More Plates More Dates - Steroid Use In The Fitness Industry | ft. Will Tennyson
The conversation addresses common excuses for steroid use, such as reaching a 'natural limit' and the belief that steroids can be used safely. It is argued that very few people truly reach their natural limit, as many fail to optimize factors like training, diet, and sleep. The risks of steroid use, including neurotoxicity and cardiovascular issues, are highlighted, with an emphasis on the misconception that low doses are risk-free. The discussion also touches on the use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), noting that while SARMs may have fewer androgenic effects, they are not without risks and are less effective than steroids for muscle growth. Practical advice includes focusing on health metrics and being aware of the risks associated with enhancement drugs.
Key Points:
- Few people truly reach their natural limit; optimize training, diet, and sleep first.
- Steroid use carries unavoidable risks, including neurotoxicity and cardiovascular issues.
- Low doses of steroids are not risk-free; risks vary with dose, duration, and compound selection.
- TRT is often misunderstood; it should be used for medical needs, not enhancement.
- SARMs are less effective than steroids and still carry significant health risks.
Details:
1. 🌟 Breaking the Natural Limit Myth
1.1. Natural Limit and Steroid Use
1.2. Implications of Steroid Use
2. 🔍 Steroid Safety: Fact or Fiction?
2.1. Medical Context vs. High-Functioning Individuals
2.2. Genetic Predisposition and Risk
2.3. Dosing, Compound Selection, and Duration
3. 🧪 Understanding TRT: Misconceptions and Realities
- TRT is often mistakenly perceived as a benign, natural treatment, similar to non-anabolic methods, especially as individuals age.
- The therapy is specifically for those with true hypogonadism, where the testes do not produce adequate testosterone despite hormonal signals from the brain.
- There is a wide variance in testosterone level reference ranges: 300 to 900 in Canada and up to 1,100 in the US, leading to misinterpretations of optimal health levels.
- A typical TRT dose of 200 mg per week may exceed what's necessary for some, resembling a mild anabolic cycle rather than true hormone replacement.
- TRT needs vary by individual; while some might require higher doses for symptom relief, this isn't universally applicable.
- Some individuals self-prescribe 'replacement' levels without clinical guidance, risking health complications.
- TRT dosage should align with clinical needs and health metrics, rather than arbitrary goals like 'sports TRT.'
- High-dose TRT is often confused with therapeutic treatments for hypogonadism, posing health risks if not properly managed.
- Educating on actual TRT needs and risks is crucial to prevent health dangers associated with self-directed enhancement.
4. 💊 Hidden Dangers of Steroid Use
- Steroid use leads to systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, necessitating increased antioxidant intake and lifestyle adjustments, such as a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables and regular exercise, to manage heightened androgen exposure.
- Enhanced steroid users face a higher risk of arterial plaque buildup, despite lipid profiles similar to non-users, implying the need for regular cardiovascular assessments and monitoring.
- Neglected blood pressure management can lead to premature kidney deterioration and heart issues, underscoring the importance of routine blood pressure checks to mitigate these risks.
- Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death even among natural athletes, emphasizing the role of consistent health monitoring for early detection and prevention.
- Regular use of a home blood pressure cuff is advised for enhanced monitoring to prevent unnecessary cardiovascular disease progression and ensure timely intervention.
5. ⚖️ SARMs vs Steroids: Effectiveness and Side Effects
- SARMs are perceived as safer than steroids due to their selective nature, resulting in less severe androgenic stimulation and reduced risk of extreme heart enlargement and dysfunction.
- SARMs are less potent than anabolic steroids in muscle growth and do not have the same efficacy for bodybuilders seeking significant muscle mass increases.
- They were intended to replace steroids by eliminating cosmetic side effects, particularly for use in populations like the elderly and children who are androgen sensitive.
- SARMs have a lower anabolic potential compared to steroids, with some effectiveness in preventing bone degradation and improving muscle mass.
- Oral SARMs can be harsh on liver values and negatively impact blood work, similar to low-dose oral steroids like Anavar.
- They can severely reduce sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and negatively affect lipid profiles.
- SARMs have limited utility, potentially beneficial for women and the elderly, but not suitable for those seeking significant muscle growth compared to anabolic steroids.