Would You Take Steroids? Your Answers Are In...
By
Nate Rifkin
Posted May 29, 2015
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
Written By Nate Rifkin
Nate Rifkin is an obsessed health and mind-power researcher and author. To hear more from Nate, sign up to receive Living Well Daily for free, here.
View More Free Articles
The Secret Ingredient to a Longer, Happier Life
Let’s face it. We’re all in need of an attitude adjustment from time to time. After all, when you turn on the news these days, the world can seem pretty dark. That is unless you make it a practice to look for the silver linings. In fact, Harvard researchers say when you do, something quite...
Do You REALLY Need All Those Skincare Products?
I often get questions about skincare products—and here’s what I’ve learned. In today’s beauty-obsessed world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of spending hundreds every month believing you need countless products to fight aging and achieve healthy, glowing skin. However, many dermatologists argue that LESS is MORE when it comes to skincare. Simplifying your...
“Ebb and Flow” Technique TRANSFORMS Senior Brain Health
You know by now that exercise is good for you. It keeps your heart healthy, your muscles strong, and your waistline trim. But what if I told you that a trendy “ebb and flow” workout technique—often associated with young fitness enthusiasts—could actually be a game-changer for us “oldsters” when it comes to brain health? And...
Mailbag: Slash Your Risk of Bone Fractures as You Age
“My doctor recently told me that I have osteoporosis. What can I do to reduce my risk of fractures and maintain strong bones as I age?” – Margaret Hi Margaret, Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I’m sure it was a shock. Osteoporosis is a serious condition that affects millions of people, and it’s not...
Household Favorite EXPOSED as Cancer Risk?
We all want to believe that the products we use daily are safe. After all, if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be on store shelves, right? Well, I hate to break it to you, but sometimes, the truth is far more alarming than we’d like to admit. The World Health Organization (WHO) has just dropped a...
Hidden Heatwave Threat REVEALED
Heat waves can have serious consequences. After all, staying cool isn’t just a comfort issue. When the mercury soars, it threatens your health—especially when you’re a senior. There are various reasons for this, including chronic medical conditions and bodies that just don’t regulate temperature as well as they once did. But there’s another heat-linked threat...
The Hidden Threat Behind Your Achy Joints
Picture this… You’re trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll in the park, but each step sends a jolt of pain through your knee. Or maybe you’re attempting to open a stubborn jar lid, only to have your fingers refuse to cooperate, leaving you feeling frustrated and helpless. Perhaps you’re simply trying to get out of...
Parkinson's Signs You Can't Afford to Miss
Imagine waking up one day to find your body betraying you. Your hands tremble as you try to button your shirt. Your feet shuffle when you want to walk with purpose. Once strong and clear, your voice now barely reaches above a whisper. This is the reality for those living with Parkinson’s. But what if...
Do Protein Needs Drop with Age? The SURPRISING Answer
I had a patient ask me the other day if they needed as much protein now as when they were younger. After all, we aren’t quite as active as seniors compared to when we were spring chickens. It’s a good question. And the answer might surprise you… Remember when you could devour a whole pizza...
Follow Your “Gut Feeling” to Reduce Diabetes Risk
It seems like every day we learn something new about the incredible influence our gut has on our overall health. From mood to immunity, and even to how well we sleep, the community of microbes in our digestive tract is pulling the strings behind the scenes. So, it should come as no surprise that researchers...