risk, addressing the most detailed and relevant studies on the subject. This is the most extensive paper on testosterone therapy and heart disease to date, and covers several specific potential benefits.



[ANDROGEL PICTURE] Growing evidence suggests that testosterone administration may actually reduce the risk of heart disease in older men.



Serum Lipids

One of the first potential benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) reviewed in this paper is the management of triglyceride and cholesterol levels. As detailed in a growing number of studies, testosterone replacement therapy consistently improves the lipid profile in men with hormone deficiency. The most consistent endpoints of improvement appear to be a reduction in total cholesterol, a reduction in LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol, and a lowering of serum triglycerides. The improvements in lipid profile appear to be more pronounced in older men, although both young and old populations tend to show improvements in serum lipids when testosterone is given to correct a deficient state.

The effect of TRT on HDL (‘good’) cholesterol levels is less consistent. Studies giving testosterone gels, patches, or the longest-acting ester (testosterone undecanoate) tend to show improvement or no consistent effect on HDL. Studies with the more common esters such as cypionate and enanthate tend to show minor decreases in HDL during therapy, likely owing to the brief supraphysiological peaks for several days after administration. Note that HDL is often improved when TRT is combined with exercise and other lifestyle modifications.



Inflammatory Markers

Androgen deficiency is associated with an increase in certain inflammatory markers that can support the progression of atherosclerosis. Testosterone replacement therapy has been shown to reduce some of the same inflammatory mediators, specifically TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) and IL-1B (interleukin-1beta).

Inflammation in the vascular system is an especially important concern with heart disease. For one, vascular inflammation is associated with the deposition of arterial plaque, a key component of this disease. Inflammation of the blood vessels may also damage the arteries, making them both thicker and weaker. Scarring may be noticed, and blood flow may be reduced. All of this can restrict blood flow and reduce the heart’s blood pumping capacity.

By helping to reduce the production of TNF-alpha and IL-1B, hormone replacement therapy may reduce inflammation, vascular damage, and the chance for atherosclerosis. Again, instead of seeing a neutral or ‘negative’ effect, we find a specific improvement in the cardiovascular disease risk profile with the administration of this drug.



Abdominal Obesity, Insulin Resistance

A growing number of studies have linked androgen deficiency to insulin resistance, as well as increased abdominal obesity. These two factors are also common with men suffering from cardiovascular disease, and may directly contribute to (among other things) endothelial cell dysfunction and vascular damage. Androgen substitution has been shown in several studies to reduce midsection fat deposits, increase glucose tolerance, and improve the overall metabolic state. It has additionally been postulated that due to the important role of testosterone in managing insulin sensitivity, androgen deficiency may be a contributing factor to adult-onset (type 2) diabetes. Likewise, the substitution of testosterone in aging men with hypogonadism might reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes.



Endothelial Function

The endothelium is a layer of cells that lines the blood vessels throughout the entire circulatory system. These cells are responsible for managing the passage of some materials in and out of the blood vessels, and supporting the flow of blood through the system. Endothelial cells play a role in vasoconstriction and vasodilation, they regulate certain inflammatory processes, and they’re involved in blood clotting and in supporting the formation of new blood vessels. Endothelial dysfunction is linked to androgen deficiency in men, and may result in elevated blood pressure (hypertension), vascular ‘stiffness,’ and significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Likewise, replacement of testosterone in men with a deficiency has been shown to improve endothelial function, blood vessel dilation, arterial vasoreactivity, and blood flow.

One additional important ‘endpoint’ of improvement to this therapy appears to be an increase in endothelial progenitor cell activity, which helps repair damage to the vascular system.



Conclusion

Traditionally, most physicians are extremely cautious with testosterone drugs. Many family doctors are very willing to prescribe estrogens to their female menopausal patients complaining of symptoms such as sexual dysfunction, but when it comes to their male patients with similar complaints, the response is often different. Many of these same physicians are much more willing to prescribe a drug like Viagra than the basic male androgen testosterone. Some mistakenly consider testosterone to be ‘too dangerous’ to give most of their patients, and reserve its use for extreme cases. And when testosterone is considered, it is given only for a very narrow and specific set of psychological or physical symptoms.

Of course in the era of AndroGel, some physicians are much more enlightened. Still, the troubling common fear of this hormone remains. Perhaps this is changing, and perhaps the accepted set of symptoms and therapies for prescribing this hormone is changing.

It seems clear that we can no longer paint testosterone as simply a ‘bad’ hormone for the cardiovascular system. we have strong evidence that within a certain physiological range, it may also protect the cardiovascular system from some of the same health issues. As such, its replacement may indeed turn out to be very important medical intervention for millions of men across the country, helping us to not only live better— but also live longer.

After all this time, it appears that this very controversial hormone, the same steroid demonized in the media, might actually help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in aging male patients. The study we reviewed this month is, likewise, something all men should take to heart— literally.

[redlinedrummer]

The dangers of responsible Gear use by IFBB pro's is way overstated............"Got to love when Science shoots down Broscience"!!!!!

[soupermayn]

Does that mean i should have a test injection for breakfast brah?

[Milone79]

Very interdasting...... the fact that the media gives Testosterone "therapy" such a bad rap reminds me of reefer madness and suggests that there is probably all kinds of health benefits from it that they dont want the masses to learn about.

[OtisBDriftwood]

Not fapping for 7 days also raise test levels by 46.7% so i guess it's good for the heart as well.

[redlinedrummer]

does that mean i should have a test injection for breakfast brah?

lol............

[asbrus]

The 0nly pr0blem is pr0s d0 it 0n abusive level that's t0xic t0 the 0rgans and als0 they start when their b0dy is n0t deficient 0f testeser0ne. IN THIS STUDY, IT TALKS AB0UT DEFICIENCY. IF 0NE IS 40 AND UP AND IN M0DERATE D0ES HAVE BENEFITS.

[Fever4DaFlavor]

Cliffs?

[Cam2833]

LOL got to laugh at the juicers bringing up article to justify use of roids. Anyway this article is talking about people who are lacking in testosterone, especially the old people. It doesn't mean young people should ignore their natural testosterone levels and go inject roids. Long term side effects of roids are still not clear yet and I am not willing to risk my health.

[DavisForman]

Interesting read. Thanks OP.

[soupermayn]

lol............

whats funny brah?
always was told too have a breakfast good for the heart

[KarateChris]

The dangers of responsible Gear use by IFBB pro's is way overstated............"Got to love when Science shoots down Broscience"!!!!!

In all fairness, the article is about TRT.... not the ultra supraphysiologic doses that IFBB pros take.

[RC2008]

This is a horrible article in relationship to bodybuilders because on the pro level and on most other levels of competition, those fukers are abusing not just anabolics, but other drugs as well.

Even if the test (only a small side of the numerous other detrimental anabolics they run) was good for their heats (lol), they undo the balance fukin around with other recreational drugs.

This article is by no means saying everyone should run fukin Test and Deca. TRT is as far as it goes. FFs.

[tryin2gethuge10]

The dangers of responsible Gear use by IFBB pro's is way overstated............"Got to love when Science shoots down Broscience"!!!!!

Which pros use gear responsibly, may I ask?

[Boba_Bulk]

The dangers of responsible Gear use by IFBB pro's is way overstated............"Got to love when Science shoots down Broscience"!!!!!

So your comparing controlled, prescribed TRT for older men with Test deficiency to what you call "responsible gear use by IFBB Pro's." ?

[tryin2gethuge10]

So your comparing controlled, prescribed TRT for older men with Test deficiency to what you call "responsible gear use by IFBB Pro's." ?

Redlinedrummer is a moron, if you haven't noticed.

[RC2008]

brb trading my testicles for my heart

sounds like marriage.

[Boba_Bulk]

Redlinedrummer is a moron, if you haven't noticed.

Redline, you've stated you are one of the older guys here. Are you adhering to the TRT protocols your doc prescribed? Or have you developed your own "responsible gear use as exemplified by your favorite pro".

This article is by no means saying everyone should run fukin Test and Deca. TRT is as far as it goes. FFs.

True the article is talking TRT, but somehow OP has felt the need to equate that article with "responsible gear use by IFBB pros."

[AnarkyLost]

Not fapping for 7 days also raise test levels by 46.7% so i guess it's good for the heart as well.

Is this true b/c I recently took a break from fapping....started kicking ass in the gym...started fapping....don't feel like doing anythign lol.

[tryin2gethuge10]

Is this true b/c I recently took a break from fapping....

Why would you do such a horrible thing?

[soupermayn]

Is this true b/c I recently took a break from fapping....started kicking ass in the gym...started fapping....don't feel like doing anythign lol.

not true.
Bizarre sports science (a tv show) proved that fapping before a performance/workout was a good thing and test levels increased and led to slightly better performance.

[wala]

not true.
Bizarre sports science (a tv show) proved that fapping before a performance/workout was a good thing and test levels increased and led to slightly better performance.

Is this a true story?

[boroboy]

not true.
Bizarre sports science (a tv show) proved that fapping before a performance/workout was a good thing and test levels increased and led to slightly better performance.

it doesn't work for me then.

if i wank before a session i usually feel tired and lethargic during my workout.

not what i want

[AnarkyLost]

it doesn't work for me then.

if i wank before a session i usually feel tired and lethargic during my workout.

not what i want

Maybe b/c are man vessels are so much larger then average filling them with blood is like a workout and cannot be compared to the common man.

[soupermayn]

Is this a true story?

[redlinedrummer]

I am not one of the oldest guys on the forums im 36 and my body was producing almost zero test for most of my life so i got on 200 mg of test a week thru my doctor and im now at 600 total test and have never felt better. Some of the guys in that research paper were on 500 mg a week with zero health effects to the heart......

[redlinedrummer]

Why would you do such a horrible thing?

Dude why am i a Moron for posting a Science paper on the benefits of taking test for heart health? Grow up would ya!!!!!

[redlinedrummer]

Mr. William Llewellyn knows more about this subject then all you noobs put togeather..........

[tryin2gethuge10]

Dude why am i a Moron for posting a Science paper on the benefits of taking test for heart health? Grow up would ya!!!!!

Grow up says the 36 year old " adult " that constantly gets into arguments with young men on here.

[tryin2gethuge10]

I am not one of the oldest guys on the forums im 36 and my body was producing almost zero test for most of my life so i got on 200 mg of test a week thru my doctor and im now at 600 total test and have never felt better. Some of the guys in that research paper were on 500 mg a week with zero health effects to the heart......

That's awesome for you, But pro bodybuilders are not taking 500mgs of test a week.