The Jordan Harbinger Show - Episode 1172: TRT & Steroids | Skeptical Sunday

Overview In Episode 1172 of The Jordan Harbinger Show, host Jordan Harbinger teams up with Skeptical Sunday co-host, writer, and researcher Nick Pell to delve deep into the controversial and multifaceted world of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and anabolic steroids. The episode explores the rise of TRT, its medical versus cosmetic uses, the associated risks and benefits, and the cultural influences driving its popularity today.

1. Introduction to TRT and Steroid Use ([01:37] - [03:27]) Jordan opens the discussion by highlighting the mainstreaming of TRT and performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), contrasting their current ubiquity with past taboos. Nick Pell humorously touches on misconceptions about steroid side effects, setting the stage for a nuanced exploration.

Notable Quote:

• Jordan Harbinger: "Low testosterone doesn't always cause a lot of side effects, but it did in me." ([05:14])

2. Personal Experiences with TRT ([03:27] - [08:18]) Jordan shares his six-year journey with TRT, emphasizing its positive impact on his quality of life, including alleviating chronic insomnia, depression, and low energy levels. He candidly discusses the side effects he experiences, such as muscle growth leading to difficulty fitting into jeans and the necessity of taking aromatase inhibitors to manage estrogen levels.

Notable Quotes:

• Jordan Harbinger: "I took more than what most doctors would prescribe you... I was shelling out about four or five hundred bucks a month for the fertility stuff." ([09:25])
• Nick Pell: "You could potentially permanently nuke your reproductive ability." ([08:18])

3. The Dual Nature of TRT: Medical Need vs. Cash Grab ([09:39] - [13:49]) The conversation navigates the fine line between TRT serving legitimate medical needs and being exploited as a profitable venture. Jordan asserts that while TRT addresses genuine hormonal deficiencies, there is a prevalent trend of clinics aggressively marketing the therapy to men who may not medically require it.

Notable Quote:

• Jordan Harbinger: "If you have the same test levels as my 83-year-old dad, is that really normal?" ([12:35])

4. Cultural and Psychological Drivers ([13:49] - [19:23]) Nick and Ryan Reynolds discuss societal factors contributing to the surge in TRT and steroid use, including declining testosterone levels in American males, modern sedentary lifestyles, chronic stress, and the pervasive influence of social media. They explore how fear-based marketing tactics can lead individuals to perceive non-existent deficiencies, fueling unnecessary hormone treatments.

Notable Quotes:

• Nick Pell: "It's like hypochondria is applied to your endocrine system." ([21:30])
• Jordan Harbinger: "You're not faking it. But it wasn't a problem before. If you stopped thinking about it, it would go away." ([21:28])

5. Side Effects and Health Risks ([27:48] - [35:05]) The hosts delve into the adverse effects of TRT and anabolic steroids, including elevated cholesterol levels, blood thickening, infertility, emotional dependence, and potential liver damage from oral steroids. Jordan emphasizes the importance of medical supervision to mitigate these risks and shares personal anecdotes about managing side effects like elevated PSA levels.

Notable Quotes:

• Jordan Harbinger: "Elevated hemoglobin levels put you at risk of stroke." ([29:06])
• Nick Pell: "Putting shit on steroids can lead to severe depression, fatigue, libido collapse." ([66:15])

6. The Influence of Social Media and Fitness Industry ([51:48] - [57:24]) The episode examines how platforms like Instagram and influencers contribute to unrealistic body standards, perpetuating the use of PEDs. Jordan criticizes the glorification of steroid use without adequate disclosure of the associated risks, highlighting the deceptive nature of some fitness influencers.

Notable Quotes:

• Jordan Harbinger: "If you want to see the limit of what the human body is capable of without juice, look up a guy named Eric Bugenhagen." ([58:38])
• Nick Pell: "Guys are developing feelings of inadequacy from seeing these disgustingly jacked and ripped dudes." ([52:00])

7. SARMs: The New Frontier ([48:45] - [57:24]) The discussion shifts to Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs), often marketed as safer alternatives to traditional anabolic steroids. Jordan and Nick express skepticism about SARMs, citing the lack of long-term research and dubious efficacy, ultimately advising against their use.

Notable Quotes:

• Jordan Harbinger: "People have been doing TRT and D Ball since the 60s, but SARMs are a recent trend with unknown long-term effects." ([49:29])
• Nick Pell: "SARMs are like whitewashed steroids with none of the actual results." ([50:34])

8. Responsible Use and Medical Guidance ([67:00] - [69:07]) Jordan and Nick emphasize the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before starting TRT or any hormone-related therapies. They caution against self-medication and highlight the necessity of medical supervision to navigate the complexities and risks associated with hormone treatments.

Notable Quotes:

• Jordan Harbinger: "Post cycle therapy is essential when coming off testosterone to avoid severe side effects." ([66:27])
• Nick Pell: "If you're under 35, you almost certainly do not need to be messing with this stuff." ([68:35])

Conclusion Episode 1172 of The Jordan Harbinger Show offers a comprehensive and balanced examination of TRT and anabolic steroids, blending personal experiences with critical analysis of societal influences and medical implications. Jordan and Nick advocate for informed decision-making, emphasizing that while TRT can significantly improve quality of life for those with legitimate deficiencies, it also carries substantial risks that must be carefully managed under professional guidance.

Final Thoughts:

• Jordan Harbinger: "You don't get something for nothing, especially with anything else. There are gonna be drawbacks." ([66:54])
• Nick Pell: "Whether you're considering TRT or wondering why guys on Instagram look so jacked, this episode gives you an honest look at the realities." ([68:51])

References and Further Reading Listeners interested in exploring TRT and steroid use further are encouraged to consult medical professionals, review scientific literature, and seek out reputable sources to make informed decisions regarding hormone therapies.