Why Testosterone, Steroids, or Anti-Aging Drugs Can Be Dangerous

Testosterone
Testosterone is often thought of as only being important in males. In men, the hormone is produced by the testicles and is responsible for the proper development of male sexual characteristics. However, testosterone is also important in females, and in both sexes it is essential for maintaining muscle mass, adequate levels of red blood cells, bone growth, sense of well-being and sexual function.

In men, the amount of testosterone in the body gradually declines with age. This natural decline starts after age 30 and continues throughout life. Other causes of lowered testosterone levels include, but are not limited to: injury or infection to the testes, pituitary gland dysfunction, stress, medications, and alcoholism. Advances in the medical field of Endocrinology have led many of our nation's top doctors to characterize the natural drop in male testosterone levels as a condition called "andropause." Simply put, andropause can be considered the male version of menopause in females.

Without adequate testosterone a man may lose his sex drive, experience erectile dysfunction, feel depressed, have a decreased sense of well-being, and have difficulty concentrating. Other changes that can occur are a decrease in muscle mass with an increase in body fat, changes in cholesterol levels, osteoporosis and mild anemia.

A testosterone blood test may help detect the andropause condition by measuring the amount of testosterone in the blood. The result is compared with the expected testosterone levels (based on a man's age).

LabSafe offers a simple and relatively inexpensive testosterone blood test that can give valuable insight into your current testosterone levels. Knowing your testosterone level may help you and your physician understand if medications such as Viagra, Human Growth Hormone, Testosterone Replacement Therapy, Anti Aging therapy, or other medications are appropriate for you.

If you are taking testosterone or steriods, it is imperative that you regularly have your testosterone blood levels tested. Testosterone therapy has been associated with serious heart disease and cardiovascular problems, gynecomastia (swelling and tenderness of the breasts in men), dangerous mood swings and emotional problems, and more. Taking supplemental testosterone when your body is already making enough testosterone can be very dangerous to your body. It can cause a man's testicles to shrink as the body cuts back natural testosterone production to adjust your testosterone levels back to normal.

If you are taking testosterone or steroids when your body is making enough natural testosterone, then you are "doping." Doping is very dangerous and unfortunately is often not taken seriously enough. Many people do it in an effort to enhance athletic performance, and some believe it will help their sex drive or make them feel "better." Young athletes often mistakenly believe that they are young and healthy enough that steroids won't cause them any harm, or that they can contol it with the option to stop taking steroids when they want. But a person can not see the damage that steroids can do to their internal body and often there are no immediate symptoms. For example, unnecessary steroids can cause the heart to change its structure, function, and tissue composition. You can't see these changes and most often you can't feel them either, but the effects are there and do indeed increase your cardiovascular risk, particularly for heart attacks. We often hear of strong young athletes who suddenly die of a heart attack.

However, your doctor has a wide variety of options to help you while at the same time using FDA approved, legal, proven, and safe therapies, which may include medications such as Viagra, vitamin and amino acid supplementation, or possibly even testoserone. Before you seek any testosterone, steriod or antiaging drug therapy it is imperative that you discuss this with your licensed Medical Doctor.

In the past several years there has been an increasing problem with internet based companies who sell steroids, Anti-Aging therapy, Human Growth Hormone (HGH), etc. Many of these outfits have a doctor who authorizes steroid or HGH therapy without ever seeing their patient. The patient feels a false sense of security because a doctor has written a prescription for them, but what they fail to realize is that these companies are simply in business to make money. Often times, the sales people they are talking to do not even have any medical training or background. To make matters worse, they often fail to tell their own doctor that they are taking steroids. Again, before you take any medications, consult your own doctor. If you presently fall into this category, consult your doctor immediately and your doctor can advise you if and how you should stop taking these medications. Suddenly stopping or starting medications can present risks and you should always consult your own doctor.

Symptoms people are experiencing that lead them to choose steroid therapy can often be caused by other underlying medical conditions. For example, a person may say they feel tired or just don't have the same stamina they used to have. Well, that could be due to a number of medical issues ranging from cancer to thyroid problems. Taking steroids may actually make some of these conditions worse. Again, it is essential that you consult your own doctor about symptoms you are having.

LabSafe does not sell or market any medications and therefore has no financial incentive for your blood test results to turn out one way or another. For this reason many people choose to have their HGH, IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1), or testosterone blood testing performed through LabSafe. As with all LabSafe lab tests, regardless of your test results you should share them with your own doctor.

To purchase aTestosterone test, IGF-1 test, or HGH test, simply order online at LabSafe at http://www.labsafe.com/lab-tests/test/74/ or visit our website at http://www.labsafe.com/

For more information, or to speak with a member of our professional Medical Staff, call LabSafe toll free at 1-888-333-LABS.