HRT ~ How do you feel about it?

[mrbeefy]

Disclaimer: This is not a discussion of AAS. Please do not comment on use of enhancing with anabolic steroids, or their pros' and con's, as this would be against this boards policies, as stated:

"No steroid or drug discussions.............yes we all know they exist, and here at WOTW, we could care less who`s on what, or if your natural or chemically enhanced."

Now, that being said:

Just curious of how you all feel about the topic of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). I am NOT discussing AAS here, but the medical aspect of the use of HRT.

Many of our contests/meets are drug-tested. The reasons are obvious.

But what about the male, or female competitor for that matter, who may be on HRT prescribed by their physician?

If they test, and thier T/E ratio is too high, they will be disqualified, etc.

WADA indicates that HRT is NOT acceptable, and any request for Therapuetic Use will be denied.

Should HRT be allowed?
What about the competitor who's health benefits outweigh the competition issue. Should they, or are they, be limited to only non-drug tested competition?
Does HRT make it an ENEVEN playing field?
Other comments?

Just curious. What are your thoughts?

Frank

[QuietBob]

I have strong opinions on this, in a way that may surprise some as I'm a lifetime natural bber.
I'm strongly in favor of HRT as you describe it, Frank, and in fact have gone to Anti-Aging conferences and will be going to another one this December (I will likely get board certified in it over the next couple of years).
There is a difference between this and the use of supratherapeutic dosages used illegally by many.
Research has been coming out showing multi-faceted benefits of HRT, particularly in men (possible explanation why men start getting heart disease around 40 when test levels really decline, etc.).

Should it be allowed? I don't know at this point, but accept that fact that if I ever do go on it my natural competition days will be over.
Yes, it makes an uneven playing field, just like AAS do, although this is also dependent on the individual.
Maybe someday WADA and other testing organizations will accept higher T/E levels (to a certain point) if research comes out clearly pointing to the health benefits.

[mrbeefy]

Thanks Bob,

Glad to hear you are researching and following up on this. I've read so many mixed thoughts on this. I understand the feelings on both sides of the issue. I would be interested to read up and see any of the research you may come upon on this subject.

The question I always come back to is:

We follow this lifestyle (bodybuilding/powerlifting/diet/fitness), to stay healthy, and live long and productive lives. If HRT contributes to these goals, should it be allowed?

Hmmmmmmmmm......

Anyone else care to chime in?

[Tim Wescott]

When I need it or feel like I do and it`s OK`ed by my doctor,I`ll get some without hesitation.


I saw a commercial about an 80 year old guy on growth hormone prescribed by his MD and this guy looked fantastic.........climbed mountains,hiked,jogged,lifted,etc.

Looked about 40 years old............whoever would not say they wanted to look 40 at his age would be lying or crazy,one or the other.


As far as outlawing it in natural contessts,I can see where they would not allow it..........gotta` respect the rules of the federation(s) that you compete in.

[mrbeefy]

I've seen a few of those people too Tim!

80's and 90's looking 40 or 50. Now that's where I want to be!

You're only as old as who you feel !

Don't have a choice but to respect the rules of the organizations.

The meet I'm doing in November DOES test, and if you come up positive, it's a 3 year suspension. The results DO get posted on a web site, so it's not like you can just go to a different contest somewhere. I like the idea of keeping an even playing field too.

[Tim Wescott]

Yup,if you use,that`s fine, but please stay out of natural competitions.........I can`t stand people who do this.

[beckie]

I had a female client on HRT a few years ago and as far as I could tell the extra estrogen her body was getting was in no way aiding her getting lean-in fact I think it may have had the opposite effect. I think WADA needs to distinguish between estrogen and testosterone replacement because although they have a similar purpose,the results are quite different.

[mrbeefy]

The USAPL doesn't distinguish at all, as a matter of fact, if you are on HRT, you are disqualified. Period. T/E Ratio's have nothng to do with it.

Curious though.....if a natural competitor has HIGH test in their system, higher than what would be considerd in a normal range, should they have to take something to bring them "down" into a normal range....for a level playing field? hmmmmmm.....

[beckie]

I know one of my trainers female clients has abnormally high natural testosterone and had to go through an enormous battle to get her name cleared after 'failing' that particular test. You have to provide substantial evidence that there is a medical history of such high levels,not just when the competition sample was taken. And it has to be provided by the persons doctor and often a specialist or 2..and even then it can still be rejected.

[intenceman]

If you have low test levels- AND. You are having negative symptoms- low sex drive, ED, loss of memeory' concentration, etc. I'm in favor of it - just like in any other medical condition. If you are over 40 or 50, I'd say do it. You can always compete in Npc Masters local or regional shows., even novice or sometimes open if you've got it all together. There are quite a few guys who do that' or aren't even. on anything. I just did one in June without taking anything except tons of vitamins. Think of your health first.