Testicular Atrophy (Shrinking testicles)

[billyking]

I have decided to run 500mg of Test E for 12 weeks with 25mg of dianabol ED for the first 4 weeks to kick start the cycle. I am worried about testicular atrophy as a side effect. I am happy enough to have some testicular atrophy for the duration of my cycle but I would like to get my balls back as soon as possible after my cycle. I have heard that hcg is the best thing for testicular atrophy during the cycle but I cannot source this so I need to find an alternative. This is my first cycle so it is a step into the unknown, has anyone any advice regarding testicular atrophy and how to combat this/ bring my balls back after my cycle. Thanks for the help!

 

[sysadmn]

My understanding, (I haven't used it), is that clomid on-cycle can help prevent atrophy. It's not a strong SERM and is better for PCT. It prevents the body from realizing that T levels are high by binding to receptors in the brain. Clomid sides are bad for some people.

In a healthy male, the pituitary gland in the brain releases luteinizing hormone (LH) into the blood stream, which signals the testes to “GO” and produce testosterone. After testosterone has been produced it naturally converts to some estrogen (yes, there’s estrogen in men too) and this estrogen acts as a “STOP” signal to the pituitary to stop making LH. It is a delicate system of checks and balances which I have simplified here for our purposes.

Clomid works by blocking estrogen at the pituitary and hypothalamus. Thus, the usual estrogen message to "STOP" production of LH is essentially silenced, and therefore the pituitary makes more LH and there is an increased "GO" signal to produce testosterone in the testes. HCG works by mimicking LH, which also increases the "GO" signal to produce more testosterone in the testes. Prescribing testosterone for a man, however, does the opposite of what clomiphene and HCG do.

With traditional testosterone replacement therapy, the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary) gets the message that there is plenty of testosterone being made in the testes, so much so that it doesn't need to make anymore. Subsequently, the pituitary stops producing LH, and the natural production of testosterone (and sperm) in the testes ceases, which is why traditional testosterone replacement results in testicular shrinkage and low sperm count...a man's testosterone and sperm manufacturing plant is essentially shut off.

Clomiphene citrate and/or HCG do not turn off the testosterone manufacturing plant but rather turn it back on or reboot it. While some hypogonadal men require continuous use of clomiphene, for others it can be used for a 3-6 month time period and then discontinued.

 

[kisaj]

HCG works fast to bring them back.

 

[fueledpassion]

My understanding, (I haven't used it), is that clomid on-cycle can help prevent atrophy. It's not a strong SERM and is better for PCT. It prevents the body from realizing that T levels are high by binding to receptors in the brain. Clomid sides are bad for some people.

But there is still oxidative stress occurring in the Leydig cells, which causes them to temporarily turn off and stop reproduction. Reducing oxidative stress via supplementing with proper protocols helps this matter.

From Datbtrue's research,

Such analyses have recorded significant protection against oxidative stress for factors as

garlic extract
caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE)
N-acetyl cysteine,
pentoxifylline,
erdostein,
resveratrol
dexpathenol
L-carnitine
propofol anaesthetic

"One of the most effective antioxidants for the protection of testicular function is melatonin. This evolutionarily conserved compound has been shown to reduce oxidative stress in the testes induced by ethanol,167 indomethacin,168 X- irradiation,169 streptozotocin-induced diabetes, 86 and cisplatin.136 In vitro studies have also shown that melatonin and its immediate precursor N-acetyl-serotonin could inhibit ascorbate-Fe (II) induced lipid peroxidation in rat testicular microsomes and mitochondria.170,171"

"The administration of antioxidants such as resveratrol, ascorbate or cocoa rich in flavanols to normal animals, not suffering from induced oxidative stress, also appears to improve testicular function, suggesting that oxidative stress is a consistent feature of testicular physiology.172,173 In light of such results, antioxidants have frequently been administered to infertile men in the hope of improving the quality of the semen profile. Very few properly controlled double blind crossover trials have been conducted in this context. However where these conditions have been met, the results have been extremely promising.174,175"


I (FP), would also recommend Toco 8 or some other like product that contains the full spectrum of Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a great anti-oxidant that directly stimulates the Leydig cell to wake up and become active again.

And apparently, Walnuts help too.

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