TRT and Collagen Synthesis?

[jth0524]

I've recently seen a few studies that say that testosterone therapy reduces collagen synthesis. Is this true or bs? This has probably already been discussed, but I'm fairly new to the forum.

 

[ERO]

I believe this is true but also dose dependent. I am going to look for the study now, but if I remember correctly, it was at levels of 200mg Test/week or more that collagen synthesis slows.

OK, now that I spent some time searching for the original study/article, I see that the above was 'bro science' repeated on various forums rather than info from a valid study.

 

[CoastWatcher]

I believe this is true but also dose dependent. I am going to look for the study now, but if I remember correctly, it was at levels of 200mg Test/week or more that collagen synthesis slows.

OK, now that I spent some time searching for the original study/article, I see that the above was 'bro science' repeated on various forums rather than info from a valid study.

I have heard this assertion, many times, but always as a simple assertion. I have never seen anything to support it. I am not saying it isn't true, I simply haven't read anything that answers it with authority.

 

[Vince]

There is evidence that anabolic steroids, which are derived from testosterone and have markedly less androgenic activity, promote tissue growth and enhance tissue repair; however, the mechanisms involved in their anabolic activities remain unclear. In this report, we measured the effect of the anabolic steroid stanozolol on cell replication and collagen synthesis in cultures of adult human dermal fibroblasts. Stanozolol (0.625-5 microg per ml) had no effect on fibroblast replication and cell viability (p = 0.764) but enhanced collagen synthesis (p < 0.01) in a dose-dependent manner (r = 0.907). Stanozolol also increased (by 2-fold) the mRNA levels of alpha1 (I) and alpha1 (III) procollagen and, to a similar extent, upregulated transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) mRNA and peptide levels (p < 0.001). There was no stimulation of collagen synthesis by testosterone. The stimulatory effects of stanozolol on collagen synthesis were blocked by a TGF-beta1 anti-sense oligonucleotide, by antibodies to TGF-beta, and in dermal fibroblast cultures derived from TGF-beta1 knockout mice. We conclude that collagen synthesis is increased by the anabolic steroid stanozolol and that, for the most part, this effect is due to TGF-beta1. These findings point to a novel mechanism of action of anabolic steroids.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9856839

 

[PAUL-E]

I believe this is true but also dose dependent. I am going to look for the study now, but if I remember correctly, it was at levels of 200mg Test/week or more that collagen synthesis slows.

OK, now that I spent some time searching for the original study/article, I see that the above was 'bro science' repeated on various forums rather than info from a valid study.

Same here I couldn't find any study but I thought the "bro science" is above 250mg per week.

 

[ERO]

This would be a good question for Dr. Saya to weigh in on next time he is on the forum.

 

[Weasel]

This would be a good question for Dr. Saya to weigh in on next time he is on the forum.

I would love to hear his input on this as well.

 

[Sean Mosher]

I have read in multiple places the Nandrolone Decanoate (Deca Durabolin), even in low doses, is good for collagen protein synthesis and tissue repair (as low as 100mg/week). Can anyone confirm??

 

[Weasel]

I have read in multiple places the Nandrolone Decanoate (Deca Durabolin), even in low doses, is good for collagen protein synthesis and tissue repair (as low as 100mg/week). Can anyone confirm??

If you want your **** to never get hard again...then by all means use deca.

 

[PAUL-E]

I have read in multiple places the Nandrolone Decanoate (Deca Durabolin), even in low doses, is good for collagen protein synthesis and tissue repair (as low as 100mg/week). Can anyone confirm??

"We conclude that anabolic steroids stimulate type III collagen synthesis" this study was nandrolone in postmenopausal women
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2233278

If you want your **** to never get hard again...then by all means use deca.

Many on this forum use nandrolone in therapeutic doses in conjunction with testosterone without issue

 

[Sean Mosher]

PAUL-E.......what is considered a therapeutic dose for men also on TRT?

 

[PAUL-E]

PAUL-E.......what is considered a therapeutic dose for men also on TRT?

I think that would depend on your condition your prescribed nandrolone for and DR's discretion but typically up to the same MG per week as your TRT dose or less.

 

[Dr Justin Saya MD]

This would be a good question for Dr. Saya to weigh in on next time he is on the forum.

I haven't seen any conclusive data suggesting physiologic testosterone doses have any negative impact on collagen synthesis. Further, I haven't observed anything clinically/anecdotally in our vast patient base to suggest same.

 

[PAUL-E]

I haven't seen any conclusive data suggesting physiologic testosterone doses have any negative impact on collagen synthesis. Further, I haven't observed anything clinically/anecdotally in our vast patient base to suggest same.

In other words as long as your on therapeutic doses in physiologic ranges you should be ok

 

[Nelson Vergel]

I have not seen any data on the effect on collagen by normalizing testosterone level in men. Are you asking for the effect of TRT on collagen or the effect of bodybuilding doses of testosterone (over 240 mg per week) on collagen?

 

[PAUL-E]

Nelson have you seen any data or anecdotal evidence that bodybuilding doses would have a effect negative or positive?

 

[John2407]

So do the supraphysiologic doses of test reduce collagen or what is the verdict? To me it sums like a bunch of BS I literaly could not find any studies suggesting it is bad for collagen synthesis

 

[Nelson Vergel]

I need to check every reference​

The Relationship Between Testosterone and Collagen​

Testosterone has a complex relationship with collagen synthesis and degradation, impacting various tissues in the body. Here are the key points from the sources provided:

General Effects of Testosterone on Collagen​

Collagen Production and Skin Health​

• Testosterone can stimulate collagen production, which is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss, as it can help improve skin tightness and overall skin health [2].
• Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been shown to support the regeneration of skin tissue and enhance collagen production, potentially aiding in the restoration of skin firmness and resilience [2].

Collagen Synthesis in Different Tissues​

• In a study involving neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts, testosterone was found to inhibit collagen synthesis induced by Angiotensin II, suggesting a potential role in reducing myocardial fibrosis [5].
• Another study indicated that testosterone might suppress Ang II-induced collagen synthesis in vascular smooth muscle cells, potentially delaying vascular aging and stiffness [8].

Impact on Joint and Bone Health​

• Testosterone can improve bone and joint health by increasing collagen deposits in joints, which is essential for maintaining joint integrity and function [10].

Specific Studies and Findings​

Testosterone and Collagen in Muscle and Skin​

• A study on male lambs showed that testosterone and estradiol increased intramuscular collagen content, indicating that these hormones play a role in collagen accumulation and degradation in muscle tissues [3].
• In human dermal fibroblasts, the anabolic steroid stanozolol, derived from testosterone, significantly increased collagen synthesis, primarily through the upregulation of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) [6].

Testosterone and Collagen in the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)​

• Research on rats demonstrated that testosterone administration increased the collagen and protein content of the TMJ disc, suggesting a positive effect on joint health [7].

Testosterone and Collagen in Skin Aging​

• Men experience a more gradual decline in testosterone levels compared to women, which helps maintain collagen levels longer, resulting in thicker skin and fewer wrinkles [9].

Clinical Implications and Considerations​

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)​

• TRT is used to treat low testosterone levels and can have various effects on collagen synthesis. While it can improve skin tightness and joint health, it is essential to consider potential side effects and individual patient conditions [1][2].
• The effectiveness and safety of TRT can vary, and it should be administered under the guidance of healthcare professionals after a comprehensive health screening [1].

Potential Risks and Benefits​

• While TRT can enhance collagen production and improve skin and joint health, it is not without risks. Possible side effects include oily skin, low sperm count, and increased risk of cardiovascular events [1].

Conclusion​

In summary, testosterone plays a significant role in collagen synthesis and degradation across different tissues, impacting skin elasticity, joint health, and muscle integrity. Testosterone replacement therapy can enhance collagen production, but its use should be carefully monitored due to potential side effects and individual variability in response.

Citations​

1. Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Effects on Collagen
2. How Can Testosterone Replacement Therapy Improve Skin Tightness for NYC Clients Who Have Experienced Weight Loss in 2024?
3. Study on Male Lambs
4. Collagen Benefits for Men
5. PMC Article on Neonatal Rat Cardiac Fibroblasts
6. PubMed Article on Human Dermal Fibroblasts
7. PubMed Article on TMJ Disc
8. PMC Article on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
9. Hormones and the Collagen Quagmire
10. Bones, Joints, and TRT: How Testosterone Promotes Bone and Joint Health
11. Treatment for Low Testosterone: Leydig Cells and Human Collagen Research
12. ScienceDirect Article on Testosterone
13. Boosting Testosterone Levels Naturally
14. ScienceDirect Article on Collagen