Posted by Gracie2 on July 28, 2001, at 19:10:26
In reply to Re: Is estrogen helpful? - testosterone » Gracie2, posted by dave_fox on July 28, 2001, at 11:11:04
Oh, no way would I claim to be any kind of expert on hormones. (I just read a lot.) The only reason I recommended the book is because it does make one aware of just how complicated endocrinology is, or in other words, how confusing and potentially dangerous it can be for the uninformed to use steroids or even prohormone supplements (which he calls "T-boosters"), now legally available OTC.
For example, the author explains that there are three different classes of T-boosters and that each class is further subdivided into several types.
The first class, testosterone precursors, convert to testosterone in the body via a single chemical step. This class includes androstenedione, the prohormone used by Mark McGuire. (Go Cards.) It is effective for weight loss and muscle gain, but may actually decrease sexual desire by converting to estrogen instead of testosterone. A second type of testosterone precursor, 4-androstenediol,
does not convert to estrogen and is more effective than androstenedione at boosting testosterone levels. However, it is more expensive and the author warns that toxicity and long-term studies are not available on
4-androstenediol.
A second class of T-boosters, nor-testoserone precursors, is a favorite of body-builders. It's anabolic (muscle growth) ratio is estimated to be 10 times stronger than its androgenic (masculinizing and sexual-enhancing) ratio. However, it can lower HDL (good) cholestorol levels and have cardiovascular risks. It will also shut down your natural testosterone production if taken for a long time without periodic breaks. One type of prohormone in this class, nor-4-androstenediol, is believed to be the most potent bodybuilding and fat-loss
T-booster available, but it may decrease libido to the point of making you asexual.
A third class, called phyto- and pseudo-T-boosters, claim to increase muscle mass and libido. Most of these products are made of herbs and plant extracts and are not true
pro-testosterone hormones. They include tribulus terrestris, chrysin, ipriflavone, and 7-Keto-DHEA.
While the doctor discusses the health advantages of these and other herbs or supplements which may
increase libido, including minerals, amino acids
and plant extracts like damiana and yohimbine,
he is obviously leery of recommending them for the purposes of sexual enhancement. Instead, he recommends different "cocktails" of prohormones for both males and females after an evaluation of your life style, health and the desired effect you wish to achieve through supplementation (muscle mass, fat loss, sexual energy).Sorry if this is too much information! I thought the book was fascinating.
Also, I have been waiting for my daughter to get out of the bathroom :-/
-Gracie
poster:Gracie2
thread:71815
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010725/msgs/72263.html