While mixed martial artists are sometimes busted for the use of performance enhancing drugs, some of the substances applied by professional fighters are beneficial outside of the cage. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is one such rehabilitative practice. For those suffering from low testosterone, erectile dysfunction or Andropause, TRT may be the answer.
Vitor Belfort
UFC veteran and mixed martial arts legend Vitor Belfort has put on a storied career in the sport of MMA. The fighter is a former UFC champion that has gone on to face some of the toughest and most talented fighters competing today.
With that in mind, Belfort’s career has not gone without its controversy. Back in 2006, the MMA veteran tested positive for 4-hydroxytestosterone after facing off against Dan Henderson under the Pride promotion.
Belfort would go on to state that the substance entered his system through rehabilitative injections provided by Brazilian endocrinologist Dr. Rodrigo M. Greco. Dr. Greco would later back up Belfort’s claim, stating that is was a post-surgical injection.
Belfort’s experience with the substance begs the question. What purpose does Testosterone Replacement Therapy serve? A nearby men’s health clinic like Atlanta Men’s Clinic may have the answer.
Low Testosterone
As men age, the male body often produces less and less testosterone. Testosterone is a pertinent male sex hormone that when missing can cause some damaging side effects to the body.
An man suffering from low testosterone may experience fewer erections, thinning skin, a loss of muscle mass, and more body fat. As a result, testosterone replacement therapy can aid aging men by alleviating these symptoms.
Andropause
Andropause, commonly referred to as “male menopause,” is the decrease in the natural production of male hormones within the male body due to aging. The condition can cause tiredness, weakness and depression in its more extreme stages. As a result, some men may turn to testosterone replacement therapy to reduce the effects of andropause.
Erectile Dysfunction
Lastly erectile dysfunction, as referred to as ED, is the inability to keep an erection long enough to engage in sexual intercourse. The condition can be caused by having low testosterone, as well as obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Testosterone replacement therapy, as a result, may be beneficial to those suffering from ED.
I have taken Cialis 15 mg several times. For us, this dose has been something between “poor” and “too good”. Side effects are still the same: muscle pain (but not so long and not pronounced). Another nuance: even though the instructions say one should take it at least 16 minutes before, but in our experience, it is best to take it 2-3 hours before.
While professional athletes often go to TRT for the sake of improved physical performance, the rehabilitative procedure serves an entire other bevy of purposes for aging men.