Five myths about testosterone
Thanks to the many stories of taking the doping of athletes and a loud "doping" scandals of the word "testosterone" and "steroids", previously known only elected today cause we are not the most pleasant associations. Testosterone - a very important hormone that performs a useful function in the male. By and large, it is testosterone men owe their masculinity - in the literal sense.
In adult male testosterone "responsible" for the normal functioning of sex organs, sperm production and development of muscle mass and maintain the tone. According to tests of many physicians, men suffering from infertility or disorders of a sexual nature reason being - the extremely low levels of testosterone.
Low testosterone is also fraught with other unpleasant consequences: it can lead to the formation of chronic fatigue, depression and a general weakening of the body. Treatment by injection of testosterone may increase the potency to enhance sexual desire, restore muscle tone and reduce body fat, thereby increasing the energy and motivation. Recently, scientists have evidence that the normal level of testosterone in the male helps to reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In addition, we have shown that men with normal testosterone levels live longer. However, the "doping" scandals and geeks on building muscle bodybuilders thoroughly stained the reputation of this noble hormone - in the minds of modern man testosterone is invariably associated with numerous myths. In this article we'll describe the most common of these myths and dispel them.
1. Testosterone - it is illegal drug
Not at all; testosterone - a completely legal drug, which is sold by prescription.Testosterone also - the main male hormone, which is necessarily present in the body of every man. Testosterone is "responsible" for the development of male genitalia in the fetus, as well as the physical changes that happen to boys during puberty. An adult male testosterone has a number of important functions, including sperm production, sex drive, and muscle tone and bone health. The use of testosterone is illegal only when it is taken without a prescription. Nevertheless, in many sports organizations have strict rules on the admission of testosterone and other similar drugs that may affect athletic performance. Athletes who break these rules shall be subject to disqualification.
2. Testosterone - a steroid, but all steroids are dangerous to health
Testosterone – is really a steroid, but it does not make him dangerous a priori. In fact, our bodies are literally packed with steroids, and most natural way. The word "steroid" simply denotes a molecule in the structure which contains four carbon rings. To steroids include estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and even cholesterol! But when athletes are in the blood "steroids", no one thinks that he was injected with cholesterol! In the world of sports the word "steroid" is used to denote "an anabolic steroid hormone”, steroid that affects it on the development of muscle groups, like testosterone. Studies have shown the relative harmlessness of testosterone (even in large doses), but information about how safe for health new "designer" steroids, which are almost impossible to detect using standard methods unavailable.
3. Acceptance of testosterone leads to aggression, unmotivated
There is no evidence supporting an association between sudden bouts of controlled aggression and taking testosterone. Men who take testosterone in very large doses in special studies, did not show any aggression, cruelty, and behaved perfectly normally. In fact, the situation is the opposite: many men with low testosterone are prone to irritability and cruelty that often persists even after receiving testosterone and normalization of the level of this hormone. For example, some men even admit that after the testosterone therapy will not only feel better but also become better, more tolerant attitude towards others.
4. Receiving testosterone causes prostate cancer
According to recent studies; men with higher testosterone levels carry the same risk of developing prostate cancer as men with low testosterone levels. Moreover, the reception of testosterone does not increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. On what is based this myth? In 1940's. prostate cancer at late stages of successfully treated ... castration, which gave grounds for suggesting a link between testosterone levels and cancer. Paradoxically, but lately testosterone use and prostate cancer in men with low testosterone that previously treated for this disease.
5. The high level of testosterone leads to baldness
Testosterone levels in men suffering from male pattern baldness type, no higher than among men with a thick head of hair. Baldness is largely due to genetic factors. The confusion arises because, for the prevention and treatment of baldness are often used drugs to prevent the conversion of testosterone to degidrotestosteron (DHT), such as finasteride (Propecia). Since the implementation of the genetic program (ie, alopecia) to a small amount of DHT, men who from birth are doomed to baldness will continue to lose hair, regardless of the level of testosterone in their body.
