This article focuses on the problem of testicular atrophy, which can occur after an incorrectly administered course of steroids. Testicular atrophy (testicular atrophy) is a condition in which the sex glands of men are significantly reduced in size. At the same time, they cease to fulfill their role, namely, to synthesize testosterone and sperm.
If a normally functioning testicle in a healthy man has a volume of 17 to 18 cubic centimeters, then an atrophied testicle is less than six cubic centimeters. With the use of overestimated dosages of steroid drugs, testicular atrophy on a course of steroids is possible.
Causes of testicular atrophy on a course of steroids
Having discovered a low content of hormones in the body, the hypothalamus begins to synthesize gonadotropin-releasing, which in turn stimulates gonadotropic receptors. This signals the pituitary gland to start producing luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones, which are classified as gonadotropic hormones.
The task of gonadotropic hormones is to activate the Leyding and Sertoli cells located in the testes. As a result, the sex glands begin to function.
At high doses of steroids, the hypothalamus decreases the production of gonadotropin-releasing, which as a result disrupts the entire chain described above. Thus, the synthesis of natural testosterone decreases or stops, which leads to the appearance of such a side effect as testicular atrophy on a course of steroids.
This can be avoided by using gonadotropin during the steroid cycle. For this, only 250 IU of the drug should be used per week.
Signs of testicular atrophy
- Decrease in the size of the testicles;
- Due to a drop in the synthesis of natural testosterone, the athlete's general condition worsens, performance, libido decreases, erectile function is impaired, etc.;
- The amount of sperm produced by the body decreases.
Post-course rehabilitation to solve the problem of atrophy
As already mentioned above, post-cycle rehabilitation is necessary to restore the normal functioning of the physiological axis of the hypothalamus-pituitary-testicles. It should be said right away that testicular atrophy on a course of steroids can occur only as a result of the use of steroid drugs that can aromatize.
Their effect on the body can slow down the use of aromatase inhibitors to a certain extent, but they are not able to completely eliminate the possible consequences. This is due to the fact that the hypothalamus will begin to function normally only after gradual stimulation.
The hypothalamus contains a large number of neurons that are highly sensitive to steroid hormones, i.e. to those that cause suppression of the synthesis of gonadotropin-releasing. These neurons are called opioid peptides. Among them, three main ones can be distinguished: beta endorphin, enephalin and dynorphin.
Thus, when steroids reach the hypothalamus, they act on opioid peptides, thereby inhibiting the body's production of gonadotropin-releasing. This is due to the fact that gonadotropin-releasing does not possess receptors of the androgenic or estrogenic types.
If you do not take any measures for a long time, then testicular atrophy on a course of steroids can turn into hypogonadism, which cannot be cured. But it can be prevented. For this, as mentioned above, gonadotropin is used. Currently, there are many different drugs based on this hormone. If the course includes more than one anabolic drug, then you should start using gonadotropin from the second week of the cycle. This will prevent the onset of testicular atrophy.
Learn more about the problem of testicular atrophy on a steroid cycle from this video:
