Find out, not fictional, but real reasons why athletes have a hormonal system failure and what role anabolic steroids play in this matter. Hormones in the human body regulate the activity of all body systems. This suggests that disturbances in the work of the endocrine system can lead to the most serious consequences. Today we will look at the main causes of hormonal disruption in athletes. Scientists are confident that the normal functioning of the endocrine organs is the key to longevity.
In the male body, the main hormones are androgens synthesized by the testicles. It is these substances that form the secondary genital organs, ensure the growth of muscle tissue, etc. The work of the gonads is regulated by a special hypothalamic-pituitary system. Of course, the causes of hormonal disruption in athletes can be different, but most often anabolic steroids are the culprit. After completing the AAS course, a number of problems are possible, in particular, a decrease in libido.
A drop in libido after a course of AAS: causes of hormonal disruption
You are probably wondering why we focus on steroids? It's very simple, because every athlete who wants to achieve high results uses them. Otherwise, one cannot count on high places. Steroid courses can not only help athletes improve athletic performance, but also cause a number of side effects. One of the most common are gynecomastia and decreased libido after a cycle.
If the first negative effect can be eliminated at the inception stage with the help of special drugs of the antiestrogen group, then the second is more complicated. At first glance, this may not seem logical, because AAS is designed to increase the concentration of testosterone, which is responsible for libido. This is exactly what happens on the course, but after the cessation of the introduction of exogenous hormones, the situation changes. Let's look at all the causes of hormonal disruption in athletes after a course of AAS.
Many athletes are sure that a drop in sexual desire after a course is normal, and may even not pay attention to it. More important for them is the appearance of this unpleasant moment during the use of steroids. One can agree with this, but only partially. When a similar situation arises, you need to pay attention to those drugs that are used by the athlete. Here are the main causes of hormonal disruption in athletes, leading to a drop in libido and a deterioration in erection:
- Wrong combination of drugs - it's no secret that combined courses are more effective than solo courses. However, if the drugs were not selected correctly, there may be problems with the concentration of the male hormone, leading to impotence.
- Using high dosages - this applies to some drugs that must be taken in strictly defined dosages.
- Poor blood supply to the pelvic organs - Steroids are not always the cause of a drop in sexual desire. For example, the structural features of the pelvis can slow down blood flow, which will lead to negative consequences.
- Chronic ailments - after passing a general blood test, this problem can be deleted from the list.
- High concentration of prolactin - can lead not only to a temporary decrease in libido, but also to the development of impotence.
Quite often, the main reason for the fall in sexual desire is the drug - nandrolone decanoate. Among athletes, this steroid is called deca. In the field of sports medicine, there is even a special concept of "deca-dik", which means a decrease in male sexual activity and the presence of problems with erection. We will talk about it below. The situation can be corrected by special drugs that accelerate the synthesis of the male hormone - testosterone boosters, for example, tribulus.
Another reason for hormonal disruption in athletes may be a decrease in the concentration of luteinizing hormone. It is this substance that regulates testosterone synthesis in the male body. In addition, on the course of AAS, which includes aromatizable drugs, the concentration of estrogen increases, which also leads to disruption of the endocrine system. Do not forget about the banal overwork of the nervous system, which is quite possible with heavy training.
It is quite obvious that any athlete faced with the problems described above strives to restore the body's work as quickly as possible. The desire is correct, but its realization sometimes turns out to be wrong. When libido falls, novice athletes begin to actively use drugs that affect the work of the hypothalamic-pituitary system. However, first of all, it is necessary to complete the course, gradually reducing the dosage of AAS. I would like to note that athletes who do not have a lot of experience using steroids will find it much easier to recover.
Deca-dik: causes and remedies
Deca-dik is a fairly common phenomenon among athletes. The main reason for its appearance is a sharp increase in the concentration of the hormone prolactin. In the female body, this substance is responsible for the growth of the mammary glands. Scientists have not yet established exactly why a man needs prolactin. Some doctors are sure that the hormone is evil for the male body, while others assume that at normal concentration there will be no harm.
So far, we can only say with complete confidence that the concentration of prolactin affects the production of luteinizing hormone. Using drugs with progestogenic activity (nandrolone and trenbolone), it is necessary to take special medications that affect dopamine receptors. In sports, dostinex is most often used to solve this problem.
It is also worth undergoing a medical examination in order to identify violations in the work of the hormonal system. Do not forget that any drug, including Dostinex, has a number of side effects and must be taken in accordance with the instructions. Also, the reason for the development of deca-dik may be a high level of globulin. This protein compound binds sex hormones, including testosterone. As a result, these substances become inactive and cannot do their job.
Hormonal disruption in athletes: causes and symptoms
We have now looked at the possible problems associated with taking steroids. However, disturbances in the work of the endocrine system can arise not only because of this. The sex glands are most active during puberty. By about 17-20 years, the work of the endocrine system is normalized and remains so for about ten years. Beginning in their 30s, most men experience a decrease in testosterone production by an average of one and a half percent each year.
Speaking about the causes of hormonal disruption in athletes, it is necessary to remember about the characteristics of the body of each person. The base concentration of testosterone differs for each man and this indicator depends on several factors:
- Health status.
- The presence or absence of chronic ailments.
- The type of sexual constitution.
As a result, androgen activity can be manifested already at a relatively early age, while in other men, a high concentration of testosterone can persist into old age. Let's point out the main causes of hormonal disruption in athletes:
- Genetic abnormalities of the gonads.
- Various hereditary factors.
- Acquired pathologies of the gonads and organs.
- Chronic and acute intoxication.
- Ailments of an infectious nature.
- Tumor neoplasms.
- Ecological situation.
- Passive lifestyle.
- Mechanical damage to the testicles.
You should draw your attention to the fact that scientists classify the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, testicles, adrenal glands as the organs of the endocrine system of men. If there are problems with the work of at least one of them, then the activity of the entire hormonal system is disrupted. The health of the kidneys and the liver is also of great importance, since these organs are actively involved in the metabolism of hormones and their utilization.
One of the reasons for the low level of androgens can be toxic damage to the body, caused by the peculiarities of work and the presence of bad habits. Problems are also possible with an illiterately composed diet. Certain foods can decrease the rate of testosterone production. For example, more and more scientists are talking about a rather high danger of beer for men. This is due to the presence in the drink of a large amount of phytoestrogens, which are analogs of female hormones.
Endocrine system problems can arise not only with age. For example, frequent lack of sleep, severe stress and overwork can cause a drop in libido. Certain medications can also interfere with hormone production, such as those used to treat ulcers. Overheating of the testicles is the final cause of hormonal disruption in athletes, which is not related to age. The testicles are able to function normally at a temperature of about 33.5 degrees. Overheating of organs leads to problems with androgen synthesis.
Speaking about the causes of disruption of the endocrine system, the most common symptoms should be noted:
- Falling stamina.
- General malaise.
- High irritability.
- Frequent depression.
- Panic attacks appear.
- Decrease in muscle mass.
- An increase in the number of adipose tissues in the abdominal region.
- Pain in the muscles (myalgia).
- Problems with the quality of hair and skin.
Most often, problems in the work of the endocrine system are accompanied by a drop in libido and a deterioration in erection. Hormonal disruptions in the male body may be the result of problems with the work of the heart muscle and the vascular system, diabetes, and nervous disorders. You should be aware that estrogens are also present in the male body. Sexual attraction also depends on the concentration of these substances. Moreover, problems with libido can be, both with a low level of estrogen, and a high one.
If you find yourself with symptoms of endocrine disruption, then you should not self-medicate. Be sure to visit a specialist and get tested. Based on its results, you can prescribe the appropriate therapy. Actions taken independently can only aggravate the situation.
