Endocrine Maturity

[K.I.P.]

Like a lot of guys on here, I'm relatively young and anxious to start my first cycle of AAS. I've seen numerous stickies and posts about not starting until your endocrine system has fully matured. It seems most of the experienced members believe this happens by the age of 25. I was hoping someone could provide some sort of evidence about this. I'd like to find a textbook, study, or some other reputable source to check these opinions. I don't doubt the validity of what these experienced guys are saying (in a sticky, marcus300 mentioned he even asked his endocrinologist about the matter), I'd just like to become as educated as possible on the matter, so I know what variables I'm dealing with. Also, when the maturity of the male endocrine system is discussed, I've seen a lot of reference to that being the point at which you reach your natural testosterone peak. I'm curious if anyone knows if that's the only factor in determining endocrine maturity, or if there are other developmental aspects besides testosterone levels. All replies are appreciated.

FYI: stats:

21 years old (22 in January)
205 lbs
9% bf
6 years bodybuilding/lifting experience
Above average diet
300g + protein a day
70% of my daily carbs are complex
Plenty of unsaturated fats
More than enough daily water

[Doctapeppa]

There isn't a paper on this as it's something that has been fairly well know for a long time. Testosterone production increases in men up until age 25-26.

[dec11]

There isn't a paper on this as it's something that has been fairly well know for a long time. Testosterone production increases in men up until age 25-26.

and you risk prematurely cutting it short by using AAS and ending up with a whole world of shit on your lap

[dec11]

double post

[Matt]

Theres the potential of causing damage at any age however there isnt any factual evidence to prove whether or not you run a higher risk when cycling with an endo system thats not yet fully developed....

But it kind of makes sense to be cautious when you think about it, i know i would wait...

However the choice is yours and which ever way you go we shall provide the best advice possible...

[Fetch]

You will not find a controlled study that directly links the two, for the same reason you will not find a controlled study that directly links alcohol consumption in pregnant women with birth defects. It would be illegal and immoral to conduct such an experiment. There is, however, plenty of correlation between using AAS at an early age and the incidence of secondary hypogonadism, or a milder condition of low test. I base it off experience and knowledge of basic physiology. I know several people who used at an early age and came out clinically low on test. It happened to me. In addition, similar to understanding that alcohol will retard growth in a fetus that is undergoing primary development, it stands to reason that AAS will do the same to an endocrine system undergoing primary development. You can't run a study where you give women whiskey while pregnant to see if their children will develop defects, similar to you cannot give AAS to teens and test for hypogonadism later in life.

Think about it. It is proven that AAS use will shut down certain organs/glands that are responsible for producing hormones. By shutting down those organs while they are trying to develop, you can do nothing BUT harm their development. This is backed up by the multitude of vets on here who have seen this very phenomenon time and again.

[dec11]

You will not find a controlled study that directly links the two, for the same reason you will not find a controlled study that directly links alcohol consumption in pregnant women with birth defects. It would be illegal and immoral to conduct such an experiment. There is, however, plenty of correlation between using AAS at an early age and the incidence of secondary hypogonadism, or a milder condition of low test. I base it off experience and knowledge of basic physiology. I know several people who used at an early age and came out clinically low on test. It happened to me. In addition, similar to understanding that alcohol will retard growth in a fetus that is undergoing primary development, it stands to reason that AAS will do the same to an endocrine system undergoing primary development. You can't run a study where you give women whiskey while pregnant to see if their children will develop defects, similar to you cannot give AAS to teens and test for hypogonadism later in life.

Think about it. It is proven that AAS use will shut down certain organs/glands that are responsible for producing hormones. By shutting down those organs while they are trying to develop, you can do nothing BUT harm their development. This is backed up by the multitude of vets on here who have seen this very phenomenon time and again.

also a very good point, thats why there arent any conclusive facts on AAS effects at ranging dosages etc. ethically speaking, doctors cannot perform them.

but we have posts like this on here as evidence and if you ask me its a big risk to take

[K.I.P.]

Thanks a lot for the info, guys. It wouldn't be smart to run a cycle with so many veterans, experienced in the subject, advising me not to. I guess I'll suck it up for a while and be less than the biggest guy in the gym.