When you hear the term “testosterone,” images of drug abuse and unhealthy steroids immediately come to mind. The truth is that testosterone is one of our most important hormones. Abusing testosterone through various methods can cause health problems. According to Fox360, testosterone is a hormone that has many valuable functions.
Testosterone Drugs Are Not Illegal
Many people believe that drugs containing testosterone are illegal. Doctors can prescribe testosterone pills and supplements to treat a variety of conditions. The use of testosterone is legal, and it is essential. Testosterone levels are a factor in the development of the male sex organs. It is also crucial during puberty. Testosterone is responsible for the many physical changes that occur in men during puberty. The hormone testosterone is also involved in sperm production and facilitating erection. Among other functions, it is also responsible for sexual desire. Although testosterone is illegal, you can obtain it without a prescription.
Testosterone Is Dangerous
This myth has its origins in the steroidal nature of testosterone. However, the fact that testosterone can be used as a steroid does not make it dangerous. There are many natural steroids in the human body. Although the term “steroid” may sound risky to the layman, it is a molecule that has a carbon nucleus and four fused rings. Steroids include estrogen and cholesterol. Steroids are illegal and dangerous, but this myth has its roots in sports, where the term steroid can refer to a completely different substance. A steroid in sports is an “anabolic steroid hormone” that helps build muscle and bone. High amounts of testosterone are harmless.
Testosterone Drugs Cause Violent Behavior
The myth that testosterone causes aggressive behavior is very dangerous. Some people who take testosterone supplements may experience uncontrollable changes in behavior. Numerous studies have shown that drug treatment with testosterone does not cause violent behavior. It is important to know that a lower than average testosterone level can lead to anger and irritability. An average testosterone level will lead to a significant improvement in your condition. The opposite is true. Low testosterone is not the cause of behavioral changes.
Testosterone Can Lead to Baldness
High testosterone can lead to baldness, and increased testosterone can lead to baldness. Baldness in men is associated with higher levels of testosterone in the body. Indeed, both men with a full head of hair and those with little or no hair have the same testosterone levels. Hair loss is promoted by higher levels of dihydrotestosterone in the body. It is the testosterone that converts to DHT. It is genes, not testosterone, that are responsible for hair loss. Regardless of how high your testosterone levels are, hair loss will occur whether you have high or low levels.
Testosterone Doesn’t Cause Prostate Cancer
One of the most severe accusations against testosterone is that high testosterone levels can lead to prostate cancer. High or low testosterone levels are not the cause of prostate cancer. Men who receive testosterone do not have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. However, there is a convergence of fact and myth. Castrated men with high testosterone levels have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.