Does Testosterone cause dependence/addiction?

robs2nd75

Member
All of the research suggests that their is no physical dependence to exogenous Testosterone. Most of us have realized incredible improvements in physical and mental health from T as such what are your thoughts on psychological dependence to T?
 
Why would there be a dependence?

Do young men in their 20's have any addition to their natural production?

Testosterone is not the kind of drug that would cause an addiction but in access can cause negative side effects over the long term.
 
What really happens is that when guys start injecting testosterone they feel better and stronger in most cases. Then they either run out of it or stop it for other reasons. Then their testosterone plummets and they feel worse than when they did before starting testosterone. So they restart. So it sounds like an addiction that you cannot stop. The shutdown of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is what causes this, NOT an addiction.
 
I agree with you both but when I think about discontinuing use for a short period of time....well I really BELIEVE that I need it. If, I asked either one of you to go off of T and not supplement w/ HCG or Clomid you would look at me as if I were crazy. You absolutely function better w/ it but can you go off of it? Would you break the law to get it, if it was made illegal? Addiction is often defined by how it interferes with your daily life...if you are willing to be arrested for it.... ???
 
You are confusing addiction with necessity.

It's like saying "is a Type I Insulin Dependent person addicted to Insulin"...well, of course not.

But, that person needs it to stay alive and be healthy not much different than Hypogonadal men needing Testosterone or HCG to stay healthy and live longer happier lives.

I don't have a craving for Testosterone and I don't think about it 24/7 like someone addicted to alcohol or drugs.

It doesn't impair me nor can it disrupt my life like addiction can do.
 
I don't feel as though it causes any addiction either but it should be discussed. There are proponents of this idea and they use it as an argument against T/ AAS. When you bring up the idea of necessity I immediately think of AAS. Before TRT I always lumped exogenous T with AAS or being old. AAS is not a necessity do you believe then that BBers or any athletes for that matter using AAS are or could be addicts?
 
I dont think there is an addiction to TRT, as both Gene and Nelson said you get use to feeling good and I dont think that is a bad thing. I will tell you that I am not going back to the way I felt before. I cannot believe that I suffered with this so long until I took action. I talk to both my sons about my TRT and let them know what signs I had before and for them to get levels tested when they start to feel the same. They are both in their 20's and I felt it was a conversation that needed to happen.

And TRT is not abuse but medical treatment. I am not taking Test. so my levels are way above normal. I am just getting my levels to where they should be.

If they became illegal..... well I guess i would be breaking the law then...:-)
 

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TRT Hormone Predictor Widget

TRT Hormone Predictor

Predict estradiol, DHT, and free testosterone levels based on total testosterone

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This tool provides predictions based on statistical models and should NOT replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your TRT protocol.

ℹ️ Input Parameters

Normal range: 300-1000 ng/dL

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Enter your total testosterone value to see predictions

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Understanding Your Hormones

Estradiol (E2)

A form of estrogen produced from testosterone. Important for bone health, mood, and libido. Too high can cause side effects; too low can affect well-being.

DHT

Dihydrotestosterone is a potent androgen derived from testosterone. Affects hair growth, prostate health, and masculinization effects.

Free Testosterone

The biologically active form of testosterone not bound to proteins. Directly available for cellular uptake and biological effects.

Scientific Reference

Lakshman KM, Kaplan B, Travison TG, Basaria S, Knapp PE, Singh AB, LaValley MP, Mazer NA, Bhasin S. The effects of injected testosterone dose and age on the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in young and older men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Aug;95(8):3955-64.

DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-0102 | PMID: 20534765 | PMCID: PMC2913038

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