Androgens and health

[otitis]

Does hopping on androgens means having to give up on trying to be healthy? I am a pretty healthy person and I am trying to min max everything as much as I can diet sleep activity etc. I mainly eat animal based and complement with carbs mainly fruits and starch. Not the best but it worked for me and I managed to get most of my micros. What do yall think? Genuine question.

 

[otitis]

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[ZyzzBrah]

Not necessarily, your body naturally produces androgens (testosterone, DHT and other less potent ones like DHEA), androgens aren't inherently harmful.

When testosterone is administered exogenously within physiologic ranges like in the case of TRT, it seems to extend lifespan in hypogonadal men. We cannot say the same about non-bioidentical androgens, but as far as testosterone goes, it is extremely safe.

There's obviously some nuance there, for example don't crash your estradiol, as it's been shown to be a potent anti oxidant, it's neuro, cardio AND renal protective; and regarding skin/hair health, don't shy away from using a 5 alpha reductase inhibitor, most of the skin/hair damage done on testosterone is because of it's 5 alpha reduction into DHT. (more on that here: https://looksmax.org/threads/modera...etically-age-you-may-even-age-better.1669439/)

Of course taking supraphysiological doses is another story, but if you're just using testosterone, you'll probably be fine, make sure you're getting regular bloodwork, and echocardiograms every once in a while, also do not shy away from using organ protective ancillaries year-round (telmisartan, ezetimibe etc) and health supplements.

Oh and yea make sure your baseline lifestyle is on point, aka good diet, regular cardio and good sleep.