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Originally Posted by Glaim So then, could long term use of clenbuterol, ephedrine, or even caffeine result in hypogonadism? Could the rise in caffeine intake be a culprit in terms of the rising rates of hypogonadism? |
While anything is possible, I doubt that caffeine anyway could raise cortisol levels sufficiently to achieve a state of hypercortisolemia. Caffeine induced cortisol elevation is generally that of mild to moderate elevations (generally not over the high normal ranges) and - probably even more important - the elevation is "generally" of short-term nature.
As to
Clen and
ephedra (ephedrine), now that (especially if added to a long term excessive use of caffeine) might very well end up creating a situation of hypercortisolism - which could then lead to a disorder of hypogonadism.
Clenbuterol is in a class of drug known as Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonist, the same class as Ephedrine. It's normal use is as an asthma medication. The Beta-2 Agonists tend to speed up fat burning. Clenbuterol works best in short bursts, like 2 to 4 weeks. Here's the kicker, though. Basically from what I have read, if you are not using steroids you probably should not use Clenbuterol. Here's why: In addition to opening your breathing pathways and burning fat, Clen also tends to increase cortisol levels and decrease growth hormone (GH) levels. GH helps you burn fat and increases cortisol levels will make you fat. So without the 'roids to keep the cortisol in check the clen is pretty well useless as far as fat burning goes.
Also:
The effect of clenbuterol on adrenal function in rats.
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the administration of clenbuterol causes stressful effects in rats, as reflected by the adrenal function. Anabolic doses of clenbuterol (1 mg kg-1, 99% purity) were administered orally by stomach tube daily for 45 d to female Long . Hormonal levels of cortisol and corticosterone, and histopathological analysis, were used as indicators of the adrenal function. Increased corticosterone and cortisol secretion was found in the treated group (p < 0.001), both in adrenal homogenates and peripheral blood samples, compared with control animals. Higher relative adrenal gland weight (adrenal gland-to-body weight ratio) was also found in the treated group (p < 0.01). The major histopathological finding was the presence of hyperplasia in the adrenocortical cells.
It was concluded that the administration of an anabolic dose of clenbuterol causes a hyperstimulation of adrenal gland secretion that could adversely affect animal welfare.
Analyst 1998 Dec;123(12):2521-4 (ISSN: 0003-2654)
Illera JC; Silvan G; Blass A; Martinez MM; Illera M Departamento de Fisiologia Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
Also, hypercortisolism refers to a medical conditions where the HPA Axis gas become dysfunctional and is sending out the order (CRH / ACTH) to keep manufacturing cortisol... even though levels are already excessively high. It is like the feedback loop is no longer being recognized. Also... it is unfortunate to say, but actual hypercortisolism does NOT respond readily (sometimes barely at all) to OTC supplements. In fact, medical condition hypercortisolism is extremely difficult to bring under control.
Now if you simply have temporary high normal levels of cortisol or mildly elevated levels of cortisol, then there are a number of more-or-less effective OTC supplements that can be used with some degree of success (along with stopping and behaviors, negative supplements, diet elements, etc. that are helping to cause the elevations). But then those temporary mild levels of elevation would NOT be considered hypercortisolism so would not "generally" be responsible alone for one becoming hypogonadal....
IMHO.
Larry