A few days ago, I asked:
“Would you take testosterone replacement therapy? Maybe if the health risks aren’t there? Even if they are? Should testosterone be legal without a prescription?”
And people weren’t shy about their answers. Some of my favorites:
“Yes. Yes. And yes.”
I’ll assume a fourth yes was meant to be weaved in there somewhere.
“Yes, I would.”
Sweet!
“Hi Doug,
“The simple answer to your question is: I would you take testosterone replacement therapy if the health risks aren’t there. But if the risks are there, I still would consider taking testosterone if I would have knowledge and full understanding of those risks. I would like to know what the science says about the health risks. In my opinion, testosterone should be legal without a prescription.”
Thanks for writing in. And next time I see Doug, I’ll mention you mistook me for him. Hearing that will be the highlight of Doug’s day for sure…
“I have been taking a pharmacy-compounded testosterone cream for over 10 years with no adverse side effects. When I started, my testosterone level was almost zero.”
I’m not a doctor, but zero sounds pretty low. And no adverse side effects seems like an acceptable amount.
“Yes and yes if benefits outweigh risks. Life is not without risk.”
Indeed. If one thinks of his or her body as a vessel, than William G.T. Shedd’s quote seems especially appropriate: “A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.”
There were plenty more comments, and a few were negative. But the ratio was roughly 20-1 in favor of better living through chemistry…
… as long as it’s the right chemistry. And as safe as possible.
So come Monday, I’ll reveal some surprising facts about one of the biggest safety concerns of all when it comes to testosterone replacement therapy: prostate cancer. You’re definitely going to want to tune in for this one.
In the meantime, I’ll close with this comment:
“I would consider supplementing testosterone if there weren’t any side effects. But generally, there are two conditions in our bodies, neurological and biochemical. If our testosterone levels are dropping, isn’t there a natural way to change the biochemistry to help produce higher levels of production?”
Yes! At the risk of boring you, I have to harp on it again:
Resistance training. Specifically, intense weight training will get the ole “low T” rising to the occasion. According to a study out of the Human Performance Laboratory at the University of Connecticut, “Protocols high in volume, moderate to high in intensity, using short rest intervals and stressing a large muscle mass, tend to produce the greatest acute hormonal elevations…” like testosterone.
In other words, lift those weights, work hard, don’t lollygag, and do exercises in which you use your bigger leg, chest, and back muscles.
Have fun at the gym,
Nate Rifkin
Underground Health Researcher
