Attempting TRT to Build Muscle
Side Effects Include Testicular Shrinkage and Reduced Sperm Count
May Lead to Stroke and Heart Attack
Experts Advise “Consult a Doctor and Use Only for Medical Purposes”
The stories of three American men who experienced side effects after attempting Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) to build a muscular body have been revealed.
Recently, the New York Post reported on the story of Conran Paul (26), the founder of a protein supplement company in the United States. Paul explained, "Since I was young, I wanted to look like athletes who compete in fitness competitions," and "there was a limit to just exercising, so I tried TRT." TRT is a therapy developed for men with low levels of the male hormone testosterone. It involves injecting compounds that regulate male hormones such as testosterone through injections, skin creams, patches, or pills. It is effective in increasing muscle size. However, Paul confessed that he regrets choosing TRT. He said, "Due to TRT, my endocrine system was damaged at age 22, and my testosterone level dropped from 450 ng/dL to 64 ng/dL," adding, "I regret using it without receiving proper education about TRT."
Dan Nolan, a lawyer from Florida, also admitted to side effects. He said, "After starting TRT, I saw incredible results," and "in just one month, my confidence increased, I was not tired, and my muscle mass also increased." However, he stopped the injections last August. Nolan explained, "After stopping the injections, I lost muscle and was constantly tired," and "I stopped because I felt I would become addicted and unable to live without TRT if I continued." Adam Katz (24), a man living in Arizona, confessed to addiction symptoms. Katz started exercising at age 14 but could not achieve the desired body, so he tried TRT at 21. Katz said, "Through TRT, I was able to build a stronger and bigger body," and "I have no intention of stopping TRT because I do not want to return to my original body, and I plan to use it for life."
Before (left) and after Dan Nollan, a Florida attorney in the United States, attempted TRT. New York Post
As such, TRT helps increase muscle size in a short period but has various side effects. When TRT is discontinued, testosterone levels can drop sharply, and metabolism may be suppressed, preventing hormone levels from returning to their previous state. Testosterone is a hormone that plays an important role in ▲sperm production ▲libido ▲hair growth ▲bone and muscle strengthening. Low levels cause symptoms such as ▲increased body fat ▲decreased libido ▲erectile dysfunction ▲reduced physical strength.
Experts emphasize, "TRT must be used under the diagnosis and management of medical professionals and should not be abused simply for body building purposes." Theodore Strange, an internist at Staten Island University Hospital in the United States, said, "If you want to undergo TRT, it should be done for medical purposes after consulting a doctor," warning, "Using it just because a friend recommended it or for muscle building can cause various side effects." Dr. Strange listed side effects of TRT such as ▲testicular shrinkage ▲reduced sperm count ▲acne ▲blood clots, and stated, "If addicted, it can lead to stroke and heart attack." He also added, "When TRT is stopped, the body's natural ability to produce testosterone is impaired," and "it is difficult to quit TRT because hormone levels are maintained through it."
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