Testosterone warning

Men who take testosterone supplements to increase muscle mass are better off watching the footy or having a protein shake, according to one of Australia's leading nutritionists and physiologists.

 

In the wake of the US Food & Drug Administration's recent approval of a testosterone gel, Leigh Blashki, a consulting nutritionist for Aussie Bodies, said that availability of the product in Australia, whether prescription-only or not, was inevitable and likely to lead to misuse.

 

"Hormonal balance is a delicate thing to achieve and maintain. Direct application or injection of testosterone comes with a great risk of upsetting this status quo, and the results can be lasting and irreversible. These have been known to include severe acne, enlarged breasts/nipples, mood swings, high blood pressure and hair loss," Blashki said.

 

"In most cases, men aiming to increase muscle size and strength through testosterone stimulants are better off eating those foods and supplements which optimise or prepare the body for enhanced testosterone production.

 

"I would recommend a diet high in quality protein and a moderate amount of fat. There are also plenty of everyday activities that can lead to a rise in testosterone levels - from doing a workout at the gym, to watching a football game. It's no myth that stimulating the male competitive drive can actually increase natural testosterone."

 

Testosterone is the hormone responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics both in the fetus and during puberty. During the remaining adult years it plays a key role in regulating protein synthesis, bone construction, blood sugar and cholesterol regulation, mood, concentration, energy and sexual appetite.

 

"A healthy testosterone level for an adult male is anywhere between 400 and 600 nanograms per deciliter of blood plasma," Blashki said.

 

"The human body has a 'feedback' mechanism, whereby it monitors levels of free testosterone. When these levels increase rapidly (and beyond the normal range), as is the case when taking, applying or injecting testosterone, the body, through a negative feedback loop involving Pituitary Luteinising Hormone, actually reduces the availability and activity of testosterone.

 

"My advice to people considering using this product is to first obtain a T-level (testosterone) assessment from your physician or doctor to know exactly how much additional testosterone your body can handle. Anything that upsets our body's natural regulation of testosterone can be metabolically and hormonally disastrous."