Big muscles, zero sperm count: The price of testosterone without supervision

An N12 report warns of the health risks of using testosterone without medical supervision, including suppression of natural production, fertility damage up to zero sperm count, risk of thrombosis, stroke, and heart damage. Experts explain that even "moderate" doses are much higher than normal levels, and recovery takes months to years.

An N12 report warns of the health risks of using testosterone without medical supervision, especially among trainees seeking to increase muscle mass. Dr. Yoel Toldano, an endocrinology specialist, explains that injecting external testosterone causes the brain to detect extreme excess and shut down stimulation to the testes, potentially leading to testicular atrophy, suppression of natural testosterone production, and fertility damage. Dr. Ohad Shoshani, a urology and male fertility specialist, adds that studies found a sharp decrease in sperm in 95%-98% of subjects, and up to 70% reached zero sperm count. The risks do not end with fertility: testosterone can encourage overproduction of red blood cells, increasing the risk of thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, heart damage, liver damage, and mood changes. Even doses considered "moderate" (250-500 mg per week) are 5-10 times higher than the normal physiological level. Recovery takes time: six months after stopping use, only 67% of men recover; after a year, 90%; after two years, almost all, but a small group remains with permanent zero sperm count.