Does exogenous testosterone have an effect on plasma cortisol levels?

[Mkingo]

Gents,

Does anyone know if the use of exogenous testosterone has an effect on plasma cortisol levels? Specifically, does it reduce cortisol levels in those people who have overt levels of stress and consequently higher than normal levels of cortisol?

I have been reading a bit about the inverse relationship between endogenous testosterone and cortisol: as stressful lives increase cortisol, endogenous testosterone levels go down resulting in lower levels of muscle mass, increased belly fat and a whole host of health issues. This book does not mention the use of exogenous testosterone.

My question is this: does the inverse relationship between cortisol and testosterone hold when using exogenous test? Does the use of exogenous test reduce serum cortisol, and also fix the health issues associated with high cortisol and low test?

Any insights would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[stevesmi]

yes. that is one of the benefits that makes it easier to build muscle.. after a workout your muscles are preserved and not bashed in

this is why guys who are juiced up can workout everyday hard

 

[Mkingo]

Thanks Steve,

Ya know, I started using test just to improve my lifting, but it has really helped me in so many facets of my health that I didn't anticipate. Reading about the effects of stress and cortisol recently has really reminded me of how my health has improved in some unexpected ways as a result of AAS use. Test in particular.

2 years ago, before I started using aas, I had all the symptoms of a high stress life, the "out of wack" cortisol levels that come with it and the consequent health issues:

- I would struggle to get to sleep, then I would wake in the morning feeling like shit. Just unrested.
- I felt tired all the time.
- I would catch a cold or flu if someone looked sideways at me. I was always sick with something.
- I had a "spare tyre" around the gut, despite following a clean diet and exercising.
- my lifts were not increasing despite training well.
- my libido was shot. No issues getting wood, just not interested in sex.
- m blood work looked like shit: elevated LFT, bad lipid profile, deficient in a range of nutrients. The list goes on. This was probably the most shocking as I don't drink and I have a very good, clean diet.

I would put these issues down to working too much and suffering too much corrosive, toxic stress. Based on my reading on the effects of stress and cortisol, I think that was probably quite true.

Today, all of this has changed. In fact I would say each and every point I mentioned above is reversed. Really the only thing that has changed is my Test use. I still work 65 hours per week, but I sleep well, I have energy, the spare tyre is gone and I can see abs again. My lifts have gone through the roof. As for libido, well let's just say there are no issues there at all any more.

The only thing that has changed is my use of AAS, specifically testosterone. My diet is the same. My training is basically the same, although I have been able to move it up a few niches as I have more energy. My job is still stressful as he'll and involves a lot of long hours.

The last 2 years have really taught me just how toxic stress and cortisol can be, and how beneficial the responsible use of testosterone can be for my health and well being.

I have to emphasise the responsible part of course!

My only regret is not getting myself tested for low test and effectively self medicating.

To any bros out there who are suffering the symptoms I used to, I would strongly suggest that you go get your testosterone tested, and if you are low, get on TRT. Your health and well being will improve in ways you probably can't imagine now, and it will benefit not only you, but also all those around you.

 

[Mkingo]

Oh and of course the 30lb of muscle I have gained is a nice thing too! Only downside has been the need to replace all my shirts as I can't fit into the old ones!

 

[stevesmi]

youtube the video about steroids I think from the natgeo and it explains it

 

[25homes]

Very interesting info here. . Makes since great thread OP