Do Anabolic Steroids Shrink Your Testicles?
Written by Ben Bunting: BA, PGCert. (Sport & Exercise Nutrition) // British Army Physical Training Instructor // S&C Coach.
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Endocrinologist John O'Dea explains the relationship between anabolic steroids and shrinking testicles with the metaphor of a truck towing a car. The steroids reduce the amount of natural testosterone in the body, which then causes the testicles to shrink. In addition, they inhibit the production of DHT, which is essential for sperm growth. Deca-durabolin, another steroid, reduces DHT production.
Deca-durabolin reduces the body's production of DHT
Although testosterone is the primary sex hormone, DHT is the secondary hormone, which causes male-specific traits, such as deepening voice and body hair. DHT is a compound that is formed from testosterone by a process known as 5-alpha-reductase. It is an especially potent androgen that has a much higher affinity for the androgen receptor than testosterone. The male-specific symptoms of this steroid are erectile dysfunction, nocturnal emissions, spontaneous erections, testicular atrophy, and gynecomastia. Similarly, females may experience voice deepening, hirsutism, and hirsutism.
Testicular atrophy is caused by anabolic steroids
If you're taking anabolic steroids, your testicles may be at risk for atrophy. While the size of the testes naturally decreases with age, using steroids can make this process worse. Anabolic steroids have similar effects on hormones as TRT, and can cause testicular atrophy in both men and women. Here's what you need to know about this dangerous side effect.
There's no single cause for testicular atrophy. Many factors can cause the condition, including trauma, steroid use, and even exposure to certain chemicals. Testicular atrophy can be reversible if it's diagnosed early, but later stages may not be reversible. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, and lifestyle changes may be necessary. If the condition is caused by a sexually transmitted infection, antibiotic therapy may be necessary.
Anabolic steroids can also lead to the decrease of testosterone levels. This will eventually lead to testicular atrophy and diminished sexual function. If this condition is not treated early, it can result in fertility problems. It may also lead to loss of libido, reduced erections, and a decreased amount of seminal secretion. But in most cases, testicular atrophy is short-term, and recovery occurs within a few months.
Anabolic steroids cause testicular atrophy in men. Anabolic steroids mimic testosterone, which causes a spike in the hormone. Because anabolic steroids increase the body's testosterone levels, they throw the normal hormone cycle out of balance. This imbalance can lead to testicular atrophy, so the solution is to stop taking them. Once you've stopped taking anabolic steroids, your body will be able to recover from the effects of testicular atrophy.
Another problem associated with anabolic steroids is that they reduce sperm production. In fact, a study of bodybuilders taking steroids found that their sperm count was lower than that of normal volunteers. This is a problem that has prompted some researchers to recommend incorporating anabolic steroids into a male contraceptive pill. However, such a study is not conclusive. It is important to consult with a medical professional before taking any anabolic steroids.
Symptoms of testicular atrophy
The main symptoms of testicular atrophy are shrinkage and pain in the testicles. Symptoms may also include a high fever and nausea. In some cases, the condition may be caused by an infection, such as HIV or viral orchitis. The good news is that early intervention may help reverse the condition. In many cases, it can be treated with antibiotics.
Symptoms of testicular atrophy can be reversed if they are detected early, though they can't always be reverted. Treatments depend on what caused the atrophy, such as a sexually transmitted infection. Early treatment is critical, because the shrinking may be irreversible if left untreated. A change in diet and regular exercise may also help. If these treatments don't work, you should try a natural remedy.
Among the symptoms of testicular atrophy caused by anabolical steroids is infertility. The testicles contain two kinds of cells: germ cells and Leydig cells. Both of these cells produce sperm when stimulated by LH, so when testicular atrophy is the result, fertility problems may ensue. Androgens also decrease the level of natural testosterone, which is essential for conceiving.
If you think you are suffering from testicular atrophy, you may need to consider your lifestyle. While there are a variety of causes, many of them are treatable. Boosting testosterone levels and changing your lifestyle can help prevent testicular atrophy. But in some cases, testosterone replacement therapy is the answer. You can also turn to natural methods to restore the testicles to their normal size.
Although there are no known definitive tests for testicular atrophy, anabolic steroids can suppress the function of the testicles over a prolonged period of time. Even if you stop using them, the testicles may not grow back to their normal size. Aside from shrinking testicles, anabolic steroids have been linked to other health problems such as high cholesterol and blood pressure, heart attacks, and artery damage.
In addition to impaired testicular function, anabolic steroids may cause hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Hypogonadism is a condition caused by the inhibition of gonadotropins in the pituitary. Symptoms of hypogonadism include testicular atrophy, reduced fertility, and sexual dysfunction. However, anabolic steroids are generally not addictive and are usually only used by bodybuilders.
Treatment
In one study, the ANZAC Research Institute in Sydney, Australia, discovered that most males who had suffered from significantly shrinking testicles after anabolic steroid use recovered normal testicular function. The study sample consisted of 100 men. Testicular size did not change significantly among non-users and patients who had last taken the hormones 300 days prior. The pituitary function was unchanged, as measured by serum luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone.
If the condition was detected early, treatment could be quite effective. Unfortunately, it may not be successful later. Treatment will depend on what caused the testicular atrophy in the first place. If it was caused by a sexually transmitted disease, for example, antibiotic treatment may be necessary. In cases of undiagnosed testicular atrophy, there are several treatment options. Listed below are some of the most common options for addressing this problem.
Long-term use of anabolic steroids can have permanent consequences. The hormones cause the testicles to stop producing testosterone. This, in turn, fools the body into thinking it is making more testosterone than it actually does. The result is that the testicles do not produce enough sperm. Consequently, testicular function does not recover completely until the anabolic steroids are discontinued.
In addition to hormone-replacement therapy, testosterone replacement therapy, and steroids may cause the testicles to shrink. In some cases, this problem can even be caused by HIV, which is another factor. Fortunately, there are effective treatments for this condition. Once diagnosed, however, it is critical to work together with your doctor to ensure that the condition will resolve itself. And while many men do not see their shrinking testicles as a result of using anabolic steroids, there are still some ways to help prevent it.
One of the best ways to reverse the effects of anabolic steroids is through lifestyle changes. These changes may result in increased testosterone levels and a healthier testicle size. Ultimately, however, it is up to you to decide whether or not you want to use these medications. The steroid use pattern has a great impact on testicular atrophy, and these lifestyle changes will help you improve your sperm count and avoid any future shrinking.
