NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Older men with low levels of the hormone testosterone may die sooner than other men their age with normal testosterone levels, a study suggests.

Researchers found that among 794 generally healthy older men, those with the lowest testosterone levels were 40 percent more likely to die within the 1985-2004 study period.

The findings do not mean, however, that older men should start taking testosterone supplements to achieve a longer life, the study authors are quick to point out.
(more…)

That excess estrogen has many effects on the male body , one has to do with sex hormone binding, which are produced in tthe liver and bind with sex hormones in the blood. We have seen that while the hormones are bound with SBG , they cant be utilized by the body. An excess of SBG causes a functional testosterone deficiency, whether or not adequate testosterone is being produced by the testses.
(more…)

The only solution is lifelong androgen replacement.

There are two forms of exercise that stimulate growth hormone and they do it in two different ways. Aerobic exercise results in persistant long term release of growth hormone in the plasma for about two hours or longer after you stop exercising. Resistance exercise like weight training cause the spurts of growth hormone that stimulate IGF-1. For best results high intensity exercises should be done first , followed by moderate to low exercises afterwards.

Some examples of exercises and intensity..

Weight training - high intensity - Rapid and sustained increase in both men and women.

]]> http://thetlab.com/maximizing-the-effect-of-exercise-and-strength-training/feed/ http://thetlab.com/flax-seeds-lose-fat-have-more-energy-and-more http://thetlab.com/flax-seeds-lose-fat-have-more-energy-and-more#comments Fri, 15 Jun 2007 22:46:31 +0000 http://thetlab.com/flax-seeds-lose-fat-have-more-energy-and-more

Flax seeds are a great source of fiber, lignans, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Flax seeds are an excellent source of fiber. They contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. They also contain a special fiber called mucilage. Mucilage helps stabilize blood sugar levels, and is a natural laxative.

Dietary fiber is important because it keeps the digestive system functioning properly. It enhances our body’s ability to use other dietary nutrients. Fiber goes through our digestive tract almost completely undigested. Once it reaches the colon and/or the large intestine, fiber is then broken down.

Dieting lacking sufficient fiber can lead to:

Olympian Labs Flax Seed Oil/High Lignans, 270 Softgels

Recognized For Their Benefits In Heart Health And Brain Function!

As a dietary supplement Longjack is available in powder or pill form , and it is included in many popular health products.

Longjack is believed to stimulate the production of endogenous testosterone and to reduce the levels of bound and metabolically inactive testosterone in the body. It is believed to achieve this feat through the Leutinizing Hormone (LH) pathway. Consequently, users of Longjack commonly report an association between Longjack administration and increased feelings of well-being, improved mental focus, and improved immune system function and reductions in body-fat.

Longjack administration may be efficacious for athletes looking to improve strength, muscle tone and performance.

Athletes looking to improve performance will benefit from Longjacks ability to boost testosterone, protect and boost immune function, enhance muscle tone and strength, as well as its ability to reduce body fat levels.

Longjack supplementation is ideal after a cycle of anabolic or androgenic steroids. Longjack supplementation at this time will offset testosterone down-regulation and encourage testosterone up-regulation. This will help the chemically assisted athlete avoid the hormone “crash” that is typical post anabolic or androgenic steroid administration.

Obesity is clearly associated with lower levels of testosterone and free testosterone, the decrease in serum hormones are thought to be mediated by: 1.) reduced sex hormone binding globulin (low levels of sex hormone-binding globulin are considered to be due to hyperinsulinemia, predicting the later onset of insulin resistance) 2), reduced LH amplitude, and excess estrogen; however excess estrogen may not be the only fat derived hormones suppressing testosterone, leptin may be an even greater suppressor of testosterone than estrogen.

In one study, males who were of normal weight and moderately obese had blood samples drawn to determine hormone levels in addition to body fat distribution. The obese men had ~30-40% lower testosterone levels than the normal weight men; more important, the degree of testosterone suppression was related to leptin, but not to estrogen levels or other hormonal variables (10). Another interesting finding was that male obesity reduced LH-stimulated androgen secretion and was inversely correlated with leptin levels (the higher the leptin levels, the lower the LH production). The impaired androgen response to LH was due to a defect in the enzymatic conversion of 17-OH-progesterone to testosterone. This is in conjunction with another study, which reported that excess leptin produces a significant decrease in the amount of LH produced from the hypothalmus (11). The results of the study strongly suggests that excess bodyfat which increases leptin levels can lead to reduced androgen levels by inhibiting LH production in the brain.

The abrupt drop in LH levels in the most viscerally obese subjects may reflect a sudden incapacity of the pituitary to keep up its LH secretion. The identification of a possible link between visceral obesity and decreased LH levels might be due to excess free fatty acids. Excess free fatty acids have been linked with inhibition of another pituitary hormone- growth hormone. In addition to the suppression of LH pulse amplitudes and aromatization of androgens to estrogens, some have suggested that putting on bodyfat with an increase in leptin levels directly suppresses testosterone at the testicular level. Isidori et al proposed that elevated leptin levels may directly inhibit Leydig cell (testosterone producing cells) function (16).

All bodybuilders need to increase calories during the off-season to put on quality muscle but this does not give you the green light to eat everything in sight. Some bodybuilders put on as much as 30-50 pounds in the off-season. The following research may persuade bodybuilders to not put on excessive amounts of fat in the off-season.

I wouldn’t say it is the main influence of being shy with women. Some people are just more prone to be shy , infact our society pretty much accepts that as the psychological norm at times. Though testosterone does have a direct influence on sex drive , assertiveness , as well as well being , so it would play a biological factor.

For maximum effect, apply the gel within 3 minutes of showering.

You want a delay of at least two hours after application before drawing labs.

I have been a bit worried about a lack of libido for the last year or so. I am still able to have sex but it seems like I am just not that interested a lot of the time. My current girlfriend and I have a great relationship, but frankly I am disinterested in sex a lot of the time (it’s not her - I rarely jack off these days either). We have sex maybe once every 10 days but otherwise I am just tired or disinterested. I have been seeing docs all year and getting various tests done, and over the last month I have had my free test, thyroid, etc checked several times. My free test consistently comes back at less than half of what is considered low normal range.

I don’t have the sheet but the range was something like 36-80 and mine came back as 14. I have never used any hormonal products in my life but I have always had a lower than average sex drive and I also have a very small bone structure (which is really strange, because my dad and grandpa are both big boned). I have put on some muscle clearly with weight training but I mean I have been training hard and consistently as well as eating a shitload of protein/food for like five years and I still can barely bench 2 plates.

My doctor has given me the option of going on HRT. I told him I would like to think about it. I have had several tests done and consistently shown very low free test like I said. He mentioned a transdermal cream called androgel.

I am really eager to fix my low libido because this girl and I have a great relationship except for my lack of sexual desire, but I don’t want to jump into something that I will probably need to continue for the rest of my life. Are there any other people around my age who are on HRT? My insurance will cover it entirely so I am not worried about that.

What do you think I should do? As of now I am going to go see my doctor tomorrow and pick up a script.
(more…)

On the hormonal level , there is a direct feedback between the pituitary hormones and the gonadal hormones of the ovaries and testes. In many men, taking HGH is enough to bring testosterone levels up to normal. It is also interesting to note , says Karlis Ullis , M.D. , that growth hormone plays a role in both male and female infertitily, improving the effects of the reproductive hormones in the production of sperm and eggs. “This shows one , there is an enhancement factor and two , it is rejuvinating. It also crosses into the brain and seems to activate the whole nervous system. People report more pleasure , which could be because it sensitizes the nerve endings”.

On a systemic level, growth hormone improves cardiac function and circulation of the blood to every part of the body. When more blood is pumped into the penis , erections are firmer and can be sustained longer. Growth hormone has been shown to increase the HDL cholesterol. In one study , raising the level of HDL cholestrol increased the likelihood of an erection, perhaps by increasing peripheral circulation via the plaque removing properties of HDL. Growth hormone also accelerates the repair of tiny tears in the penis and vessel damages that come from trauma during intercourse, from riding bicycles or other activitys.

According to Chein Baxas , whose been using growth hormone in his practice since 1990 , says , “The penis definitely gets bigger. It’s an organ that can increase in size. My patients tell me that they are more aware of sex , more sexually active. They go back to having multiple orgasms. I’ve had men tell me it’s better now than it was 20 years ago”.

While acknowledging that growth hormone can boost penis size Alschier cautions that “this is not something you can count on. It does depend on your body , whether you have good muscle tone , and your blood supply.” Here is where the exercise effect of growth hormone is most valuable.

Yes, there are safe anabolic steroids! However, few safe anabolic steroids come from the black market. Safe anabolic steroids are manufactured in quality controlled pharmaceutical facilities. Safe anabolic steroids are obtained through a prescription. Safety seals also ensure safe anabolic steroids. Safe anabolic steroids can also be guaranteed through well known pharmacy companies such as Pfizer, Choinon, and Schering just to name a few. Athletes may obtain banned medicines including safe anabolic steroids from physicians, pharmacists, retail outlets, health and lifestyle magazines, gymnasiums, coaches, family members, fellow athletes, the internet and the black market. Can safe anabolic steroids come from a underground source? Yes, but safe anabolic steroids from the black market is risky, as there are no governing agents such as the FDA to ensure quality control. Can safe anabolic steroids be bought over the internet? Again, safe anabolic steroids can be purchased, although there is still some risk involved due to uncertainty of content.
safe anabolic steroids

Can safe anabolic steroids become unsafe?

Yes, even safe anabolic steroids originating from a pharmacy through a prescription can become unsafe. Prescription controlled safe anabolic steroids can become unsafe, when not used properly, or abused. For example, a safe anabolic steroid such as testosterone can become unsafe, when used with dirty syringes or injected improperly. A good rule of thumb to ensure anabolic steroid safety is to never use old needles, or share syringes. Individuals using safe anabolic steroids typically use a combination of oral and injectable drugs during 6- to 12-week cycles. The injectable anabolic steroids are favored by users because they are less hepatotoxic than oral preparations. However, the oral anabolic steroids tend to be cleared more rapidly from the system and may be preferred when drug testing is anticipated. Although safe anabolic steroids may be genuine, health risks such as an abscess can occur if using needles incorrectly, In men, anabolic steroid use depresses levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormones, which leads to decreased endogenous testosterone production, decreased spermatogenesis, and testicular atrophy. Gynecomastia may result from the peripheral conversion of androgens to estradiol and estrone. The masculinizing effects of anabolic steroids in women include hirsutism, acne, deepening of the voice, clitoral hypertrophy, and male-pattern baldness. These androgenic effects may be irreversible. Some individuals may experience mental status and behavioral changes with anabolic steroid use, including irritability, aggressiveness, euphoria, depression, mood swings, altered libido, and even psychosis.[1] Anabolic steroid withdrawal and dependency disorders have also been reported.[2] Acute anabolic steroid withdrawal may produce symptoms of central nonadrenergic hyperactivity including anxiety, irritability, insomnia, hot flashes, sweats, chills, anorexia, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, piloerection, tachycardia, and hypertension. Depression and anabolic steroid craving may also occur with withdrawal.

source: qfac.com

However, if you are concerned about being tested TestClear sells many detox products, and other merchandise to help pass a drug test.

The normal military screening has been adjusted to include “any prescription substance with a propensity for abuse”. This does mean that they will catch you for your pct drugs and some oral steroids will show up in the standard, non aas specific, whiz quiz.

If you are dieting to lose fat, that’ is another matter. You should deprive yourself of calories while still keeping protein as high as possible, in the 1.5-2g/lb range. In such a state you WILL NOT gain ANY muscle. The use of Anabolic steroids in such conditions is only the preservation of lean mass while trying to lose fat with a catabolic condition.

Note 1 : The efficacy of this method is equal to taking an oral winstrol or D-bol preparation. Usually this is 75-80% of the efficacy one would get when injecting. Most are willing to accept 1/5th less gains or will take 1/5th more of the product because taking it orally is still easier than daily injections

Note 2 : These products are toxic to the liver. When injected they only pass the liver once, so they are a little less toxic. When ingested, only use them for 6 weeks on end and then stay away from them for 14 weeks. This goes for all 17AA steroids.

Note 3 : Not all injectable steroids can be taken orally, only 17AA steroids (D-bol, Winstrol, Anavar, Anadrol) and 1-methylated substances (Proviron and Primobolan). Other injectables will yield only 4-6% of their injectable capacity.

During longer or very suppressive cycles (Deca, long term test, trenbolone) your testicles may begin to shrink heavily due to disuse. this may make it harder to make natural test right off the bat. In such cases it is advised you use HCG as well to bring back the size of the testicles first.

Not only are there the above mentioned physical issues specific to teenagers who decide to use, there are also mental aspects to consider. Your brain is still developing pathways and settling into it’s normal functions well into your early 20’s. Causing rounds of hormonal imbalance during this time can leave you with lasting depression, anxiety, or anger control issues.

Steroids aren’t magic. They are merely effective hormonal supplements. They increase the rate of protein synthesis in the body, but to synthsize protein one still needs to take in enough protein and take care of his energy needs with fats and carbs. Those thinking that steroids will get them out of the rut their bad diets have created are sorely mistaken. A steroid user needs a minimum of experience because his diet will take a lot more work than the diet of a natural athlete. We are talking in excess of 25 calories per pound of bodyweight daily, where 18-22 will suffice for a natural. And most can’t even make that. Large amounts of protein, especially, needs to be consumed. Upwards of 1.5 grams per pound of bodyweight daily. Steroids do not cause growth, they merely speed up the process and stretch it to supra-physiological levels, working with the means they have. And those means are the food you consume.

IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU ATTEMPT TO ATTAIN GROWTH BY PROPERLY ADJUSTING YOUR DIET BEFORE EVEN CONSIDERING STEROIDS !

Winstrol is a popular brand name for the anabolic steroid stanozolol. This compound is a derivative of dihydrotestosterone, although its activity is much milder than this androgen in nature. It is technically classified as an anabolic steroid, shown to exhibit a slightly greater tendency for muscle growth than androgenic activity in early studies. While dihydrotestosterone really only provides androgenic side effects when administered, stanozolol instead provides quality muscle growth. The anabolic properties of this substance are still mild in comparison to many stronger compounds, but it is still a ggod, reliable builder of muscle. Its anabolic properties could even be comparable to Dianabol, but Winstrol does not have the same tendency for water retention. Stanozolol also contains the same c17 methylation we see with Dianabol, an alteration used so that oral administration is possible. To spite this design however, there are many injectable versions of this steroid produced.
(more…)

Trenbolone is a very potent androgen with strong anabolic activity. It is well suited for the rapid buildup of strength and muscle mass, usually providing the user exceptional results in a relatively short time period. The anabolic effect of this drug is often compared to popular bulking agents such as testosterone or Dianabol, with one very important difference. Trenbolone does not convert to estrogen. This is indeed a very unique compound since mass drugs, almost as a rule, will aromatize (or cause other estrogen related troubles) heavily. When we think of taking milder (regarding estrogen) steroids we usually expect much weaker muscle growth, but not so with Trenbolone. Here we do not have to worry about estrogen related side effects, yet still have an extremely potent mass/strength drug. There is no noticeable water retention, so the mass gained during a cycle of Trenbolone will be very hard and defined (providing fat levels are low enough). Gynecomastia is also not much of a concern, so there shouldn’t be any need to addition an anti-estrogen if trenbolone is the only steroid administered.
(more…)

Testosterone suspension is an injectable preparation containing testosterone (no ester) in a water base. Since testosterone is not highly water soluble, the steroid will noticeably separate from the solution when the vial is left to sit. A quick shake will put the drug back into suspension, at least temporarily, so that it can be withdrawn in a consistent dosage. Although it may contain testosterone without the benefit of an ester, and contrary to popular belief, the microcrystal design of this injectable will sustain an elevated testosterone release for 2-3 days. Clearly the suspension we see today is not the basic water plus testosterone design used in the 1940’s. And since the drug will not leave circulation in a matter of hours, it is obviously useful.
(more…)

Testosterone propionate is a commonly manufactured, oil-based injectable testosterone compound. The propionate ester will slow the rate in which the steroid is released from the injection site, but only for a few days. Testosterone propionate is therefore much faster acting than other testosterone esters such as cypionate or enanthate, and requires a much more frequent dosing schedule, in order to maintain stable blood levels. While cypionate and enanthate are injected on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, propionate is usually injected every second. The propionate ester can be very irritating to the site of injection. In fact, many sensitive individuals choose to stay away from this steroid completely, their body reacting with a pronounced soreness and low-grade fever that may last for a few days.
(more…)

Testosterone enanthate is an oil based injectable steroid, designed to slowly release testosterone from the injection site (depot). Once administered, serum concentrations of this hormone will rise for several days, and remain markedly elevated for approximately two weeks. It may actually take three weeks for the action of this drug to fully diminish. For medical purposes this is the most widely prescribed testosterone, used regularly to treat cases of hypogonadism and other disorders related to androgen deficiency. Since patients generally do not selfadminister such injections, a long acting steroid like this is a very welcome item. Therapy is clearly more comfortable in comparison to an ester like propionate, which requires a much more frequent dosage schedule.
(more…)

American athletes have a long and fond relationship with Testosterone cypionate. While Testosterone enanthate is manufactured widely throughout the world, cypionate seems to be almost exclusively an American item. It is therefore not surprising that American athletes particularly favor this testosterone ester. But many claim this is not just a matter of simple pride, often swearing cypionate to be a superior product, providing a bit more of a “kick” than enanthate. At the same time it is said to produce a slightly higher level of water retention, but not enough for it to be easily discerned. Of course when we look at the situation objectively, we see these two steroids are really interchangeable, and cypionate is not at all superior. Both are long acting oil-based injectables, which will keep testosterone levels sufficiently elevated for approximately two weeks. Enanthate may be slightly better in terms of testosterone release, as this ester is one carbon atom lighter than cypionate (remember the ester is calculated in the steroids total milligram weight). The difference is so insignificant however that no one can rightly claim it to be noticeable (we are maybe talking a few milligrams per shot). Regardless, cypionate came to be the most popular testosterone ester on the U.S. black market for a very long time
(more…)