Testosterone VS Steroids: Risks and Benefits

On the surface, testosterone and steroids may seem like the same thing. They are both used to improve strength and give a man manly abilities, such as muscle strength, and improved exercise ability and they can help treat certain conditions.

However, are they purely beneficial or are there certain risks? In this article, we shall explore the differences between testosterone and steroids and their risks and benefits especially when it comes to a man’s health.

Testosterone: Testosterone is a hormone that occurs naturally in humans and is most pronounced in men. Hormones act as the body’s messenger to affect different processes. In men, testosterone is the sex hormone. It helps a man develop into what we commonly associate with men, for example, deep voice, and strong muscles as well as sexual development for example the growth of testicles and prostate which play a key role in a man’s sex life. The brain, with the help of the pituitary gland, controls the level of testosterone in the body.

Steroids: Steroids are also body chemicals but they differ from testosterone in that they are man-made hormones. Steroids can be corticosteroids or anabolic steroids. Corticosteroids are usually used to enable the body to deal with inflammation. Anabolic steroids on the other hand are made to mimic testosterone but are mainly used to enhance athletic performance.

Testosterone Vs Steroids: Benefits

Both testosterone and steroids have helpful functions. You may have heard about hormone treatment that involves giving a patient particular hormones to improve a particular condition. There are a number of brands of testosterone treatments and they come with impressive benefits. The same can be said about steroids. Let us take a look at each of these hormones and the benefits derived from using them.

Testosterone benefits:

Treatment with testosterone can help treat erectile dysfunction caused by low libido
Some studies show that treatment with testosterone during early childhood can treat micropenis
Using drugs like Humog which contains testosterone can treat hypogonadism which causes delayed puberty
Hormone therapy can improve performance of a man in the bedroom
Testosterone can boost athletic ability by increasing muscle and bone strength
Testosterone can help to treat infertility in men caused by low sperm count
Testosterone also helps to slow down the loss of hair in men
Some cases of diabetes can be treated using testosterone to increase insulin sensitivity

Steroids benefits:

Improve strength
Reduce inflammation in the body
Lead to muscle growth
Stronger bones
Steroids help deal with arthritis

Testosterone Vs Steroids: Risks

It is important to note that not all people who undergo testosterone therapy or use steroids will be at risk of the side effects of using the treatments. However, before you start using any of them, it is important to know what you may be getting yourself into.

Comparing testosterone therapy with steroid use reveals a clear difference when it comes to risks. The risks of using steroids are much higher than testosterone. With testosterone, it would seem like it presents minor side effects. On the other hand, steroids have serious risks that discourage many people from using them.

Testosterone risks:

It is known to cause sleep apnea, especially following extended use
Increased levels of testosterone could heighten the risk of prostate cancer while stimulating growth of the prostate
Testosterone may increase the number of red blood cells and this raises the risk of blood clots that can cause stroke
People undergoing testosterone therapy may experience acne and other skin irritations

Steroids risks:

They increase the risk of heart attack
It can cause erectile dysfunction and infertility
Often associated with changes in mood and paranoia
Women may develop a manly voice and grow facial hair
Studies have linked steroid use to liver and kidney damage
It is linked to male pattern baldness
Hormonal imbalance can induce the growth of breasts in men
It could cause reduced action of the testicles leading to hypogonadism

Take home

Testosterone is a natural body chemical that has several functions in the body. It is more pronounced in men as it is the sex hormone responsible for male development. On the other hand, steroids are man-made hormones intended for specific purposes such as improving muscle and skeleton growth.

Depending on what you are using any of the two for, one can be better than the other. For instance, if you are trying to improve your athletic performance, steroids would have a faster and better effect on your performance than testosterone therapy. On the other hand, testosterone would be a better option if you are trying to deal with low libido and erectile dysfunction caused by poorly developed testis.

There are certain similarities between the two hormones. For example, steroids and testosterone will both help you increase muscle and strengthen your bones. They can also be used to treat disease. Steroids are used in treating asthma and testosterone is used to treat hypogonadism.

When it comes to risks of using either of the two, you need to speak to a doctor before you begin using them. There is more risk associated with the use of anabolic steroids and in many cases, people are just searching for cosmetic remedies when they use them. It may not be worth the trouble if all you want is to have bigger muscles. Going to the gym may be a better option.

Testosterone treatment on the other hand has several benefits including treating infertility and helping men with delayed puberty or low interest in sex. With the right guidance from a professional, the benefits of testosterone outweigh the risks.

Testosterone Vs Steroids: Verdict

It depends on what you are using either of the hormones for. They can be beneficial but do not come without side effects. Testosterone helps in sexual development and steroids are to boost athletic performance. On the whole, however, there seem to be more benefits of testosterone than steroids. Since testosterone is a natural body chemical, the risks are lower. Speak to a doctor about the use of either of the hormones to ensure safe and effective outcomes of whatever treatment you are looking for.

Testosterone VS Steroids: Risks and Benefits