What increases testosterone?
Discussion
Okay, so I posted something simliar in the 'steroids' thread but most folk were to busy arguing about the best way to pump iron than give any info advice that is useful to me, bar a couple of suggestions about taking natural supplements.
The situation is that my testosterone levels are low. Not desperately low, but at the bottom of the normal range. This if you met me would be mildly apparent - I have little facial hair, am tall and skinny with not much muscle definition etc and look much less than my years.
Since I am strictly speaking within the 'normal' range, nothing can be done on any sort of subsidised scheme, so if I were to go ahead with anything (which I'm not, it doesn't bother me that much) it would cost a fortune.
Which got me thinking. I've no desire to be a body-builder or have any great strength, however a better (to me) appearance, combined with likely more energy (citation needed?) is attractive to me.
I considered that maybe getting some steroids from one of my dubious acquaintances could be a solution. I'd be smart about it, take low dose, have breaks from them, try and treat the liver (or is it kidneys that I believe they can effect?) well etc.
What are my alternatives? I'm conscious that drinking lowers testosterone and I'm not about to knock that on the head. I'm conscious that exercise can help, and that is something I could definitely do more of.
Apart from that, what kind of supplements are available and do they actually do anything? Does anyone have any experience of such things?
It is likely plenty of folk will come on suggesting exercise and cut down/out drinking but I'm well aware of that. What I'd like if anyone could help would be real-world advice on the pros/cons/effectiveness/risks of supplements, be they natural or be they anaebolic steroids.
Also, are steroids actually illegal for this kind of use or is it just when I enter sporting events (which I don't) it's an unfair advantage?
Please don't hold back on suggesting things on account of legality/moral objections/(mentioned)damage to the body.
If anyone could give me any advice I'd be grateful and in return offer a tour of Sydney in a Toyota Camry.
Cheers.
The situation is that my testosterone levels are low. Not desperately low, but at the bottom of the normal range. This if you met me would be mildly apparent - I have little facial hair, am tall and skinny with not much muscle definition etc and look much less than my years.
Since I am strictly speaking within the 'normal' range, nothing can be done on any sort of subsidised scheme, so if I were to go ahead with anything (which I'm not, it doesn't bother me that much) it would cost a fortune.
Which got me thinking. I've no desire to be a body-builder or have any great strength, however a better (to me) appearance, combined with likely more energy (citation needed?) is attractive to me.
I considered that maybe getting some steroids from one of my dubious acquaintances could be a solution. I'd be smart about it, take low dose, have breaks from them, try and treat the liver (or is it kidneys that I believe they can effect?) well etc.
What are my alternatives? I'm conscious that drinking lowers testosterone and I'm not about to knock that on the head. I'm conscious that exercise can help, and that is something I could definitely do more of.
Apart from that, what kind of supplements are available and do they actually do anything? Does anyone have any experience of such things?
It is likely plenty of folk will come on suggesting exercise and cut down/out drinking but I'm well aware of that. What I'd like if anyone could help would be real-world advice on the pros/cons/effectiveness/risks of supplements, be they natural or be they anaebolic steroids.
Also, are steroids actually illegal for this kind of use or is it just when I enter sporting events (which I don't) it's an unfair advantage?
Please don't hold back on suggesting things on account of legality/moral objections/(mentioned)damage to the body.
If anyone could give me any advice I'd be grateful and in return offer a tour of Sydney in a Toyota Camry.
Cheers.
You could try prohormones. they vary in strength but as you would be a first time user i would suggest trying H-Drol (Halodrol) made by Competitive Edge Labs. You cycle it over 6 weeks and it is a mild prohormone. week 1 and 2 take 50mg (2 tablets) a day. week 3 to 6 take 75mg (3 tablets) a day. during cycle take cycle assist tablets (again made by competitive edge labs), you take 8 a day. For your P.C.T (Post cycle treatment) continue taking the cycle assist tablets for 2 weeks and if you want to be extra careful although for something as mild as H-drol probably not really that badly needed, you could take Nolvadex for 4 weeks. Nolvadex is primaraly used for breast cancer patiants etc but is the drug of choice for even top bodybuilders during p.c.t as it is best for blocking estrogen problems (b
h tits) etc. But like i say H-Drol isn't that strong so probably not required.
If you try H-Drol and are happy with the results you could then move onto M-drol. M-drol is stronger and walks the illegal/legal line very finely. Again it is made by competitive edge but running a cycle of M-drol (typically 4 weeks long) has more potential side effects and you will DEFINETLY need to have a S.E.R.M (something like Nolvadex or Clomid).
I would definetly reccoment starting with H-drol, great for gaining dry lean mass and also great for cutting. Then in the future if you fancy it try the more potent M-DROL.
These products are completely legal but do your research. www.bodybuilding.com is a great source of info, especially in the supplement section.
Any more questions feel free to ask.
Good Luck.
h tits) etc. But like i say H-Drol isn't that strong so probably not required. If you try H-Drol and are happy with the results you could then move onto M-drol. M-drol is stronger and walks the illegal/legal line very finely. Again it is made by competitive edge but running a cycle of M-drol (typically 4 weeks long) has more potential side effects and you will DEFINETLY need to have a S.E.R.M (something like Nolvadex or Clomid).
I would definetly reccoment starting with H-drol, great for gaining dry lean mass and also great for cutting. Then in the future if you fancy it try the more potent M-DROL.
These products are completely legal but do your research. www.bodybuilding.com is a great source of info, especially in the supplement section.
Any more questions feel free to ask.
Good Luck.
Edited by MPowerMark on Friday 6th August 07:14
AFAIK, Steroids are only illegal to sell in the UK. Use and possession of is not illegal. There are some Protein Powders on the market that have added supplements which 'claim' to be legal steroid-like equivalents, 5-Methyl-7-Methoxy-Isoflavone being one of them.
http://www.supplementdata.com/nsr-0204o.html
Tribulus Terrestris is a fully natural 'testosterone' booster.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribulus_terrestris
http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/product_det...
http://www.myprotein.co.uk/products/tribulus_pro - This supposedly has the highest concentration available on the market.
Maybe it works, maybe it doesn't. Results seem to vary among reviewers. To be honest though, doing a weights session concentrating on the large muscles and muscle groups is probably just as likely to raise your testo' levels as the Tribulus is. But, it's cheap to buy, easy to swallow and worth a try.
Horny Goat weed (Epimedium) is another (supposed) libido / testo booster. Increase libido, increase testosterone levels.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epimedium
http://www.supplementdata.com/nsr-0204o.html
Tribulus Terrestris is a fully natural 'testosterone' booster.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribulus_terrestris
http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/product_det...
http://www.myprotein.co.uk/products/tribulus_pro - This supposedly has the highest concentration available on the market.
Maybe it works, maybe it doesn't. Results seem to vary among reviewers. To be honest though, doing a weights session concentrating on the large muscles and muscle groups is probably just as likely to raise your testo' levels as the Tribulus is. But, it's cheap to buy, easy to swallow and worth a try.
Horny Goat weed (Epimedium) is another (supposed) libido / testo booster. Increase libido, increase testosterone levels.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epimedium
Thanks Mark, very helpful. Just did a quick bit of searching and it's looking like (as with most everything in the world these days) Nannie-Australia has decided I can't have it... In fact I read that importing pro-hormones of any description is illegal.
I'm sure I could get some though, and will look into this.
Still would like other opinions/advice too.
I'm sure I could get some though, and will look into this.
Still would like other opinions/advice too.
Ok, forgive me if this appears overly blunt, but reading your OP, it seems to me that you want a better physique and the health benefits that go with it but without the hard work to get it.
I don't use steriods, but I know enough about them to know that if you do your research, you will find that to get the most out of their use, you STILL have to work hard and push yourself.
Get a good eating plan drawn up, with a properly measured intake of protein and get started working out, following a well structured program. Do this before you start looking at steriods.
ETA: Weight lifting in itself will spur the body into producing testosterone - again, do your research
I don't use steriods, but I know enough about them to know that if you do your research, you will find that to get the most out of their use, you STILL have to work hard and push yourself.
Get a good eating plan drawn up, with a properly measured intake of protein and get started working out, following a well structured program. Do this before you start looking at steriods.
ETA: Weight lifting in itself will spur the body into producing testosterone - again, do your research
Edited by ApexJimi on Friday 6th August 11:35
You can get injections if you really don't care. Warning from http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100002504.htm...
"Testosterone can increase the growth of prostate cancers and benign enlargement of the prostate. Your doctor will perform various examinations to make sure you don't have prostate cancer before you start treatment with this medicine. Your doctor will need to perform a digital rectal exam to check your prostate gland at least once a year while you are receiving testosterone replacement (more frequently than this if you are elderly or have risk factors for prostate cancer).
Use with caution in
Decreased kidney function.
Decreased liver function.
Heart failure.
Heart disease caused by inadequate blood flow to the heart (ischaemic heart disease).
High blood pressure (hypertension).
Epilepsy.
History of migraines.
Diabetes.
Cancer that has spread from its original site to the bones (skeletal metastases).
Sleep apnoea (temporarily stopping breathing during sleep).
Blood clotting disorders.
Not to be used in
Men with breast cancer.
Prostate cancer.
A syndrome caused by kidney inflammation, characterised by a large amount of protein in the urine, swelling, weight gain and high blood pressure (nephrotic syndrome).
High level of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia).
Allergy to peanuts or soya.
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
Pain at injection site.
Headache.
Breast pain, enlargement of the breasts.
Salt and water retention.
Swelling caused by fluid retention (oedema).
Weight gain.
Hair loss.
Acne.
Depression.
Hostility.
Nervousness.
Prostate problems.
Persistent painful erection of the penis (priapism).
Decreased sperm count.
Reduced volume of ejaculation.
Increased levels of red blood cells and haemoglobin in the blood.
Jaundice.
Liver tumours."
Frankly, leave well alone.
"Testosterone can increase the growth of prostate cancers and benign enlargement of the prostate. Your doctor will perform various examinations to make sure you don't have prostate cancer before you start treatment with this medicine. Your doctor will need to perform a digital rectal exam to check your prostate gland at least once a year while you are receiving testosterone replacement (more frequently than this if you are elderly or have risk factors for prostate cancer).
Use with caution in
Decreased kidney function.
Decreased liver function.
Heart failure.
Heart disease caused by inadequate blood flow to the heart (ischaemic heart disease).
High blood pressure (hypertension).
Epilepsy.
History of migraines.
Diabetes.
Cancer that has spread from its original site to the bones (skeletal metastases).
Sleep apnoea (temporarily stopping breathing during sleep).
Blood clotting disorders.
Not to be used in
Men with breast cancer.
Prostate cancer.
A syndrome caused by kidney inflammation, characterised by a large amount of protein in the urine, swelling, weight gain and high blood pressure (nephrotic syndrome).
High level of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia).
Allergy to peanuts or soya.
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
Pain at injection site.
Headache.
Breast pain, enlargement of the breasts.
Salt and water retention.
Swelling caused by fluid retention (oedema).
Weight gain.
Hair loss.
Acne.
Depression.
Hostility.
Nervousness.
Prostate problems.
Persistent painful erection of the penis (priapism).
Decreased sperm count.
Reduced volume of ejaculation.
Increased levels of red blood cells and haemoglobin in the blood.
Jaundice.
Liver tumours."
Frankly, leave well alone.
I dont wish to scare you but my dad had years of hormone problems (and years of misdiagnosis) one of which was with his testoterone levels, he had the same symptoms as you describe. Eventually he was diagnosed with having some growing on or near his pituartary (sp) gland. He now has hormone injections every month to counteract the symptoms.
So I would highly recommend you see your GP if you havent done so already and be a bit more pushy than you already are to have something done as from your post it seems that they are just fobbing you off like they did with my father.
Testosterone is far far far more important to your body than people realise.
So I would highly recommend you see your GP if you havent done so already and be a bit more pushy than you already are to have something done as from your post it seems that they are just fobbing you off like they did with my father.
Testosterone is far far far more important to your body than people realise.
Edited by Odie on Friday 6th August 14:43
Some great help there, thanks guys. I happened to be passing a health supplement shop and figured on the advice above it couldn't do any harm to try this Tribulus Terrestris mentioned above. See how I go and check back in if I want to take it further.
Odie, thanks for your words of caution but the process I went through on the back of a bout of depression was dr>blood test>endocrinologist referral, which is what uncovered it.
Cheers.
Odie, thanks for your words of caution but the process I went through on the back of a bout of depression was dr>blood test>endocrinologist referral, which is what uncovered it.
Cheers.
Google [bot] said:
Some great help there, thanks guys. I happened to be passing a health supplement shop and figured on the advice above it couldn't do any harm to try this Tribulus Terrestris mentioned above. See how I go and check back in if I want to take it further.
Odie, thanks for your words of caution but the process I went through on the back of a bout of depression was dr>blood test>endocrinologist referral, which is what uncovered it.
Cheers.
I've taken Tribulus and to be honest its not worth a w**k, absolute waste of money tbh. I've spoken to people who have also taken this and had their bloods done and they told me that there was bugger all difference.Odie, thanks for your words of caution but the process I went through on the back of a bout of depression was dr>blood test>endocrinologist referral, which is what uncovered it.
Cheers.
If your doing it naturally then stick to lifting heavy weights and sort your diet out and that has been shown to raise your natural testosterone level.
ShadownINja said:
What food increases testosterone, then?
The struggle beforehand would also increase testosterone? Try and make love to BMW and see how much strength you have to exertgoldblum said:
Best natural way to increase testosterone is to have sex.
Often obviously.But don't go forcing people.
Often obviously.But don't go forcing people.
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