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Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, can be an important part of gender-affirming treatment for many trans and non-binary people.
But what exactly is the medication and how safe is it?
There have been reports that claim there are links between cancer and some trans healthcare, but the truth is that gender-affirming care is considered safe and many cisgender people also take medication prescribed to transgender people, such as puberty blockers and HRT.
Heres what you need to know about HRT.
Broadly, HRT can describe several hormone therapies, including oestrogen, progesterone, or testosterone, used by some transgender and non-binary people as part of gender-affirming healthcare.
Feminising HRT is a hormone treatment that can contain oestrogen or progesterone, or both. Its commonly used to alleviate symptoms of menopause, or as gender-affirming care for transgender women and some non-binary people.
HRT can be come as tablets, or be applied through the skin using patches, gel or spray. This is similar to masculinising testosterone, also known as T, which can be given via injections, pills, gel or, again, patches applied to the skin.
When taken as hormone therapy for trans people, feminising HRT is known to increase the size of breast tissue, make body hair lighter and softer, decrease sperm production and testosterone levels, and soften facial features.
Conversely, taking testosterone can stop periods, deepen the voice, increase perspiration and muscle mass, and make body hair appear thicker and darker, among other effects.
There are some risks associated with using HRT, as there are with many medicines including the birth-control pill. Doctors will explain the potential risks and side-effects before prescribing it.
According to the NHS, the benefits of using feminising HRT usually outweigh the risks for both cis women during menopause and for trans people. Recent evidence shows the risk of serious side-effects are very low for all people.
Combined HRT (a drug with oestrogen and progesterone) can slightly increase the chances of breast cancer, but oestrogen-only HRT causes little to no increase risk, the NHS says.
HRT may also slightly increase the risk of blood clots if you take it in tablet form, but the NHS reports patches, sprays and gels do not carry this raised risk, because oestrogen is safer when its absorbed into your body through the skin.
More-common side-effects include headaches, diarrhoea and changes in sex drive. There can be incidental benefits to the drug too, with evidence to show that taking HRT might result in a decreased risk of colorectal cancers.
Testosterone, which many cisgender men also take, can carry a risk of damage to the liver if taken in pill form, with gels and creams causing fewer side-effects.More-common side-effects include weight gain, acne, depression and tiredness.
As testosterone can thicken the blood, there may be an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and blood clots, so doctors will routinely monitor a patients blood pressure while on the drug.
In general, while there are risks associated with many healthcare options, gender-affirming care has not only been proven to be safe, but life-saving in some cases.
In 2023, a report found that gender-affirming care, which can include taking hormones, caused a 50 per cent fall in incidences of depression within the study group, and brought about a 55 per cent reduction in suicidal thoughts.
HRT is safe and effective when monitored by a healthcare provider, Paul Carruthers, a nurse consultant from the Gender Plus Hormone Clinic, told PinkNews.
For some trans and non-binary individuals, it can help alleviate gender dysphoria and assist in aligning physical characteristics with gender identity.
There may be risks associated with hormone therapy, such as blood clots, changes in cholesterol levels, and potential impacts on fertility, and these should be discussed in depth with the individuals medical provider.
No medication is 100 per cent without risks and, like any medical treatment, taking it involves weighing the potential benefits against the risks. Its crucial for individuals considering hormone treatment to discuss their medical history, risk factors and concerns with a healthcare provider who can give individualised guidance.
Anti-trans campaigners have attempted to stoke panic around transgender healthcare, with gender-affirming care for young people banned in several US states.
In recent years, transgender women were blamed for an HRT shortage in the UK, a theory which was found to be false.In reality, while there has been an increase in referrals to gender identity clinics, there has also been a rise in the number of cisgender women accessing HRT to ease the symptoms of menopause, and this demand has been compounded by wholesale supply shortages.
Data from menopause charities also suggests that awareness around HRT as a treatment for menopause has greatly increased demand for the drug.
Another myth is that transgender people can regret transitioning or undergoing gender-affirming care, which has also been found to be false. A survey of more than 3,000 gender identity clinic applicants in the UK found that 0.47 per cent experienced transition-related regret, and an even smaller number of people actually went on to de-transition.
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What is Hormone Replacement Therapy and how safe is it? - PinkNews
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Italys national anti-doping tribunal banned Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba for four years after a drug test in August showed levels of testosterone that could not be created naturally. Should Pogba serve the full length of the suspension, it seems likely that his career is over.
Pogba, who turns 31 next month, was provisionally suspended in September after a random drug test showed elevated levels of testosterone following Juventuss 3-0 win over Udinese on Aug. 20. A test of Pogbas B sample in October confirmed the initial findings.
The World Anti-Doping Code mandates a two- to four-year suspension for doping violations, depending on whether it can be proved that the player ingested the substance intentionally. At the time of the initial suspension, Pogbas agent said the French international never wanted to break a rule, and Pogba said Thursday he will appeal his suspension to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
I have today been informed of the Tribunale Nazionale Antidopings decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect, Pogba said in a statement.
I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.
When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations.
As a professional athlete I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances and have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against.
The ban starts from when Pogba was first suspended, meaning it runs through August 2027.
Once considered one of the sports top midfielders, Pogba was on his second stint with Juventus after six seasons with Manchester United in England. He played in only eight matches for the Turin-based team over the past two seasons because of injuries and the suspension. Pogba featured on Frances winning 2018 World Cup team and scored a goal in the final against Croatia, but he missed the 2022 tournament with a knee injury.
More here:
Paul Pogba, Juventus star, gets four-year ban for doping - The Washington Post
Many transgender men and other gender-diverse people opt to take testosterone to bring about male secondary sex characteristics, such as a deeper voice and thicker body and facial hair, and to suppress female characteristics, such as menstruation. While taking this hormone therapy, a person may no longer get their period, however, they may still ovulate and therefore could potentially get pregnant, a new study finds.
The small study included 52 transmasculine people, meaning people who were assigned female at birth but whose gender identity aligns with masculinity; this term can include transgender men and some nonbinary and gender-fluid people, for instance.
The participants had each taken testosterone for at least a year before getting an oophorectomy, a gender-affirming surgery to remove one or both of their ovaries. After removal, scientists analyzed the patients' ovaries to look for signs of ovulation.
Related: Blood thickening tied to gender-affirming testosterone is rare
None of the study participants were experiencing periods prior to their procedures typically, testosterone therapy causes patients to stop menstruating within three to six months of use. It is often assumed that when a person taking testosterone stops menstruating, they no longer ovulate, meaning no eggs get released from the ovaries.
However, the new study found that 33% of the participants showed signs that they were ovulating, irrespective of how long they'd been taking testosterone, how much of it was in their blood or whether they'd used testosterone gel or injections. These signs of ovulation included the presence of fluid-filled sacs where an unfertilized egg develops, or the corpus luteum, a group of cells that form after ovulation and make hormones that support a potential pregnancy.
The findings of the new study, published Thursday (Feb. 22) in the journal Cell Reports Medicine, highlight that transmasculine people on testosterone could still potentially become pregnant, and therefore, patients should use contraception if they wish to engage in sexual activity that could lead to unwanted pregnancy.
"The physical and mental consequences of an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy are enormous," Joyce Asseler, the co-senior study author and a doctoral candidate at Amsterdam University Medical Centers, said in a statement. "It is important that transmasculine people and their healthcare providers are aware of this risk and act accordingly," she said.
Prior studies have shown that transmasculine people on testosterone could potentially become pregnant. For instance, a 2020 study showed that 7 of 20 transmasculine people on testosterone therapy had temporary upticks in the levels of a breakdown product of progesterone, a sex hormone that supports menstruation, in their urine. Progesterone levels typically peak after ovulation, suggesting that these individuals were likely ovulating and theoretically could have gotten pregnant.
But the new study has gone one step further and found direct evidence of recent ovulatory activity in the ovaries of patients on testosterone therapy.
Future research will need to "delve deeper" into why ovulation occurs in some people who take testosterone and not others, Asseler told Live Science in an email. It is also unclear how this capacity for ovulation might translate into someone's chances of becoming pregnant, Asseler said.
Nevertheless, the potential for ovulation still highlights the importance of contraception and reproductive counselling in transgender health care, she added.
"It is crucial to address this issue due to the significant physical and mental consequences of an unplanned pregnancy, particularly considering the limited access to reproductive healthcare for transgender and gender diverse individuals worldwide," she told Live Science.
This is especially pertinent considering that taking testosterone during pregnancy can influence the development of the fetus. Notably, transmasculine people who come off testosterone can carry out a successful pregnancy, should they wish to bear children.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.
Ever wonder why some people build muscle more easily than others or why freckles come out in the sun? Send us your questions about how the human body works to community@livescience.com with the subject line "Health Desk Q," and you may see your question answered on the website!
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One-third of trans people taking testosterone may still ovulate, raising chance of pregnancy - Livescience.com
The primary purpose of this article is to mention the best testosterone supplements for men who internally struggle but cannot share with anybody. Let us be clear about one thing: low testosterone in a body is nothing to be embarrassed about.
It is a natural order of life. The sex hormone levels drastically fluctuate at a certain period. You cannot change the inevitable, but you can certainly improve your testosterone levels with effective testosterone-boosting supplements.
The majority of men remain skeptical about consuming testosterone supplements as they are afraid of the potential side effects. If youre refraining from using a testosterone booster to take up your testosterone levels effectively, you should use natural testosterone boosters that are formulated with only natural ingredients.
Anyway, its awful to be in a world where so many fake testosterone supplements are sold in the markets. A large number of fraud sellers sell fake testosterone supplements that are completely inefficient in increasing testosterone levels.
We have compiled a list of the best testosterone boosters to boost sexual function and promote testosterone production naturally. These supplements have reliable manufacturers and have proven to be effective, using primarily natural ingredients.
There are other pieces of valuable information regarding the best testosterone booster supplements of 2024. These testosterone supplements are better to take after thorough research, which we have laid out in this guide.
We have reviewed the finest supplements to boost testosterone levels. They are one click away from your grasp. So, lets read about each one of the best testosterone supplements on the market:
Ingredients: Ashwagandha, D-aspartic acid, Vitamin D3, L-Arginine HCL, Panax Ginseng, Fenugreek, Zinc, Magnesium, Garlin, and other
Dosage: Serve 4 testosterone pills daily with a glass of water
Guarantee: Lifetime money-back guarantee
Price: $59.99 per month supply + fast and free shipping
Unleash the full potential of your body with Testosil, the best natural testosterone booster on the market. In a groundbreaking study, men who supplemented their exercise regimen with a special extract found in Testosil saw an impressive boost in testosterone up to 434% more than exercise alone.
Formulated with patented ingredients, Testosil promotes testosterone production effectively, aiding in improved sexual function and fostering optimal hormone balance. This exceptional product, crafted in FDA-registered and inspected facilities, adheres to the rigorous standards of cGMP-certified manufacturing, guaranteeing you a product that is both safe and potent.
Testosil offers the best testosterone booster pills that work diligently to maintain normal testosterone levels, enhancing muscle size and strength, thus redefining your bodys abilities. Choose Testosil over synthetic testosterone boosters for a natural, scientifically backed avenue to a healthier, more balanced you.
Ingredients: This effective testosterone booster for men contains Furosap (Fenugreek extract) for healthy testosterone levels and enhanced muscle growth
Dosage: 2 capsules every day.
Guarantee: 67-day money-back guarantee.
Price: $59.95 for one month supply
Its impossible to complete the list without having the name of Testodren in it. When it comes to taking up your bodys testosterone level, Testodren is arguably the best option at an affordable price segment.
Testodren helps users retain optimum energy levels and lean muscle mass by boosting the secretion of the male essential hormone, testosterone. With that, the best natural testosterone booster is famous for offering other health benefits like muscle gain, weight loss, increased sperm quality, and many more.
On top of that, the testosterone booster for men is reported to boost libido to make you more sexually functional. Therefore, if you want to enhance testosterone production in your body, you have to try this supplement to enjoy the health benefits offered by it.
Ingredients: D-Aspartic acid, Nettle leaf extract, Asian Red Ginseng, Vitamin B6, Vitamin D3, Ashwagandha.
Dosage: 4 capsules daily to boost testosterone naturally.
Guarantee: 90-day money-back guarantee.
Price: $75 for one month supply + free shipping in US
Our top rank holder, as in the best testosterone booster, is the Prime Male. Prime Male is an ideal choice for men in their 40s who face fatigue and struggle to retain physical and mental energy. It may help to higher levels of testosterone without any side effects.
Prime Male mainly focuses on improving sexual performance and maximizing testosterone synthesis. The product includes natural ingredients that provide high doses per intake.
Therefore, this testosterone supplement will ensure about a 42% increase in testosterone levels in men for energetic activities. The testosterone supplement does so by increasing the secretion of the luteinizing hormone (LH), which can boost testosterone naturally.
Plus, you will notice a significant change in your body with lean muscle mass and enhanced libido. This one of the best natural testosterone boosters not only promotes decent sexual health but also helps decrease body fat drastically.
If weight loss is your primary concern, consistent consumption of this renowned testosterone supplement can help you achieve your fitness goals smartly. Being made of only natural ingredients, this is one of the best testosterone supplements you can find in both the online and offline markets.
Exceptionally reliable in showing results within 14 days, it is the best testosterone booster overall.
Ingredients: Zinc, Vitamin D3, Fenugreek extract, Nettle leaf extract, Vitamin B6, Korean Red Ginseng extract, Bioperine, and Boron.
Dosage: 4 capsules daily.
Guarantee: Money-back guarantee of 100 days
Price: $59.99 for one month supply
The next best testosterone booster is Testogen, which promises to deliver comprehensive enhancement to the male body.
If you do not wish to seek illegal hormonal health boosters or testosterone replacement therapy, Testogen will avail you of safe muscle growth. This product is an automatic pick in the list of the best testosterone booster supplements.
Its formula offers clinically proven natural ingredients that have no potential side effects while working to maximize testosterone synthesis. Consumers can naturally develop a declined sex drive and energy without stressing over any complications.
Testogen T booster is highly beneficial for men who feel insecure with their low libido and energy levels in their personal and work lives. It will reduce mental pressure and fatigue, improving your focus.
It is also reasonably priced if you consider 120 capsules a bottle for each month.
Ingredients: Oyster extract, Fenugreek extract, D-Aspartic acid, Ginseng, Vitamin D, vitamin B6, and D3.
Dosage: 4 capsules a day.
Guarantee: A money-back guarantee of 30 days for the US, Canada, and Mexico and a 14-day money-back guarantee for other countries.
Price: $59.99 per month supply + free shipping in the US
According to customer reviews, this natural testosterone booster supplement has left an impactful image on the users. Its innovative formula is blended with many essential minerals and vitamins. These ingredients are pretty harmless.
Testofuel encourages natural ways to rediscover the confidence and energy levels one thought was lost in youth. It does not just assist in enhanced libido or sex drive but also serves in weight loss and lean muscle growth.
If youre determined to maintain healthy testosterone levels, this reputed testosterone supplement from a reputed brand can help you do that conveniently.
It is one of the best testosterone boosters many consumers have benefitted from. Whether the low testosterone is caused by heredity or aging, TestoFuel is entirely safe with the potent formulation.
Ingredients: D-Aspartic acid, Ashwagandha, Pomegranate extract, Vitamin D, Vitamin B5, and Vitamin B6, Zinc, Fenugreek, Green Tea Extract, Panax Ginseng, Garlic Extract, and Black Pepper Extract.
Dosage: 4 capsules a day.
Guarantee: A lifetime guarantee.
Price: $64.99 for one month supply
If you wish to see the power of natural ingredients to boost testosterone production in your body, invest in TestoPrime. It is the best testosterone booster overall. This premium testosterone booster is considered one of the best testosterone booster supplements sold ever in the market.
When youre concerned about your sperm quality, you can rely on these premium testosterone pills. There is no product in the market to match its efficiency in stimulating natural testosterone production and the process of testosterone synthesis. Some compounds in this best natural testosterone booster can prevent your body from converting testosterone into estrogen.
Users will not only promote healthy testosterone levels but also be safe from exposure to any unhealthy chemicals. According to customers, this is the best product to avoid erectile dysfunction. By the way, it also works to reduce body fat and promote a healthy physique.
The special thing about TestoPrime testosterone pills is that they increase the levels of sex hormone-binding globulin, which is a crucial thing behind the overall testosterone level in your body. Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a protein produced by the liver that binds to sex hormones, including testosterone and estradiol, helping to transport them through the bloodstream.
TestoPrime will naturally instigate high testosterone production that was once normal at a younger age. It is a great booster that recovers the libido, strengthening the sex life.
Moreover, TestoPrime is a rejuvenating solution for people who find it challenging to produce lean muscle mass during workouts. We are talking about regaining the motivation and confidence men often lose due to low testosterone levels.
Ingredients: Fenugreek extract, D-Aspartic acid, Nettle leaf extract, Boron, Zinc, Magnesium, vitamin D3, and b6.
Dosage: 4 capsules a day to boost sexual function.
Guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee.
Price: $69 for one month supply
This best testosterone-boosting supplement is highly notable for the hormone to be free in the bloodstream. Remember that the testosterone hormone can only deliver positive outcomes if it flows without restriction.
Hence, this T booster is an ideal option for people who aim to improve testosterone levels and energy production. It can have more significant positive effects since the capsules naturally opt for the free testosterone in your bloodstream. All these benefits make it the best testosterone booster overall.
Then, the natural formula in these testosterone pills increases the levels to deliver improved potency and vigor. If you seek a natural testosterone booster for strengthening libido and better muscle growth, TestoLab Pro is the remedy.
Ingredients: It contains Fenugreek extract, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B6, ZMA, Magnesium Aspartate, D-aspartic acid, Vitamin K2, and Zinc for increased muscle growth and lower symptoms of low testosterone
Dosage: 2 capsules every day.
Guarantee: 60-day-money-back guarantee.
Price: $69.99 for one month supply
Most people may have noticed this package in many pharmacies/drug stores. TestRX is often overlooked without being given a chance. This formula may help raise testosterone levels like no other.
However, it is one of the best testosterone supplements that assists a unique formula. The manufacturer of TestRX combined the individual natural ingredients in a blend to offer enhanced effects.
Thus, the combination supports improved sexual performance, virility, lean muscle mass, and increased strength. Plus, you will be rewarded with better sleep quality as your mind will be free of stress.
Ingredients: It contains D-Aspartic acid, Fenugreek extract, Nettle leaf extract, Zinc, Magnesium, Boron, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin D2 to enhance your bodys natural testosterone production
Dosage: 4 capsules a day.
Guarantee: 60-day money-back warranty.
Price: $64.99 for one month supply
The formula in this natural testosterone booster practically claims to make you feel vital and young again. It indicates a clear advertisement toward the consumers in the 40s. Usually, testosterone levels drop drastically after 40. But this best testosterone booster supplement has the capability to boost testosterone levels naturally, even when you get older.
The highlight of this best testosterone booster for men is that it is a great alternative to anabolic steroids like Sustanon. This product is extremely popular with bodybuilders as a decent Sustanon alternative, as it works to support enhanced muscle mass massively. Your athletic performance reaches the peak level as this supplement keeps increasing free testosterone in your body.
By going through the customer reviews of this natural testosterone-boosting supplement, you will come to know how this testosterone-boosting supplement works and how effective it is in ensuring muscle growth.
While the natural ingredients are pretty much what you have seen in many testosterone boosters, we still consider it an outstanding supplement for men suffering from low libido and stamina.
You will be back in action in no time as long as you follow the daily dosage recommendation. CrazyBulk Testo-Max is the remedy for men who wish to rejuvenate their youth and gain strength like they had in their 20s.
Ingredients: It has D-Aspartic acid, vitamin K2, Vitamin D, Ashwagandha, Indole-3-Carbinol, Zinc, Boron, Asian Ginseng, and Magnesium to boost your testosterone naturally
Dosage: 6 capsules daily to enhance testosterone production
Guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee for orders from the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Price: $90 for one month supply
This booster offers impactful claims and provides supplements in the premium and visually attractive canister package.
Its precise aim is to trigger the testosterone in the bloodstream to promote a healthier increase in the testosterone hormone balance and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Hunter Test assures to reverse the low testosterone levels and its generated damages in the body.
Therefore, you can expect an elevated change in your lean muscle mass, energy, sex drive, and such with this potent testosterone booster for men.
Many testosterone booster supplements typically increase the hormonal balance but often ignore the mental pressure a man goes through. However, the natural ingredients combined in the Hunter Test will ensure renewed motivation, confidence, and overall well-being.
Ingredients: It supports your bodys natural testosterone production with Vitamin D, Shilajit, Ashwagandha, Tongkat Ali, Boswellia extract, Magnesium, Korean Red Ginseng, and Zinc.
Dosage: 2 tablets daily.
Guarantee: 180-day money-back guarantee.
Price: $49 for one month supply
The Barbarian XL by Zenith Labs has been a trustworthy testosterone-boosting supplement for quite a while. The strongest testosterone booster consists of natural ingredients, including various extracts experts have relied on for many centuries for enhanced muscle growth and natural testosterone production.
This best testosterone booster for men will ensure a normal regulation of increased testosterone that a male body usually necessitates while offering other significant health benefits. There is no extravagant advertisement announcing people of exceeding power and strength.
If youre an athlete and your aim is to improve your athletic performance to another level, this is the strongest testosterone booster to help you do that. The most important aspect of the supplement is that it can boost your testosterone levels naturally, which is very important for male sexual health. Alongside, you can witness an improvement in sperm quality as the supplement induces the secretion of the follicle-stimulating hormone.
Besides, this testosterone booster supplement offers a money-back guarantee lasting up to 6 months if you are not satisfied.
Ingredients: It has Tongkat Ali, Avena Sativa, Rhodiola Rosea, Cordyceps Sinensis, L-Norvaline, and Tribulus Terrestris to support testosterone production and muscle growth
Dosage: 2 pills daily for boosting testosterone levels.
Guarantee: 60-day money-back guarantee.
Original post:
The 9 Strongest Testosterone Booster Brands to Buy (Best Testo Supplements Tested) - Bellevue Reporter
In 1760 the Swiss doctor Samuel-Auguste Tissot published the book LOnanisme, a text on the illnesses produced by masturbation. At the beginning of the 20th century, Doctor John Harvey Kellogg (yes, the guy who made the cereals) created a breakfast food based on wheat flakes designed for a healthy lifestyle in which, among other things, onanism was to be especially avoided. In the second half of the 20th century, it was normal to hear that self-pleasuring could cause vision problems, stunt ones growth, or cause pimples to pop up on the face. Even in 2024, with as much information to which we now have access, one still hears that touching oneself burns energy, destroys happiness and reduces levels of testosterone. This kind of information is rife in Instagram posts that have racked up thousands of likes and though these metrics clearly do not ensure quality of information, they are a measure of the popularity of the ideas contained the post. And so, the years go by, and masturbation stays subject to scrutiny.
There is no scientific evidence that confirms any of the negative effects associated with this practice of pleasure. Not even, for the popular myth that links the sexual activity to lower athletic performance. Masturbation has many physical, psychological and social benefits. Its increase in dopamine and oxytocin levels, with its resulting drop in cortisol, is probably the main one on a physical level, says Sergio Julve, educator and sex therapist. He adds, Undoubtedly, it is very important to know our own body to take advantage of pleasure beyond orgasm and, in addition, to be able to share such knowledge with sexual partners. It exercises the pelvic floor, which reduces erection difficulties and urinary incontinence. It strengthens our immune system. And it improves relationships with ones partner, contrary to what you might think.
Which begs the question, why are there still so many voices against the practice? Perhaps the answer can be found in the origins of these myths, which have more to do with morality than science. In ancient civilizations, male masturbation was considered a normal sexual activity. So much so, that, for example, one of the Egyptian creation myths involves the ejaculation of the god Atum. Considering that he was alone at the time, one does not have to speculate much to imagine how he managed to produce that semen.
But when sexual activity became limited to reproduction, all other kinds were at first considered a sin and later, a disease. From that point on, various ailments from the physical (upset stomach, vomit, weakness ) to mental (memory loss, attacks of rage, epilepsy), began to be associated with masturbation. The stage was set for todays Instagram chicanery. Julve adds to this, a capitalist component: In a consumerist society with strong religious customs and traditions, in addition to terrible education deficiencies in matters of sexuality, it makes a lot of sense that a method for pleasure, that is in addition free of charge, suffers from a bad reputation.
A simple search for the term NoFap on social networks like TikTok or Instagram brings back a multitude of results that advocate for the benefits of quitting masturbation: from having higher self-esteem and muscle growth to simply no longer being a loser. Fap is the onomatopoeia used in manga comics to describe the sound of male masturbation, and with the addition of No it becomes the name of a movement that emerged in 2011 to stop masturbation, mid-stroke.
It all began with a study that associated a lack of ejaculation with a rise in testosterone. In this study, which was based on a total of 28 human subjects, an elevated peak of the hormone was observed after the seventh day without ejaculating. After that, no further variation in hormonal levels was observed. And although there are several studies that associate sexual activity with increased testosterone, or that have simply failed to find a relationship between the two factors, the 28-person finding was enough to give rise to an entire movement against onanism. The greatest power that these groups exert is via suggestion, which is why education plays a fundamental role here, says Julve. There are two main kinds of profiles among NoFap fanatics: egomaniacs acting as leaders and people with very low self-esteem, feelings of guilt and emotional deficiencies.
Though men are the primary targets of the NoFap movement, you can also find some videos of women commenting on their experience of quitting masturbation. The evidence for the benefits behind their decision to no longer practice self-pleasure is the same as in the case of men: non-existent.
Masturbation could be considered a negative act when it is associated with obsessive compulsion, but in that case, what is negative isnt the practice itself, but rather, the addiction. This is not a question of quantity, but rather the attitude with which it is practiced. If masturbation is done out of need rather than a desire, the practice begins to separate from the pleasure of orgasm and become a technique for reducing anxiety. If not being able to self-pleasure in a specific moment makes a person more nervous or irritable, or if it begins to affect their everyday life these could be signs of possible problematic behavior.
At any rate, there is no information on how many people are addicted to masturbation, which suggests the problem is not wide-reaching. It is associated with pornography consumption, though it is similarly difficult to identify the percentage of individuals who practice a problematic use of sexually explicit content.
It is also important to keep in mind that what for some people can be beneficial, can be prejudicial for others. Everyone has a different sexuality and the need to generalize is akin to renouncing diversity. When it comes to addiction, a gradual reduction or adaptation of schedule and location may be sufficient, but in those cases, it is best to see a properly qualified professional before things get out of hand. Sexologists are no longer hard to find, says Julve.
Arola Poch is a psychologist at the University of Barcelona, has a degree in audiovisual communication from the Open University of Catalonia, and one in sexology from Camilo Jos Cela University. She is an expert in sex education and outreach, and has published various books. She provides sexology and couples therapy.
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Originally posted here:
Ditch masturbation to up your testosterone? New myths about a safe and healthy practice - EL PAS USA
Theres a huge difference between anabolic steroidswhich are common in the bodybuilding communityand TRT prescribed by a doctor to treat clinically low testosterone.
Anabolic steroids typically contain high doses of unmonitored hormoneslike testosterone or trenbolonewhich are used for extreme muscle building (1). TRT is exogenous testosterone (testosterone administered to top up what your body is producing) that is prescribed and monitored by a physician to men to treat symptoms of low testosterone, like fatigue, low libido, muscle loss, and depression.
Testosterone addiction most commonly involves anabolic steroids. Regularly abusing them can lead to addiction (2). According to the Addiction Center, anabolic steroids are very addictive because a high dose can provide quicker and more dramatic aesthetic results. And quitting steroids is harder than stopping TRTgoing cold turkey after taking huge doses of testosterone can squash your energy levels and may even lead to depression (2).
As long as you take your TRT as directed by a medical professional, the likelihood of becoming addicted is low, says hormone specialist Jim Staheli, D.O. However, in rare cases, testosterone (TRT) can also be abused if used improperly or excessivelyfor example, injecting yourself more frequently than prescribed or doubling your dose.
Inappropriate use of testosterone may lead to heightened psychological and physiological effects (such as extreme muscle development and aggression) (3, 4), he says. These outcomes can lull users into addictive substance abuse and physically harmful consequences.
Read this article:
Is Testosterone Addictive? A Hormone Expert Explains - The Edge
Taking testosterone may increase the risk of atrial fibrillation in individuals with an existing predisposition
People using anabolic steroids could be increasing their underlying risk of a heart condition called atrial fibrillation, a new study has found.
The new research published in the Journal of Physiology conducted by an interdisciplinary consortium of clinicians and researchers led by University of Birmingham and collaborators in Germany.
The team found that male sex hormones, such as testosterone, also called androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS), which are misused for muscle building particularly among in young men can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation in individuals genetically predisposed to heart diseases.
Dr Laura Sommerfeld, Postdoctoral Researcher at the UKE Hamburg, who completed her PhD at the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences at the University of Birmingham focusing on this work is lead author of the study.
Dr Sommerfeld said: Our study can significantly contribute to understanding the impact on the heart health of young men who misuse anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass.
"Recent reports have shown that young men in particular are being targeted on social media such as TikTok being sold testosterone products, but we have shown how the misuse of steroids carries a specific risk that many people will not be aware of.
Our study can significantly contribute to understanding the impact on the heart health of young men who misuse anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass
Professor Larissa Fabritz, Chair of Inherited Cardiac Conditions at UKE Hamburg and Honorary Chair in the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences at the University of Birmingham added:
Heart muscle diseases like ARVC affect young, athletic individuals and can lead to life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances. Atrial fibrillation is a common condition in the general population. Elevated testosterone levels can result in an earlier onset of these diseases.
The scientists examined potential effects on a condition called arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), which is genetically determined and primarily attributed to disruptions in the formation of cell connections critical for heart muscle stability.
The scientists initially confirmed, based on clinical patient data from UHB and elsewhere, that ARVC occurs more frequently and severely in men than in women.
In laboratory experiments, they discovered that six weeks of AAS intake, combined with impaired cell connections, could lead to reduced sodium channel function in heart tissue and a slowing of signal conduction within the atria.
Dr Andrew Holmes, co-author and Assistant Professor in the Institute of Clinical Sciences at the University of Birmingham said:
"This work implies that young male individuals with key inherited genetic changes have a greater risk of developing electrical problems in the heart in response to anabolic steroid abuse."
Excerpt from:
Anabolic steroid use can increase heart disease risk - University of Birmingham
In recent years, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been considered a potential treatment for hypogonadism, a condition characterized by low production of the male hormone testosterone. Some studies suggested that TRT could possibly slow the progression of prediabetes or diabetes. However, recent research contradicts these assumptions, finding no evidence that TRT benefits metabolic health in men with hypogonadism.
Published in JAMA Internal Medicine, the study evaluated whether TRT could prevent progression from prediabetes to diabetes or improve glycemic control among those already diagnosed with diabetes. The study involved 5204 participants with hypogonadism across 316 trial sites. The results were clear: there was no difference in the progression to diabetes between the testosterone and placebo groups. Furthermore, there were no differences in glycemic improvement among men with diabetes.
Another significant study, the TRAVERSE Diabetes Study, produced similar findings. The study showed that TRT for men with hypogonadism and prediabetes is not associated with a significantly lower rate of progression to diabetes. The research found no significant differences in terms of glycemic remission and the changes in glucose and A1c levels between the testosterone- and placebo-treated men with prediabetes or diabetes.
The findings of the TRAVERSE randomized trial suggest that TRT alone should not be used as a therapeutic intervention to prevent or treat diabetes in men with hypogonadism. These findings could be pivotal in weighing the potential benefits of TRT in middle-aged and older men with hypogonadism who have prediabetes or diabetes.
A substudy of the TRAVERSE trial found that TRT does not increase the risk for cardiovascular events, fracture, or prostate cancer, and may only improve anemia, but not cognitive function. According to the research, the only indication for TRT in men with hypogonadism remains treatment of bothersome symptoms of hypogonadism, generally sexual dysfunction.
In conclusion, these studies highlight the importance of careful consideration before prescribing TRT for the management of prediabetes or diabetes in men with hypogonadism. The findings suggest that TRT does not slow the progression of these conditions, nor does it significantly improve glycemic control. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to make informed decisions based on the latest research when considering different treatment options.
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Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and Diabetes: What Recent Research Reveals - Medriva
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a commonly sought treatment for men suffering from hypogonadism, a condition characterized by low levels of testosterone. While TRT has been linked to various benefits including increased sex drive, improved bone density and muscle mass, and alleviation of hypogonadism symptoms, recent studies challenge the belief that TRT can play a role in preventing the progression of prediabetes or diabetes in these men.
The TRAVERSE Diabetes Study, a comprehensive research endeavor involving 5204 participants across 316 trial sites, has provided crucial insights into the effectiveness of TRT for metabolic health. The primary aim of the study was to explore whether TRT could halt the progression from prediabetes to diabetes or enhance glycemic control among those already diagnosed with diabetes.
Contrary to previous evidence, the study found that TRT did not significantly affect the risk for progression to diabetes, glycemic remission, or changes in glucose and A1c levels. Furthermore, the progression to diabetes did not differ between groups, and no significant differences were observed in glycemic improvement among men with diabetes.
This indicates that while TRT may be beneficial in treating the symptoms of hypogonadism and improving overall quality of life, it does not appear to have metabolic benefits. As such, the authors of the study concluded that TRT should not be used as a singular therapeutic intervention to prevent or treat diabetes in men with hypogonadism.
Interestingly, the study also highlighted the high rates of testosterone use, even in the absence of proven metabolic benefits. This suggests that men and healthcare providers may need to reassess the use of TRT, particularly if the primary goal is to prevent or manage diabetes. Moreover, it underscores the importance of holistic treatment plans that encompass lifestyle changes and other medical interventions.
While TRT may not be effective in preventing diabetes progression, it is important to note its role in managing male fertility in hypogonadal patients. Testosterone plays a key role in regulating body functions in men. However, traditional TRT can have negative effects on male fertility. Recent advances in research have shed light on new methods of administration and the usage of ancillary medications to maintain fertility in hypogonadal patients.
TRT can be administered in various forms such as gel, injections, patches, buccal patches, capsules, nasal gel, and pellets. Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of administration should be tailored to the individuals needs and lifestyle. As with any medical intervention, the potential benefits and risks must be weighed carefully.
In conclusion, while TRT can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for men with hypogonadism, it does not show any significant benefit in slowing the progression of prediabetes or diabetes. It is essential for healthcare providers to convey this to patients and to develop comprehensive treatment plans that address the patients overall health and wellbeing.
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Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and Diabetes: What You Need to Know - Medriva