posted 02-24-2003 09:40 PM              

Regarding, increasing your bodies own natural testosterone levels, there a a few possible ways.

First, tribulis is an extract that you can buy OTC. It supposedly increases LH, which then increases testosterone production in the testes. If this really works, it would be considered relatively safe as the testicles are what causes the increased T.

I've heard that Nettle extract (OTC) can bind to SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin). SHBG is what can bind to testosterone, rendering it ineffective.
If Nettle works, it could increase FREE T levels, which is what actually does the work (it's free and not bound to SHBG).

Zinc has been shown to help increase T levels (not sure how) and is generally good for the prostate and male reproductive system.

Briefly, I'll tell you two pharma products that can increase T levels.

1) Clomid (yes it can be used by men). Do a Clomid for men internet search. Clomid boosts LH and therefore T. (I would say this is the safest and most effective for boosting natural T production). But go learn about it.

posted 02-24-2003 09:45 PM              

This will inhibit your LH secretion, and therefore the testicles won't be told to make T. (the body already shows T in the system).

This is why it can be dangerous to inject T or forms of T. Your balls will shut down. Also, your sperm production will drop.

Although T is needed to produce sperm, the T must be LOCALLY produced by the testes for sperm production to occur.

NOTE: Bodybuilders will take Clomid during a cycle to keep some natural T production. Then hcg to really "jump start" the balls again after the cycle.

I wouldn't do T injections unless I was T deficient.
Too risky and too much to worry about.

Also, Arimidex and Nolvadex are estrogen blockers. This will keep T conversion to E from either happening at all (Arimidex) or from effecting the body (Nolvadex - Tamoxifen).

FYI

posted 02-26-2003 11:23 AM            

is it safe to take clomid long term? is it cycled?

i've tried tribulis and nettle, didn't do anything. i take zinc too, no change.

posted 02-26-2003 02:27 PM            

How do you know nettle did nothing? You felt nothing or ur testosterone as tested by the lab did not go up ?
I am curious, because in many tests it was shown to have benefits for the prostate and other bodily functions. It is the stinging nettle root that contains the stuff that helps. I also know poeple that swear on the tea of the leaves.

When cooked the leaves taste similar to spinach and are very healthy. Anyhow I certainly does NOT fall into the category of Viagra nor is it intended to.

posted 02-26-2003 08:51 PM              

I've heard that Tribulus increases LH and therefore T production by the tesiticles. It's possible that with a general increase in T, there would be more T converted to DHT. Don't know really.

Regarding the Clomid. Women have only used it for a few days during the month. This is because when they use it for fertility they are simply trying to increase FSH at specific times during the cycle.

Men that present with low sperm count attributable to low testosterone production in the testicles have taken it safely for up to 6 months. The reason men take it consistently and for longer periods of time is because the sperm production cycle is like 72 days. So what you do today won't have an impact on sperm for 72 dayd. But it will immediately boost you're T in a pretty natural way.

If you're concerned about T conversion to DHT, finasteride (Propecia etc.) will block T conversion to DHT.

posted 02-27-2003 03:40 PM            

hcg will deffinitely make your body produce more Test. This will ultimately wear off after a couple of weeks. Also, hcg is a fertility drug. Not only for men, but when sperm is discharged into a woman, either orally or vaginally, it will make her more fertile too.

It depends what you are trying to accomplish by raising your Testosterone levels. If you are looking for increased labido....you betcha. I have been on Test for over 2 years, my testosterone count is between 3,000 and 5,000. I do take a drug to lower my Estrogen level. I took Arimedex, now I take Femara. (Same thing, Arimidex decreases Human Growth Hormone).

I take steroids because I'm a body builder. I was horny all the time before taking any T. Now, I'm horny 24/7.

Taking Testosterone isn't neccessarily as dangerous as you think. However, everyone needs to be physically and mentally prepared when they take any drug. Understanding the changes your body goes through is very important. Any radical change in your bodies hormones has an effect on your physchie (sp?), and you need to be prepared to deal with those effects.

There is also Test. Gel. Andro Gel 1 or 2%. It's absorbed through your skin. Works very well, but you need to tripple the reccomended dose to really notice any change.

If you are going to inject a syringe into any part of your body, make sure someone teaches you how (preferably a Doctor). You can hurt yourself, or worse if you don't know what your doing. Also, there are many different types of Test. Testosterone Cypionate and Propionate wil have the best reactions. Cyp is longer lasting, and requires fewer injections. It comes in 200 mg/cc. So 1 shot a week would probably boost labido. Prop needs a shot every other day.

posted 02-27-2003 07:55 PM              

Tell me about your cycle.
Please be as detailed as possible. By the way, the Femara is new to me. I've heard of Arimidex and Tamoxifen (Nolvadex), but not Femara.

posted 02-28-2003 09:49 AM            

I do ALL of my steroid use under the close supervision of a Dr. There are plenty of Doctors who will write prescriptions for Testosterone, HCG, Human Growth Hormone, etc. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. Steroids can damage your liver and kidney functions. Do not take oral steroids, they run through your liver and kidney twice, and do damage much quicker.

posted 02-28-2003 02:33 PM            

Tribulis has claims to raising testosterone - but I don't think it was ever proven in a scientific study with a control group, or even in animal tests. And the placebo effect is too strong to ignore when testing for endurance or strength gains of athletes.

regular guy. Interesting - that u are on T the whole time. I friend of mine was on T .He was totally horny for most weeks but then he would also have weeks where he was totally not horny and his girlfriend though he was cheating. Howmany guys do u think take testosterone for large parts of their lives. It would certainly be interesting to know.

To be honest I wish there was a testosterone without great side effects. Like females taking pills.
All those muscles and always horny. To bad that u loose it all or most of it when u go off again. That and what I have seen it do to some guys , I just know I will not take it.

posted 02-28-2003 03:27 PM              

Also, I'm suprised at the lenght of time on vs. time off.

Has the doctor ever suggested going off and taking hcg? It sounds like you plan to, but has he suggested it more frequently?

By the way, I was just curious in general. It's an interesting topic to me although I've never done a cycle etc.

How do you feel? How much has it helped with your gains/maintenance? What have been the bad side effects, if any?

posted 03-17-2003 08:57 AM            

I've read through this interesting thread but I am still unsure about one thing: When taking Test. or any other product (Nettles, Tribulis, etc.) that "unnaturally" increases Test., is it the case that the body will compensate by decreasing the amount of Test. naturally produced? If so, what can be taken to prevent this, i.e., how do you stop your body from shutting down it's own natual Test. production?