Testosterone is often referred to as the "male" hormone. An abundance of testosterone is what makes men larger and stronger on average than women. To take advantage of testosterone's muscle-building effects, athletes, both males and females, often attempt to raise their own testosterone levels through drugs like steroids, or herbs like tribulus terrestris. While increasing your testosterone may contribute to increased strength, you must also consider a number of potential dangers.
Acne
Acne is a common condition for teenagers going through puberty. The Mayo Clinic points out that raising your testosterone during adulthood can create a similar hormonal environment, causing acne and oily skin.
Decreased Sperm Production
Under normal conditions, men produce testosterone in the testes. When testosterone in increased unnaturally, your body decreases its own testosterone production to maintain homeostasis. The result, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse can be a shrinking of the testes. Since sperm are also produced in the testes, this shrinkage can be accompanied by decreased sperm production.
Male Characteristics in Women
While women can gain strength through increasing their testosterone levels, they may also develop other male characteristics. According to CNN.com, increased testosterone can cause women to develop deeper voices and more body hair. Women may also experience baldness. In extreme cases, the face can take on a more angular "male" appearance.
Gynecomastia
When too much testosterone is introduced into your system, your body will try to regain a more normal hormonal balance. Extra testosterone is often converted into estrogen to preserve the correct ratio of these two hormones. In men, an increase in estrogen can result in the development of breast tissue, known as gynecomastia. Less serious forms of gynecomastia include enlarged or sensitive nipples.
Heart Attack
According to the Mayo Clinic, too much testosterone can raise production of red blood cells. An increase in red blood cells can result in a thickening of the viscosity of the blood, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Injury
Athletes who raise their testosterone unnaturally may be more susceptible to injury, according to ScientificAmerican.com. While muscles rapidly gain strength in response to increased testosterone, cartilage progresses more slowly, leading to a strength imbalance between muscles and connective tissue. During training or sports, the cartilage may not be able to stand up to the force the stronger muscles are able to produce.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Testosterone Therapy: Key to Male Vitality?
- CNN.com: Performance-Enhancing Drugs: Dangerous, Damaging and Potentially Deadly
- Mayo Clinic: Gynecomastia (Enlarged Breasts in Men)
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: NIDA InfoFacts: Steroids (Anabolic-Androgenic)
- MayoClinic.com: Testosterone therapy: Key to male vitality?
