Testosterone for muscle building and fat loss: How important is it really?

Summary of this blog

This blog examines you the role of testosterone in the context of muscle building and fat loss. Over the last 50 years, a myth has developed around testosterone as a miracle drug for men, with testosterone and anabolic steroids being the most commonly used doping substances in sports.

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and influences not only the development of reproductive organs but also aspects of muscle building. It has an anabolic effect that stimulates protein synthesis and, consequently, muscle growth. The blog emphasizes that a healthy testosterone level also supports fat burning.

The text points out that a low testosterone level does not always indicate a medically treatable deficiency but is often attributed to an unhealthy lifestyle and obesity. The purchase and use of testosterone supplements without medical consultation can pose significant risks.

The blog provides insights into testosterone production in men and women, its effects on muscle building and fat loss, as well as the signs and consequences of elevated testosterone levels. It underscores that testosterone deficiency is often a symptom of more serious illnesses and should be medically investigated.

In conclusion, the blog states that a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can naturally increase testosterone levels. It warns against the dangers of excessive testosterone, whether due to natural factors or doping, emphasizing that testosterone should only be artificially administered as a last resort.

End of summary

Once an everyday hormone, over the past five decades, a veritable myth has evolved around testosterone as a miraculous remedy for men. Currently, testosterone and anabolic steroids are the most commonly used substances in the realm of competitive sports. Even in recreational sports, the number of applications is likely to be exceedingly high due to the easy availability of these substances. However, in the rarest of cases, an actual treatable testosterone deficiency exists. More often, excess weight and an unhealthy, stressful lifestyle contribute to a relatively low testosterone level. Nevertheless, acquiring a hormone supplement with testosterone and taking it without prior consultation with a physician seems to be the simplest path to a powerful, defined physique. However, there are also natural ways to increase the body's own testosterone levels.

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is considered by far the most crucial androgen, i.e., male sex hormone. It plays a crucial role in the development of sexual organs and libido, as well as in the manifestation of typical male attributes such as hair and beard growth and a deeper voice. Moreover, it is renowned for its anabolic effect, promoting muscle development. It also enhances performance in athletes by stimulating the production of red blood cells and supporting the regeneration of bones and cartilage. However, a high testosterone level is not only associated with increased sexual desire but is also linked to heightened aggression, irritability, and dominant behavior.

In the bloodstream, testosterone is predominantly bound to a transport protein called SHBG. In reality, only about one to two percent is freely available and thus effective.

Testosterone: Important for men and women

In men, testosterone is primarily produced in the testes. However, in the female body, the ovaries and adrenal cortex also produce the hormone, albeit in significantly smaller quantities. For women, testosterone is less of a end product and more of an intermediate stage for further transformations, such as into estradiol, a female sex hormone.

Does testosterone affect muscle building?

Indeed, testosterone plays a crucial role in muscle development. In fitness and bodybuilding circles, it is even considered a veritable elixir for sculpting a six-pack and maintaining enduring potency.

Its constructive effect, stimulating protein biosynthesis and thus supporting muscle growth, is remarkable. This is one of the reasons why it is often easier for men to build and maintain muscle mass compared to women. This trend led, already in the 1980s, to the use of artificially produced testosterone, devoid of androgenic effects and solely focused on its muscle-building properties, as so-called anabolic steroids in the realm of strength sports as a doping substance.

Fat loss possible through testosterone?

Testosterone not only plays a crucial role in regulating carbohydrate and fat metabolism but also influences where and in what form body fat accumulates. In fact, a high and healthy testosterone level can sustainably promote fat burning. According to some studies, testosterone is even pivotal for successful weight loss.

On the flip side, a high body fat percentage, especially visceral fat, adversely affects the body's testosterone levels. This is because abdominal fat is highly hormone-active and promotes the conversion of testosterone into estrogens – creating a self-reinforcing cycle.

Signs and consequences of elevated testosterone levels

During puberty, young men typically have a considered normal testosterone level ranging from 0.1 to 9.0 µg/l. In adulthood, this range extends between 3.6 and 9.0 µg/l. For women, the corresponding normal values during adolescence are 0.06 to 0.50 µg/l, while in adulthood, they range from 0.15 to 0.55 µg/l.

The measurement of testosterone levels can be conducted through a blood test administered by a doctor, especially when specific illnesses or symptoms suggest a suspicion of testosterone deficiency or overproduction. An elevated testosterone level may indicate, for instance, hyperfunction or, in the worst case, a tumor that stimulates hormone production in the testes, ovaries, or adrenal cortex. Imbalances in hormone levels can also occur in the hormone "control center," the pituitary gland.

A too high testosterone level, whether due to illness or doping, carries significant risks and can cause permanent damage. Alongside infertility, depression, and reduced cognitive performance, the risk of heart failure, stroke, thyroid disorders, and the formation of tumors, such as in the liver and prostate, also increases.

Doping with testosterone not only poses the risk of impurity but also the danger of a drastic overdose. This can manifest, for example, in severe acne and the development of female breasts in men, as excess testosterone in the body is converted into female hormones.

Increase testosterone levels

The primary cause of a low testosterone level is the aging process. Around the age of 40, the natural production of this hormone in men significantly decreases – similar to the decline in hormone levels experienced by women during menopause.

However, a too-low testosterone level can also occur much earlier for various reasons. For instance, the production of the hormone may be compromised by damage to the testicles, ovaries, or adrenal cortex. Serious illnesses, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, rapid weight loss, and high stress can also lead to reduced testosterone production. Signs of a low testosterone level in men may include infertility, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and a lack of enthusiasm.

Since a testosterone deficiency in many cases is primarily a symptom of more severe illnesses, a doctor should investigate the cause of the deficiency instead of immediately prescribing a testosterone supplement.

If diseases can be ruled out as the cause of the testosterone deficiency, additional reasons for low hormone levels can include excess weight, especially visceral fat, excessive stress, or inactivity.

For example, abdominal fat releases the enzyme aromatase, which can convert existing testosterone into a female hormone. This means there are effective ways to increase the body's testosterone levels quite easily and naturally: Regular physical activity combined with a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, and a stress-free lifestyle can raise testosterone levels by up to 60%, thereby positively impacting male vitality.

Conclusion

When it comes to performance and muscle building, testosterone undoubtedly plays a significant role. Therefore, a low testosterone level that could affect athletic performance should be medically evaluated.

Although it may sound tempting to get testosterone prescribed by a doctor or even to buy it online or at a questionable gym around the corner to build muscle faster and more, this "easier" way is not recommended. Without a medically confirmed testosterone deficiency, hormone supplementation comes with considerable and not to be underestimated risks. On the contrary, with regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle, the testosterone level in the blood can be increased, positively impacting well-being and performance.

Frequently asked questions about “testosterone”

Does testosterone help with muscle building?

Testosterone plays a crucial role in muscle building, and a healthy, natural hormone level is an essential prerequisite for health and long-term performance improvement.

Do women need testosterone?

Women also naturally produce certain amounts of testosterone in the body, and the hormone plays a crucial role in their development and health as well.

How can one increase their testosterone level?

The body's own testosterone production can be significantly increased through regular strength training, a healthy diet, and avoiding stress. Losing weight can massively contribute to raising the testosterone level, especially in cases of overweight.

Is too much testosterone harmful?

A too-high testosterone level, whether due to natural factors like illness or through doping, poses significant health risks. For this reason, testosterone should only be artificially administered to the body as a truly last resort.