Ok, if you have 20 it’s maybe not something you are concern about. But, if you already reach the 30 and more you are probably start feeling your body getting tired more quickly, having difficulty to train every day and recovering like before. Well, you just getting old bro, that normal ;).
So, here the story; The other day I have this conversation with two friends training BJJ with me and having more than 30. One of them thinking to take testosterone for getting a boost. Well, at the moment of the conversation I doesn’t know anything about testosterone. I mean, I know that is an hormone that the man body produce naturally, but that it. So, my friend explained that he already did a testosterone treatment in the past and that give him an amazing result. 3/4 time more energy and recovery speed! Losing weight, getting muscle, well, you see the picture. Wow, I really started thinking about this. I mean, testosterone is naturally produced by the body, so it’s not a chemical creation like steroid right? It’s kind of ok…
Disclamer: BJJ Traveler does not condone any illegal activity whatsoever about steroid.
So I started to search information about it. And first, testosterone that you can buy and inject are chemical creation and they are part of steroid. That for my candid vision of “Natural testosterone” ah, ah. I don’t like chemicals. I mean, my parents never give me chemical medicine, always natural plants or homeopathy treatment. Only on very rare occasion I’ve got antibiotic and I don’t want me to change that, I’m feeling healthy and I mostly never get sick. So my interest for testosterone just dropping down by 50%. But I continuing my research. Of course, you really get a stunning result for taking testosterone, no doubt about it!
The good part of taking testosterone:
The bad part of taking testosterone:
Infertility
The body naturally produces testosterone through the testes, but when outside testosterone is put into the body, the testes may stop producing testosterone naturally in order to maintain balance. This stoppage of natural testosterone production can lead to infertility; especially if the testosterone supplement is taken over long periods of time. The best way to avoid this is to take a supplement in cycles.
Acne
When you receive a large, unexpected intake of a testosterone, it throws your body into a hormonal imbalance which leads to increased oil production. And acne is often the result, just like it was during puberty.
Male Pattern Baldness
Testosterone in and of itself does not cause male pattern baldness. Instead, your body naturally converts testosterone in a secondary hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT then causes hair follicles to grow shorter, thin out and eventually lead to male pattern baldness.
Gynecomastia
When individuals increase their testosterone levels, the male body attempts to create a hormonal balance by producing an equal amount of estrogen. Excess estrogen in men can cause fat to build up in the abdomen and pectoral areas giving a woman-like appearance. This is called gynecomastia.
Additional mild side effects reported by the Cleveland Clinic are…
- Mild fluid retention
- Worsening of sleep apnea
- Decreased testicular size and sperm production
Liver Damage
Testosterone products, especially ones you consume orally, pose the risk of serious liver problems.
Enlarged Prostate
While the cause is still relatively unknown, some researchers claim that estrogen and DHT may be a factor in prostate enlargement. DHT and estrogen can be increased with higher testosterone levels.
Higher Red Blood Cell Count
According to the Mayo Clinic, testosterone may cause your body to make too many red blood cells (polycythemia), which might increase your risk for heart disease.
Well, don’t panic! Those side effect according to drugs.com concern between 1 to 10% of the peoples taking testosterone. The most frequently reported side effects with testosterone are skin reaction (16.1%) and allergic contact dermatitis (up to 37%).
About testosterone booster supplements?
Well, according to artofmanliness there is no magic pill, sorry. Nothing proof that any supplement can actually boost your testosterone level. Maybe D-Aspartic Acid for a month, but that it.
Natural solutions
- Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night
- Avoid alcohol
- Lift heavy, and do compound exercises
- High intensity work outs
- Eat good fats
- Eat red meat, eggs, dairy, and fish
- Eat smaller more frequent meals
- Lower your soy consumption
- Relax! Stress produces cortisol
- Increase your zinc intake
- Drink a shake after weights
Conclusion
In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu we focus on technique rather than strength, and leverage rather than force. So is testosterone needed when you doesn’t competing? I don’t know. For sure you are not going to die from taking testosterone and if you are okay with getting back to acne and be more aggressive, why not?
My only advice is to go to a doctor (do not listen the guy in the gym doing it, is not a doctor) and DON’T DO IT ALONE BRO!
Personally I’m just going to make a blood test and check my level of T, but I’m pretty sure that my level is ok for my age. Of course, I getting more tired when I’m training and it’s more hard to recover, but I’m not planning to win the next ADCC. So, I certainly not going to take testosterone anytime soon.
And you guys, what do think about it?