Myths about Testosterone: sex, health, muscle strength
Since its appearance on the market, topical testosterone products, such as patches and gels, have gained fame as a wonderful remedy for all the misfortunes that haunt aging men, ranging from erectile dysfunction to the appearance of unwanted fat deposits. In the period from 2000 to 2011, there was a rapid increase in sales and prescriptions of testosterone-containing supplements. In the USA alone, the number of appointments reached 5.3 million in 2011. In other countries, these indicators are not so impressive, but at the same time there is a pronounced trend towards their growth. However, how true are the statements that gave rise to this boom?
Statement: Testosterone will boost your libido and get rid of erectile dysfunction.Fact: Research results have shown that testosterone-containing supplements only slightly increase libido and have virtually no effect on erectile dysfunction and overall sexual satisfaction in men.
The theory that testosterone can have a positive effect on female libido is also far from obtaining convincing evidence. In 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration rejected an application for approval of a testosterone patch for women, since it had virtually no effect on sexual desire and was associated with potential risks of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Statement: The reason for feeling tired may lie in a decrease in testosterone levels.Fact: None of the clinical studies of testosterone supplements available on the market aimed to assess the feeling of fatigue.
Currently, the US National Institutes of Health is conducting a one-year study aimed at assessing the effect of the hormone on a person's energy level and anemia. However, its results will not be made public until the end of 2014.
Statement: Testosterone-containing supplements will make you stronger and slimmer.Fact: The study of the effectiveness of such supplements has shown that, despite their ability to slightly reduce fat-free body weight and reduce body fat by a maximum of 2 kg, when used as a weight loss drug, testosterone is no more effective than placebo.
Statement: Testosterone improves physical fitness.Fact: The results of a number of studies have shown a slight increase in muscle mass and a slight improvement in the parameters of the wrist dynamometer when using testosterone supplements.
The use of the hormone also increases the number of red blood cells in the blood, which can increase the amount of oxygen absorbed by the blood. However, the results of studies that evaluated the effect of the hormone on the strength of the lower extremities and general physical condition contradict each other.
(In the previous and especially the last paragraphs, we are talking about ordinary people, and not about bodybuilders who use testosterone and its derivatives in combination with other drugs and intensive training. Side effects in this case are also a subject for a separate conversation.)
Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of New Scientist:
Sex, health, muscle, sport: Testosterone myths busted.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru08.07.2014