Testosterone effect on Creativity

[drumandbass]

I am a musician first and a bodybuilder second. When on Test cycle, I feel more productive, positive, calm etc etc, BUT I think that my emotions are slightly 'flattened' or numbed. When off cycle, although I am not depressed, I do seem to have more moments off 'sadness' 'reflection', as well as more intense feelings of inspiration, empathy, 'joy' etc.

Do any of you (also guys that have jumped on TRT would be interesting to hear your input), feel that with a steady stream of Test in your blood, as opposed to the body's natural rhythm of peaks and troughs of Test, that you have less creative inspiration, emotional content or empathy?

I would be fascinated to hear any accounts from artists or musicians, too.
Many thanks

 

[zedhed]

On TRT.
I know that I am not nearly as emotional on TRT as I was prior to being on it. However I do not feel that this has carry over to my capacity for empathy toward other beings.

 

[drumandbass]

Zedhed, thanks.

I don't want to turn this into an ethical debate, but do you ever feel uneasy with having over-ridden your bodies natural emotional dynamics? Or are you pretty relaxed about it? I'm guessing your view will probably be that it's better than having the side's of low test...

 

[pendit]

I had a hard time deciding how to tell the wife about the TRT. Everyone's head is so full of BS in regards to testosterone, I didn't know how she'd take the news. I ended up starting the TRT and kept it a secret for 3 months hoping it would help the problems I was experiencing due to low T. I found myself becoming much calmer, more focused, almost never irritated.

One day, I asked my wife if she noticed anything different about me. She said, "no." I started asking her if she noticed me being more calm, less irritated, etc. She thought about it for a few and then agreed that I was much different. She would even try starting a fight with me just to see how I'd react. HAHAHA, I wouldn't even get upset.

I had to come off due to financial reasons. My mood swings and irritation are coming back a little, but they aren't as bad as before. My wife has noticed the change and can't wait till I start pinning again.

I understand what you mean by 'flattened' emotions. There were times where I was almost too calm. My emotions were certainly muted, but in my case that's a good thing. The positive emotions were still there, just not as outwardly expressed as usual. I still felt good and had a lot of energy. My brain function was improved, but I don't remember being more or less creative. I'll keep an eye on that once I get back on...

 

[zedhed]

For my lifestyle you are correct. I hate the fact that middle age men in this country look so abysmally bad! I despize this. From the back it is difficult to tell men from women in the over 40 crowd and that is rediculous to me.
From my late 20s on to the time that I got on TRT, late 40s, I worked out hard with the weights. I couldnt figure out why I didnt look like it. Then got my test checked and it was like turning on a light switch.
I have no regres what-so-ever.
I feel gr8. I am looking better month by month. My sex life is wonderful and my wife would tell you the same about hers.
So whats not to like?
I feel that if we have the capability to increase our capacity for life then why not take full advantage of that?
I also feel that any man that has low test is seriously cheating himself and his spouse if he does not take the trouble to remedy that situation.
Not only have I improved my sex life and all that goes along with that, but my wife feels like she still has all of the value that goes along with that. I strongly feel that the act of sex is good medicine for both of us, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Now I know that not all guyz are as blessed as I have been with TRT and that they have to go through trial and error to find what works for them. But overall I strongly believe it is a total winner with ns uneasy feelings or regrets.

 

[drumandbass]

Thanks guys, great responses.

Personally, when on Test, I feel like the 'alpha' male in me is far more pronounced. Better business decisions, more confident and assertive, better sex, less stress and anxiety.

However, I feel that the creative and sensitive side of me takes a hit. For someone not interested in creative pursuits (ie a ruthless businessman!), I can understand that this would be a moot point. For me however, I feel slightly uneasy knowing that I am not fully intact with my emotions, both positive and negative, especially when trying to appreciate music. I imagine maybe it would be the same for a painter, or a sculptor etc.

Just some food for thought...

 

[Nelson Montana]

My main career for years was that as a musician -- which I still do -- compose arrange, orchestrate and play 9 instruments. I also produce, engineer, write, draw and paint. And I'm on HRT.

I can honestly say I've never noticed any impact on creativity.

My guess is you're over-thinking it and that's what's causing the blockage.

 

[drumandbass]

Wow Nelson, awesome to get some input from someone with such an artistic and creative lifestyle.

And I take what you say into consideration.. your right, I am analysing it deeply I can't help but consider the effect of exogenous Test on dopamine/serotonin levels etc. Of course, I know that whilst HRT/Test usage CAN change your life/lifestyle and THIS may have an effect on your artistic output.. I'm more concerned with the actual chemical function of the brain and emotion that could change the artist in you...

But it seems like your a happy guy with your HRT and artistic endeavours, for which I salute you

 

[zedhed]

Dam Nelson little bit of overachiever in ya good bro!

 

[NoControl]

Wow Nelson, awesome to get some input from someone with such an artistic and creative lifestyle.

And I take what you say into consideration.. your right, I am analysing it deeply I can't help but consider the effect of exogenous Test on dopamine/serotonin levels etc. Of course, I know that whilst HRT/Test usage CAN change your life/lifestyle and THIS may have an effect on your artistic output.. I'm more concerned with the actual chemical function of the brain and emotion that could change the artist in you...

But it seems like your a happy guy with your HRT and artistic endeavours, for which I salute you

You're a drum n bass producer I assume. Maybe get a bit more Current Value and a bit less Pendulum

Try to approach creativity differently. Bring the alpha male into your music and express how you feel through it..... After all, that's what music is about. How you feel. Maybe you haven't really stopped to analyze that enough.