# Should aging men consider steroids? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 28, 2022, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-aging-men-consider-steroids/977221 "2022-12-28T15:17:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2023, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-aging-men-consider-steroids/977221/41 "2023-01-02T03:13:15Z")
> [@Dr\_Paprika](#): > > Including exercise. There is nothing _prima facie_ inevitable about large decreases in metabolism and muscle with age. Recent studies have shown the cause is less activity, the amount of decrease has been exaggerated and starts much later than many believe, and that the effects can be largely reversed naturally. Problem is that muscle mass and fitness in older age are like wealth in older age: much easier to maintain or even grow if you’ve been investing in it all along. Vital to manage even starting late, but if someone is north of 60 and they are just now realizing they haven’t got much? Get rich quick plans probably aren’t the way to go. Still much much better starting late than never. Even more important if you have little in your funds to withdraw from. I have little expertise on the benefits and risks of testosterone supplementation but my understanding gained from those I do consider expert is that some non-zero but not majority of men with documented significantly low testosterone will experience clinical benefit. A blanket recommendation of use for normal aging seems snake oil to me. I understand a baseline prostate exam and following PSA regularly is part of guidelines for the real stuff. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2023, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-aging-men-consider-steroids/977221/42 "2023-01-02T04:35:04Z")
A number of chronic conditions decrease muscle mass, and there are many conditions which make exercise more difficult to do. I am not an expert in hormone replacement, but one wants to be sure a treatment is likely to improve desirable outcomes while considering the drawbacks. They are the right solution for men with specific symptoms where that has been shown to be the likely cause. This is not the majority of aging men. Exercise is a better solution, and would benefit many more people - but, as mentioned, is better if introduced early, and can be difficult to do following certain circumstances. I understand they were referenced “to show they work” at producing muscle mass _in the presence of strenuous weight bearing exercise_. But exercise does this without exogenous steroids - more safely, but less dramatically. Many of the reasons elderly men replace hormones are actually quite different. Though winning the Tour de France may help elderly people with their depression, an extremely common symptom in the elderly, though underdiagnosed and undertreated. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2023, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-aging-men-consider-steroids/977221/43 "2023-01-02T13:09:39Z")
> [@Dr\_Paprika](#): > > Exercise is a better solution, and would benefit many more people I feel like I’ve reached an age where “if i don’t use it, i lose it” to a much greater extent than when i was young. I’m working with a personal trainer in an attempt to hang on to muscle mass and general strength. I suspect a pinch of testosterone would help a lot of men hang onto what they’ve got, in addition to exercise. (I wonder if it would help me, too, honestly. But i don’t have any compelling reason to seek it.) ---
**Author:** ![Al128](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/al128/32/16541_2.png) [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2023, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-aging-men-consider-steroids/977221/44 "2023-01-02T21:20:45Z")
just stumbled over this video today > **[r/CrazyFuckingVideos - Timelapse video of anabolic steroid use.](https://www.reddit.com/r/CrazyFuckingVideos/comments/101ehpm/timelapse_video_of_anabolic_steroid_use/)** > > 7,364 votes and 1,597 comments so far on Reddit not that I endorse or so … just a FYI ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2023, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-aging-men-consider-steroids/977221/45 "2023-01-02T22:17:12Z")
I noticed they didn’t show his friends ditching him because of his personality changes, or the restraining order filed by his SO, or the job losses, etc. ---
**Author:** ![FinsToTheLeft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finstotheleft/32/2930_2.png) [@FinsToTheLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinsToTheLeft)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2023, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-aging-men-consider-steroids/977221/46 "2023-01-03T00:21:18Z")
> [@Al128](#): > > just stumbled over this video today I’m not sure what the dosage actually indicates. Is that weekly injections? For reference, a normal dosage of Androgel is between 5-10mg/day. I take 6.25mg to keep my testosterone in the normal range. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2023, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-aging-men-consider-steroids/977221/47 "2023-01-03T04:18:38Z")
If you want proper information, look to reputable sources. > **[Testosterone Therapy: Review of Clinical Applications](https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2017/1001/p441.html)** > > Testosterone therapy is increasingly common in the United States, and many of these prescriptions are written by primary care physicians. There is conflicting evidence on the benefit of male testosterone therapy for age-related declines in... ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2023, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-aging-men-consider-steroids/977221/48 "2023-01-03T04:33:30Z")
Oh come on. What’s controlled scientific trials that show small impacts on body composition and none on strength or function > [@](#): > > Testosterone therapy consistently increases lean mass and decreases fat mass,[25](https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2017/1001/p441.html#afp20171001p441-b25)–[27](https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2017/1001/p441.html#afp20171001p441-b27) but the effect sizes are small and studies have generally failed to demonstrate improvement in strength or physical function.[22](https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2017/1001/p441.html#afp20171001p441-b22),[23](https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2017/1001/p441.html#afp20171001p441-b23),[25](https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2017/1001/p441.html#afp20171001p441-b25),[26](https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2017/1001/p441.html#afp20171001p441-b26) compared to a set of pictures on the internet? ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2023, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-aging-men-consider-steroids/977221/49 "2023-01-03T05:05:54Z")
The pictures didn’t show him gain strength, just muscle mass. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2023, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-aging-men-consider-steroids/977221/50 "2023-01-03T05:34:08Z")
Is this an old man? No one is arguing supraphysiologic doses of anabolic steroid can put on muscle with strenuous weight bearing exercise (which also does this without exogenous steroid). Whether this is wise, sustainable, healthy or typical are different questions separate from occasional legal concerns. The goal of hormone replacement when indicated are for mid-range values. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-aging-men-consider-steroids/977221/51 "2023-01-04T02:33:25Z")
> [@Moriarty](#): > > Lance Armstrong used such drugs and he went from a cancer patient to a record setting cyclist. Armstrong juiced so much that even [he](https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/lance-armstrong-admits-that-doping-could-have-caused-his-testicular-cancer/) thinks it might be what _caused_ his cancer. > [@Dr\_Paprika](#): > > Most aging men are not high level athletes nor ever were. Steroids have many side effects. Taking them affects many other things, including downgrading natural hormones, and should not be done without a valid _medical_ reason. They won’t make you big unless you train hard and will not give you the results you seek in small doses. If you are not used to training hard, having big muscles with weak tendons and ligaments is a recipe for chronic musculoskeletal problems. And what happens when you stop taking them? agreed > [@Dr\_Paprika](#): > > There are certainly a few valid medical reasons for taking them, but they will not turn an average athlete into a better one This isn’t quite true. They won’t make the average athlete world class but they can & will improve performance. Within the past couple of days there was a discussion on one of the triathlon forums & how many of the _age groupers_ are doping. This [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pcmu-mCXkSc) claims that 20% of the triathletes in these German surveys _admitted_ to doping. If 20% admitted it, even anonymously, how many more are doing it & didn’t admit to it? Granted anyone training for & racing Iron-distance triathlons are much more in shape & much more driven than the average Joe but if person A doping & person B is not, that might be the difference between being on the podium or getting a KQ (Kona Qualifier - the Ironman championships in HI) for those who are no where near world/national/state champions but _just_ good enough. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-aging-men-consider-steroids/977221/52 "2023-01-04T02:36:29Z")
Fair enough. But the improvement is usually modest and I meant more along the lines of making an average weekend warrior a professional. There is no doubt they give an edge to those in certain sports where size is beneficial and already at an elite level - but not without risk. The biggest damage they do is publicize a false sense of what is healthy and attainable. This is a separate issue from hormone replacement which is more reasonable, especially when done with the proper indications (see the AAFP article above). Most men, even if elderly, do not require them. It should not be seen as a first line treatment for depression though may have a role. Exercise helps with mood considerably. ---
**Author:** ![psychobunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/54ee81/32.png) [@psychobunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychobunny)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 8:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-aging-men-consider-steroids/977221/53 "2023-01-04T08:09:09Z")
Testosterone supplementation has a place in those whose levels are low. In these cases, replacing testosterone has been shown to be beneficial in reducing many of the side effects of low testosterone, most of which have been noted above. I would also like to add that low testosterone also causes anemia, which contributes to fatigue. What has not been shown to be beneficial is the use of testosterone or other anabolic steroids in men with normal testosterone levels. Much like in the case of women and post-menopausal hormone supplementation, you need to make a risk benefit assessment because as noted there is a higher risk of cardiac disease. It should also be mentioned that testosterone supplements are not as easy as popping a pill. There are topical forms but you need to avoid contact with people who could be adversely affected by absorption. The most commonly used is the axillary form and I always wonder about having to keep a partner from accidentally touching your armpits. Injections can be painful and implants require implantation and the dose is harder to regulate. JMHO but I find a lot of men who are started on testosterone supplements eventually find the hassle not worth the benefits and eventually give it up. ---
**Author:** ![FinsToTheLeft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finstotheleft/32/2930_2.png) [@FinsToTheLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinsToTheLeft)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-aging-men-consider-steroids/977221/54 "2023-01-04T11:37:31Z")
> [@psychobunny](#): > > The most commonly used is the axillary form and I always wonder about having to keep a partner from accidentally touching your armpits. Androgel is applied to shoulders/upper arms/belly. They recommend either washing with soap and water or wearing a t-shirt to limit transfer. ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2023, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-aging-men-consider-steroids/977221/55 "2023-01-04T12:24:00Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > Armstrong juiced so much that even [he](https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/lance-armstrong-admits-that-doping-could-have-caused-his-testicular-cancer/) thinks it might be what _caused_ his cancer. [Lyle Alzado](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyle_Alzado) also blamed steroids for his cancer. He wasn’t as lucky as Armstrong. Alzado’s cancer ended up killing him. > [@Lyle Alzado](#): > > I started taking anabolic steroids in 1969 and never stopped. It was addicting, mentally addicting. Now I’m sick, and I’m scared. Ninety percent of the athletes I know are on the stuff. We’re not born to be 300 lb (140 kg) or jump 30 ft (9.1 m). But all the time I was taking steroids, I knew they were making me play better. I became very violent on the field and off it. I did things only crazy people do. Once a guy sideswiped my car and I beat the hell out of him. Now look at me. My hair’s gone, I wobble when I walk and have to hold on to someone for support, and I have trouble remembering things. My last wish? That no one else ever dies this way. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-aging-men-consider-steroids/977221.md?page=2)