I haven't dove into this yet but ever since a few years ago I was very interested in neurotransmitters, I was thinking about how to optimize them to excel in my career/education performance, to my surprise and experience it can be done, in which I eventually concluded my interest/research in it.
However I came across some videos by Andrew Huberman, Stanford PhD and it peaked my interest in AAS' effects on the bodies neurotransmitters. I recall him mentioning in his research that chronic/overstimulation of dopamine can cause downregulation or desensitization of the effects of dopamine on the body. If I remember correctly AAS has a net positive effect on dopamine levels/effects on the body (amongst other neurotransmitters and hormones) which made me curious if AAS use/abuse is a one way ticket to mental health issues?
I also saw him mention in his research (or research cited) that low testosterone levels also is shown to cause mental health issues, which is kind of a double edged sword.
I would assume it's an unpopular opinion in bodybuilding forum but it would be something one could look into if they are experiencing symptoms of mental health issues and is using or has used AAS. Personally I have noticed effects on my mental health from taking AAS, specifically one that he mentions a lot which is the human body's drive/motivational/reward system (which connects with dopamine), or lack of. Of course in hindsight this is obvious, at the time mental clarity wasn't optimal and it was not obvious.
However I came across some videos by Andrew Huberman, Stanford PhD and it peaked my interest in AAS' effects on the bodies neurotransmitters. I recall him mentioning in his research that chronic/overstimulation of dopamine can cause downregulation or desensitization of the effects of dopamine on the body. If I remember correctly AAS has a net positive effect on dopamine levels/effects on the body (amongst other neurotransmitters and hormones) which made me curious if AAS use/abuse is a one way ticket to mental health issues?
I also saw him mention in his research (or research cited) that low testosterone levels also is shown to cause mental health issues, which is kind of a double edged sword.
I would assume it's an unpopular opinion in bodybuilding forum but it would be something one could look into if they are experiencing symptoms of mental health issues and is using or has used AAS. Personally I have noticed effects on my mental health from taking AAS, specifically one that he mentions a lot which is the human body's drive/motivational/reward system (which connects with dopamine), or lack of. Of course in hindsight this is obvious, at the time mental clarity wasn't optimal and it was not obvious.