Introduction
The human body produces testosterone in moderate amounts. In men, testosterone is produced by both the adrenal glands (located just above the kidneys) and the testicles while in women, testosterone is produced in small amounts by the adrenal glands and ovaries.
In a situation where testosterone is not produced naturally and in sufficient amounts, then there may be need to seek medical advice. Testosterone is responsible for the development of male physical traits, such as; the growth of facial and body hair, a deep and hoarse voice, and muscle growth.
Testosterone injections may be used on male patients suffering from an insufficient level of testosterone hormone in their body system. Such patients may suffer from a variety hormonal imbalances, a delay in puberty, and even impotency. However, testosterone injections are not recommended for a deficiency in testosterone level due to old age or where a person has a low level of testosterone not caused by a preexisting medical issue.
Nevertheless, bodybuilders from far and wide make use of injectable testosterone hormone supplements to boost the amount of testosterone in their bodies. They do this not necessarily because they are testosterone deficient, but because they want to gain from the many performance-enhancing testosterone injection benefits that are available to them.
Types and Uses of Testosterone Injections
There are different types of testosterone injections available today. However, three main varieties of testosterone injections are;
- Testosterone Enanthate also known as Xyosted,
- Testosterone Cypionate also called Depo-Testosterone, and
- Testosterone Undecanoate also referred to as Aveed.
While these are all active and strong testosterone injections, Testosterone Undecanoate or Aveed is known to be a testosterone injection that offers a longer duration of potency.
Apart from helping men with delayed puberty, impotence and hormonal imbalances, testosterone enanthate injections are also used in the treatment of women with breast cancer, especially when surgery is not a viable option because the cancer is in its metastatic state and has spread throughout the patient’s body.
Testosterone injections are also used in the world of competitive sports; many powerlifters, athletes, and bodybuilders are known to use this synthetic anabolic hormone as a standalone or in a steroid stack. Whatever the case may be, the testosterone injection benefits to bodybuilders is immense (more on this a bit later).
Testosterone injection is administered through the buttocks or thigh muscles. The use of testosterone injections may be for a short period or for a much longer length of time. The duration of testosterone use via injection is dependent on the individual’s personal training program. Although patients with testosterone deficiency may be required to use testosterone injections throughout their lifetime. This raises the age old question of – are testosterone injections safe?
Side Effects of Testosterone Injection Use
The administration of synthetic testosterone may offer encouraging bodybuilding benefits, but the continuous use of injectable testosterone will also raise the level of testosterone in the body and this can lead to a number of side effects.
The side effects can range from minor to severe and it all depends on the tolerance level and physiology of the individual using the testosterone. This is why there are really no straight answers to the question of – are testosterone injections safe?
Some of the common side effects of testosterone injections include;
- Acne,
- Fatigue,
- Deep, raspy voice,
- Back aches,
- Joint pains,
- Weight gain,
- Headaches,
- Sleeping issues,
- Redness and soreness of the injected site,
- Gynecomastia,
- Mood swings,
- Nausea,
- Swollen feet, ankles, legs and hands.
Persons may also suffer from more serious side effects such as;
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes,
- Breathing difficulty,
- Erections that last for a long period of time,
- Blood in urine,
- Abdominal pain,
- Anxiety,
- Depression and other psychological/mental problems.
Testosterone Injection Benefits to Bodybuilders
Bodybuilders can gain from a number of testosterone injection benefits especially when they include the synthetic anabolic steroid in their bulking training program.
Some of these performance enhancing benefits include:
#1: Muscle Mass Gain:
The use of testosterone injections will increase your rate of metabolism which leads to the shedding of body fat. In addition, continuous testosterone use combined with a good dietary regime and training program will lead to weight and lean muscle mass gain which is the dream of most bodybuilders.
#2: Improved blood flow and heart performance:
One of the key testosterone injection benefits that you can expect is an improvement in your blood flow and heart performance. Testosterone helps the bone marrow to produce more oxygen rich red blood cells that the heart pumps throughout the entire body.
Bodybuilders need a healthy cardiovascular system. With a healthy cardiovascular system, bodybuilders can reach peak performance levels as they experience less fatigue while displaying tremendous stamina and endurance.
#3: Increased Bone Density:
Another one of the testosterone injection benefits available to bodybuilders is an increased bone density. Testosterone helps with the strengthening of the bone density which normally drops as a person ages. Osteoporosis and weak bones are quite common in older people as well as in those with low testosterone levels.
Bodybuilders need a strong bone structure in order to keep up with the intensity of their workout sessions. Testosterone boosts bone mineral density and strong bones also support your muscle mass gain which in turn boosts your performance levels.
#4: Improved Period of Recovery:
By administering synthetic testosterone hormone as part of your steroid stack, you can improve your period of recovery from damaged muscle tissue. This is great news for bodybuilders running a tight and intense workout program.
#5: Uplifting Mood:
As mentioned earlier, low testosterone levels can greatly lower your mood and lead to some severe physical and mental health issues. It can cause unexplained tiredness, general fatigue, irritability, anxiety and depression.
When testosterone injections are used as part of a training program, bodybuilders are known to experience an improvement in their mood.
With a much better and improved mood, bodybuilders can go achieve out their workout sessions with the spirit, drive and hunger needed to succeed.
