Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) vs steroids for physical enhancement: any difference in side effects ?

[Aki]

TRT vs steroids for physical enhancement: any difference in side effects ?

Hi,

In my other thread in this subforum, I've talked about my low t-levels and about starting testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) (and have gotten some very helpful responses).

My question is, are their any differences between the side effects one might experience if doing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) with the aim of just maintaining the normal T-levels one needs to function properly and enjoy life (although I suppose "normal", "function properly" and "enjoy life" are a bit subjective) vs. using steroids for body building, performance enhancement, etc.?

The reasons I'm thinking it might be so (that is, in the case of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) the side effects may be less pronounced) are:

(1) In the former case the amount of substance intake might be less than the latter (I may be wrong here).

(2) A person undergoing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is just striving to achieve normal levels of testosterone which the human body is more capable of handling, compared to trying to stay on the "cutting edge" as in the case of someone seeking to maximise performance/muscle growth etc. which is more likely to elicit a negative response from the body.

Any thoughts, facts or opinions?

Aki

 

[dfeaton]

Yes, the amount of test you use for Trt is usually a lot less than someone on cycle. You can also make good physical change on a Trt dose.

 

[THE-DET-OAK]

The important difference to notice here is, someone with abnormally low T levels will make gains from optimizing testosterone to the eugonadal range, if one had healthy T levels to begin with, well then it would probably take substantially more.

 

[Aki]

dfeaton and THE-DET-OAK

Thanks for the replies. So would you say that the severity of side effects the case of someone getting testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to reach the eugonadal range is likely to be less compared to someone already in the eugonadal taking steroids to go beyond that?

 

[Bullseye Forever]

you will have less side effects on a testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) dose vs a cycle Test dose

 

[dfeaton]

dfeaton and THE-DET-OAK

Thanks for the replies. So would you say that the severity of side effects the case of someone getting testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to reach the eugonadal range is likely to be less compared to someone already in the eugonadal taking steroids to go beyond that?

Yes, but as with anything there are variables that will affect the way that an individual’s body responds to the amount of test they are taking ect....

Some will respond well with taking 100mg/week others may have to take 150mg/week to get the same result in bloodwork test levels. Some can get huge amounts of acne on very low dose of test others can take a shit load & not get a pimple...can go on & on

 

[Bullseye Forever]

Yes, but as with anything there are variables that will affect the way that an individual’s body responds to the amount of test they are taking ect....

Some will respond well with taking 100mg/week others may have to take 150mg/week to get the same result in bloodwork test levels. Some can get huge amounts of acne on very low dose of test others can take a shit load & not get a pimple...can go on & on

good point thats why every endo should consider not putting everyman on the same dose of trt,not all men are alike

 

[dfeaton]

good point thats why every endo should consider not putting everyman on the same dose of trt,not all men are alike

Exactly Big Man!