5 Testosterone Myths You Can Do Without


by Jessica Knowles - Date: 2010-09-27 - Word Count: 633 Share This!

Think of the word "testosterone" and images of drugs abuse in sports and unhealthy steroids are conjured up immediately. The truth of the matter is that 'testosterone' is one of the most important hormones of the human body. It's the misuse of this hormone through various means that results in health problems. As a hormone, testosterone is the prime reason behind a range of beneficial functions and processes.

Here are a few myths about testosterone that we shall dispel.

The illegal nature of testosterone

A number of people think that drug treatments that contain testosterone are illegal. Prescription testosterone supplements and pills are perfectly legal and are recommended by doctors to treat range of diseases. Not only is testosterone legal, but is also very important. The development of male genitalia is a result of testosterone levels. It also plays a very important role during puberty. The various physical changes that occur in a man during puberty are a result of testosterone. Other functions of testosterone include sperm production, facilitating an erection, ensuring a healthy sex drive amongst various others. Testosterone is definitely illegal, but only if you buy it without a prescription.

Testosterone is dangerous

This myth is a result of the steroidal nature of testosterone. But the fact that testosterone is a steroid, does not make it a risky product. The human body is made up of a range of natural steroids. A layman might associate danger with the word 'steroid' but steroid is essentially a molecule with a carbon core that is made up of four fused rings. Even estrogen and cholesterol are steroids. The myth that steroids are dangerous and illegal comes from sports where the word steroid means a completely different substance. In sports, a steroid is actually "anabolic steroid hormone" that helps in the building of muscles and bones in the body. Even high levels of testosterone have been deemed safe for use, so this myth needs to be done away with.

Intake of testosterone and violent behaviour

A very violent myth floating around is that that the use of testosterone results in an aggressive behaviour. People taking testosterone drug treatments might experience uncontrollable behavioural changes. Various studies conducted have not only exposed the myth for what it is but proved beyond a doubt that the use of testosterone does not result in violent behaviour. What is interesting to note is that low levels of testosterone are bound to cause irritability and anger. When the levels of testosterone are normal, there is a definite improvement in the condition. So, if anything, the opposite is true. Its not high levels of testosterone that cause behavioural changes; but low levels of testosterone that cause changes to the behaviour of a person.

High levels of testosterone and baldness

Higher levels of testosterone in the body are linked to male pattern baldness. The truth is that men with a full mop of hair and those with very little or no hair have the same levels of testosterone. There is not doubt that increasing levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body promote hair loss; and it is testosterone that is actually converted into DHT. But, it's the genes that are majorly responsible for falling hair and not testosterone. Whether you have a high concentration of testosterone or low, if hair loss has to happen, it will.

Testosterone and prostate cancer

A serous accusation leveled at testosterone is an increase in levels of testosterone can cause prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is not a result of high or low levels of testosterone. Also men, who are being prescribed testosterone, don't show an increased risk of suffering from prostate cancer. But, there is a point of convergence when it comes to myth and reality. It's seen that castrated men, who have a high level of testosterone, are at a risk of suffering from prostate cancer.

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