Boost Your Anabolic Hormone Levels

Anabolic steroids use appears to be on the rise. With the great increase in modern recombinant DNA technology, steroids such as growth hormone, growth factors and testosterone-based analogs have become increasingly more available and affordable. Despite their renewed popularity however, anabolic steroids are illegal and have negative effects on health, reproductive status and even personality. In response, this article aims to provide some basic information on anabolic steroids and how to boost the body's own production levels naturally, using exercise.

What is an anabolic hormone?

The definition of anabolic is "to build up"- therefore anabolic steroids are hormones that cause increases body and muscle size. Actually, not all "anabolic steroids" are steroids but they are all hormones. An example of an anabolic steroid hormone is testosterone and its analogs. An example of an anabolic polypeptide/non-steroid hormone is growth hormone. Basically, hormones are chemical messengers released from certain tissues into the blood in response to a stimulus. Their role is essentially to help the human body adapt and remain in a state of balance or "homeostasis". While the body is quite efficient at regulating its anabolic state on its own - the temptation exists to use large quantities of anabolic hormones to magnify the results. As recently as 15-20 years ago, growth hormone had to be extracted form the pituitary glands of cadavers. Now however, modern science is able to manipulate the DNA of bacteria to produce large quantities of the hormone. Steroid use has always been rife in bodybuilding arena, but with peer pressure and ever-increasing expectations of sport performance, anabolic steroid use has become commonplace in sports too - even among high school age athletes.

How do I boost my levels of testosterone and growth hormone?

It is possible to increase anabolic hormone production naturally however - the simplest method of doing this is by regulating the intensity of the weightlifting session. This is achieved by manipulating volume (sets and reps), load (%1RM*) and rest periods. Evidence indicates that exercises that recruit large muscle groups (legs and back) in exercises such as squats and deadlifts and that are performed with high intensity and moderate volume boost serum testosterone concentrations. Therefore the exerciser should use heavy loads (85-95% 1 RM) and multiple sets/exercises separated by short rest periods (30 -60s). Testosterone, the male sex hormone is responsible for the increased muscle mass and strength observed in men. This steroid hormone operates both on a gene level to increase muscle protein production (increased gene transcription). It is also suspected to work on the central nervous system, allowing greater muscle activation by motor neurons, resulting in greater force production. (It is unlikely that herbal testosterone "precursors" such as tribulus terestris have a large impact on production - the exerciser should save his time and money and devote more effort into sensible eating and exercising according to these guidelines.)

Human growth hormone (HGH) is a polypeptide (non steroid) hormone released form the pituitary gland at the base of the brain, and its release similar to testosterone, is dependent on the level of "stress" experienced by the body. Its main functions are to increase the transport of amino acids over cell membranes and to increase the synthesis of muscle protein, connective tissue (e.g. collagen) bone and cartilage thus directly causing "growth". It also is responsible for increasing the level of glucose and fatty acids in the blood, and therefore has a direct body-fat reducing quality. Studies involving the release of growth hormone during exercise indicate that a typical bodybuilding program of multiple sets (higher volumes) of moderate intensity (e.g. 10RM) separated by short (1 min.) rest periods produce the largest increases. Many of the actions of growth hormone are actually mediated by another hormone called IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1) released by the liver and other organs in response to HGH. The release of this powerful stimulator of muscle growth has been shown to increase in response to the consumption of a carbohydrate and protein supplement before and immediately after a weightlifting workout.

In conclusion, it is hoped that this article has demonstrated that there are alternatives to using illegal and health threatening anabolic steroids. The human body is a marvel at adapting to stresses such as exercise and weightlifting without the need for external hormone administration. This article has highlighted that is in fact possible to manipulate the body's own natural production of the same substances simply by regulating the intensity of the weightlifting session.

*1RM = the maximum amount of weight that can be lifted with good form for a single repetition.

Can Steroids Cause a Low Sperm Count?

 The bottom line is that steroids can really affect male fertility, especially causing a low sperm count. Find out if the effects are reversible.

There are many things that can cause a low sperm count. From diet, to medical issues, to lifestyle choices, these are all things that can affect sperm count and quality. Today we are going to find out if steroids are another thing that can cause a low sperm count. Keep reading to learn more.

What are steroids?

Steroids are commonly used drugs. They are often used by men who play sports or wish to build muscle. Basically, anabolic steroids are a synthetic form of testosterone, which is the male hormone. Most men inject them, but they can also be taken orally.

The problems with steroids

There can be many problems attributed to steroid use and abuse, but one of the most prominent side effects is low sperm count. Most men don’t see lowered sperm counts right away, but they do see them months, or even years down the road. Even if your man doesn’t take steroids now, but has done so in the past, he could still be suffering from low sperm count due to his steroid use.

Other reproductive problems

Steroids can cause widespread problems with a guy’s reproductive tract, not just low sperm counts. Steroid use can cause impotence and low sex drive in men. Steroid use can also cause shrinking of the testicles and other male reproductive problems. Some of these problems can be reversed by stopping the use of the drugs, but some of the side effects could possibly be permanent.

What to do

Of course, the most important thing to do if you are taking anabolic steroids is to stop right away. While some of the effects of steroid use can be reversed just by quitting, that is not always the case. Sometimes, doctors will be able to help the body to begin producing testosterone again by prescribing Clomid, often used to help jump start ovulation in women. Sometimes an aromatase inhibitor can do the trick as well.

What this means

The bottom line is that steroids can really affect male fertility, especially sperm count. The best option is to never, ever use steroids at all. If you know someone who is using steroids, and they want to have a baby, they need to stop using them all together. Doctors can also help figure out if the steroid damage is permanent or if it is something that can be reversed. The best advice is that if you have a history of steroid use; seek the advice and help of a doctor as soon as possible.

The Effects Of Steroids On Fertility And Reproductive Organs

The use of steroids may have a severe side effect on the reproductive system of both males and females and may affect fertility permanently ...
The synthetic form of the male sex hormone testosterone is called steroid. Consequently, use of steroids may have a severe side effect on the reproductive system of both males and females and may affect fertility permanently. The use of any steroid can lead to anabolic (tissue building) and androgenic (masculinizing) effects.
More than 70 side effects of use of steroids have been identified so far. These side effects may range from liver cancer to acne. The areas of the human body most affected by steroids are the liver, the cardiovascular and the reproductive systems. Some side effects like heart attacks or strokes may not be recognized for a long time. On the other hand, side effects like stunted growth may even remain unnoticed.
Steroid is used either in tablet form or by injection. However, the use of injection forms of steroids involves the risk of infection in a case the needles are shared. Thus, it carries the risk of contracting AIDS.
Often steroids are taken by sports people to increase their performance or by occupational users like bouncers, security personnel etc. to increase their muscle size and strength.
 
Effect of Steroids Use on Male Fertility

Steroid use in men leads to enlargement of the prostrate gland and may increase the chances of prostrate cancer. Besides these, it may lead to accelerated male pattern hair loss. Since steroids are a synthetic form of testosterone, their effect on the reproductive system is obvious. Supra physiological elevations of testosterone are also the result of use of steroids.
Long time use of steroids in high doses results in hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, along with reduced serum elevations of LH and FSH and testosterone.
Atrophy of the testes and decreased sperm cell production are caused by a moderate reduction in gonadotropin secretion. It has been reported that oligo, azoospermia and increased sperm cells have been identified in athletes, thus resulting in a decreased fertility.
Steroids cessation will make gonadal functions normal within few months. Also, changes in fertility that occur due to steroids use usually can be reversed within a few months. However, it may take some more time than usual in some cases.

Effects of Steroids Use in Female Fertility

In a normal female body, testosterones are produced in a small amount. Similar to males, synthetically elevated testosterones due to anabolic steroids use can affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The production and release of LH and FSH gets hampered due to increase in circulating androgens.
Consequently, serum levels of LH, FSH, estrogens and progesterone are reduced. It may lead to follicle formation, ovulation and an irregular menstrual cycle. Other side effects of steroids use in females include increased sexual desire and clitoral hypertrophy.
However, steroids used by pregnant women may result in the slow growth of the female fetus. More adversely, it may even lead to fetal death.
Besides all these, if steroids are used during adolescence, then it may lead to stunted growth. The condition of acne gets worse with the use of steroids. Also, prolonged use may have long-term undesirable effects on fertility.

Can Using Steroids Make Your Penis Shrink, Make Your Penis Grow, Or Will Your Penis Stay The Same Size?

A lot of guys ask this question before they use illegal steroids or legal steroids for the first time. The quick and easy answer is this: if you are over the age 21 and no longer in your natural growth cycle then NO, steroids will not make your penis grow. If you are under 21 and are still in the natural growth cycle then the answer is YES steroids can impact penis growth. This is one of the reasons why basically everyone will tell you that you should NEVER use anabolic steroids of any kind unless you are 21 years of age or older. Take anabolic steroids at a younger age can have a variety of effects many of which would be undesirable for most though some would be considerable desirable by most.

The science behind steroids on penis growth in the simplest terms goes like this, people who use Anabolic Steroids have to basic classes that they breakdown all steroids into; dry compounds and wet compounds. “Dry” steroidal compounds are the ones that do not convert to estrogen and the “wet” steroidal compounds are the ones that do convert and/or behave like estrogen in the body. There is no perfected science or understanding yet in the world of steroids but as far as we understand it if you are young enough and still growing, the use of dry steroids should increase the size of your penis, how tall your grow, etc. Conversely, the use of wet steroids should decrease the size of your penis, how tall you will grow, etc.

So to recap so far, if you are fewer than 21 years of age, we never suggest the use of steroids. Instead there is a proven supplement with loads of research behind it that safely and naturally shift your androgen levels towards a higher levels of DHT, which hypothetically could increase your penis size, height, etc. Any guesses? Start with the letter C…….that’s right, Creatine! Demonstrated safe, time and again for use from teens all the way to the very elderly creatine truly is a staple supplement that should be used by most everyone!
Steroids And Penis Size For Those Over 21? Will It Help? The Answer is…

No. This is a MYTH. You’re penis will not shrink or grow if you are over 21 and using steroids. This newer urban myth that steroids will make your penis shrivel up to the size of a raisin is because of the long known effect that steroids has on the testicles. FACT: When use steroids you’re balls do shrink up some. This testicular shrinkage is attributed to the natural “shut down” that happens in the body when steroids from the outside coming signal the body that they testies don’t need to keep making testosterone internally as normal. This shrinkage effect reverses in 1-2 months after a cycle or you can use PCT, Post Cycle Therapy, to speed up this recovery time when your body begins to make its own testosterone again.

Masculine Anorgasmia

This sexual problem is fond in a minority. With any masculine orgasm disorder, it is a good idea to start off by considering the physical aspects (physiological or medical) to discard them, if that is the case. Moreover, it will be necessary to go into the psychological aspects.

With respect to the physiology of the masculine orgasm phase, we have to say that it consists of three sub-phases: sperm emission; formation of pressure chamber, and seminal expulsion.

During the emission, the contraction of the internal genital muscles transports the whole of sperm to the posterior urethra. Following that, due to the sympathetic stimulus, the internal and the external urethral sphincters, contract. When the inframontanal urethra relaxes, it forms the so called “pressure chamber”, that contains the semen stored there. Lastly, the clone-tonic contraction of the periuretral and perennial muscle increases the semen pressure in the posterior urethra. This forces the opening and provokes the relaxation of the external urethral sphincter, at the time that it projects the semen to the exterior between 3 and 5 shots.

During the emission, most men experiment the subjective impression equivalent to the ejaculatory imminence or “point of no-return”.

Like the rest of sexual disorders, the orgasm disorders take place in heterosexual or homosexual people and relationships.

In the masculine orgasm disorder, be it premature or retarded ejaculation, generally is referred to in relation to the sexual intercourse of vaginal penetration, for heterosexuals. In homosexual relations between men, it refers in relation to the anal coitus.

The key factors to its diagnosis are the same for heterosexual and homosexual males, no matter if it takes place in the vaginal or anal penetration, and is generalized to all penetration form, or it happens in all sexual practices.

In general, ejaculation is identified with orgasm, even if non pleasant ejaculations take place, without any medical explanation. It is believed that the main reason is that brain does not perceive the ejaculation signal, and if it does not get it, it does not translate it either as pleasure.

Ejaculatory control is one of the main concerns in males with respect to their sexual performance. To get to know when it is the best moment to ejaculate can become sometimes in an intense worry and can generate anxiety.

Trial and error affect some males negatively. It can undermine their self-esteem and their confidence in relation to their sexual performance. This may show up as a lack of ejaculatory control, in which the male has difficulties to get an orgasm and ejaculate.

There are different types of exercises and techniques, as a part of sexological therapy, to resolve the orgasm disorders in males (and females).

The length of therapy will depend on various issues, such as the degree of severity of the problem. 

How does training affect your sex life? (part 2)

For men who train, it can be a pressing concern: How does training affect your sex life? Does frequent sex impact your training sessions?

Sex and strength
The next point in this scenario is how having sex will affect your strength and workout performance. Some guys are so intently focused on their training that they want to be sure that frequent sessions in the bedroom are not going to have a negative impact on their sessions in the gym.

Generally speaking, having frequent sex won't impact your weight-lifting performance. If anything, it should increase your workout performance since, once again, sex causes a release of the hormone testosterone, and the more testosterone one has circulating throughout the body, the more muscle tissue can be built.

Further examination of the connection between training and sex...

The one time it might come into play is if you have just finished having sex and then head straight to the gym. You may find your performance isn't as good, because for some men, sex can cause muscular fatigue; for others, though, it actually energizes them. This is solely dependent on the individual and his sexual aftermath.
Indirect effects of training on your sex life
Finally, the last thing to take into consideration is the indirect effect of training on your sex life.

For those of you who are trying to reach extremes and taking your body fat levels to low single digits, this can definitely impact what your sex drive levels are like. At very low levels, most men will start to find that their desire for sex drastically decreases and they lose pleasure in the act. Furthermore, those on very low-fat diets may notice a similar occurrence as well.

Overtraining, as briefly touched on above, can also play a key role in declining libido levels. When overtraining occurs, not only will you likely lose interest in many of the daily activities you used to enjoy, but you'll also lose your sex drive.

Being sure to monitor your body fat levels closely and ensure that you are getting enough rest in between training sessions is extremely critical to your general health and your sexual health.

Another indirect effect of training that can impact your sex life in a positive way is the stress reduction working out provides. Many men use weight lifting as a way to rid themselves of stress they are experiencing, and since stress is one of the biggest sex-drive killers, this will obviously have a beneficial effect.

The last factor to consider that could be affecting you is any type of supplements you are taking to improve your results at the gym. Steroids will increase sex drive drastically; however, you must be warned that they, at the same time, can have the negative side effects of increasing breast size, causing impotence and creating testicular atrophy. More often than not, the benefits of using steroids are outweighed by the adverse side effects seen. Therefore, this is not the best idea when it comes to trying to boost your sex drive.

Other supplements that can influence the sex drive in some males include yohimbe, tribulus and horny goat weed (even though that last one might sound good for your sex drive, it really isn't). Note that sometimes these supplements will be combined with others in a stack, so be sure to check the ingredient listings.

Some men fall into the trap of thinking that taking human growth hormone (HGH) will increase their sex drive, but this supplement actually isn't all that beneficial unless it's administered medically (which is both extremely costly and only given in extreme situations). Therefore, it really isn't going to have much of an impact at all on your sex drive.
train to get down
So, next time you are debating about whether your training may be impacting your sex life, keep these factors in mind. As long as you're not going to the extreme with either, you'll likely find that regular training enhances your sex life, not only by giving you more energy and thus making you "up for it" on a more frequent basis, but also by physiologically tilting the sex hormones to work in your favor.

If you do feel like you are suffering and are having a problem, first try taking a full week off from your training program. You might find that this in itself is enough to remedy the situation. If that still doesn't work, consider speaking to your doctor about the problem because there could be larger factors at play.

How does training affect your sex life? (part1)

For men who train, it can be a pressing concern: How does training affect your sex life? Does frequent sex impact your training sessions?

One of the key hormones in the body that affects both training and sex is testosterone, which just happens to be one of the main sexual hormones. Accordingly, it's not hard to see how these two factors would go hand in hand.

Your sex drive
The first thing to consider in this picture is your sex drive. Will training impact how frequently you want to have sex?

Let's take a closer look at the testosterone connection here:

It's no secret that a higher testosterone level in males increases their sex drive. When a man's testosterone level begins to fall as he ages or due to other health-related factors, the libido will usually start to diminish as well.

Sometimes, if the condition is severe enough, doctors may place certain men on testosterone replacement therapy to help bring their hormonal levels back up to normal. Once these levels have been increased again, libido should rise and the desire and sexual performance (sometimes low testosterone can contribute to erectile dysfunction) should improve as well.

It only stands to reason, then, that anything you can do to increase your natural testosterone production should serve to further enhance sex drive levels. This is where weight lifting comes in.

When a man participates in heavy weight training, the levels of testosterone in his body will shoot up — assuming, of course, that this program is appropriate. Do note that overtraining is one of the biggest killers of testosterone, so taking this point too far and doing a very large volume of weight lifting will actually work against you and your testosterone levels.

Getting on a proper program where you are doing 20-40 sets maximum per workout will help to ensure that you aren't going overboard. Additionally, be sure that when you are lifting, you are lifting heavy amounts. The weight is really the key here — just be sure you are still using proper form and not overdoing it.

Additionally, certain exercises will also affect your sex drive more than others will. To fully maximize testosterone, full squats are a must. These will use so many muscle fibers in the body that it would be hard not to get a good testosterone release because of them.

Aside from squats, all the other compound movement lifts will be your best allies when it comes to increasing your sex drive. These exercises include:

    Bench press
    Bent-over row
    Stiff-legged deadlift
    Lunges
    Shoulder press
    Back squat
    Pull-ups

Incorporating these movements into your workout routine would be highly beneficial to your sex drive.