Testosterone is the main male sex hormone that is produced in the Leydig interstitial cells of the testes. But also in women, small amounts of this hormone are synthesized in the adrenal gland and in the ovaries.

How is testosterone production controlled – and does it depend on age and time of day?

There is a negative biological feedback between the brain and testosterone production in the testicles: the concentration of testosterone in the blood is continuously measured in two areas of the brain, a part of the diencephalon (hypothalamus) and the pituitary gland (pituitary); at low concentrations, the hypothalamus and pituitary provide messengers (gonadotropins) to boost testosterone production in the testicles.

In the opposite case, the production of these gonadotropins is reduced. This negative biological feedback only awakens with the onset of puberty, usually from the age of 10. The external signs of the change are growth of the testicles, pubic and axillary hair as well as the appearance of acne and broken voice.

This negative biological feedback weakens in the course of life so that in men over the age of 40, testosterone levels drop by about 1 percent a year (left side figure below). The aging-related drop in testosterone levels involves both a dry production of testosterone in the Leydig cells of the testes and a change in the frequency and amount of gonadotropins released.

Low testosterone levels can be associated with loss of libido, muscular weakness, marked overweight, increased sadness, lack of concentration, sweating, erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis and anemia in advancing age.

When assessing serum testosterone levels, the daily fluctuations must be taken into account, since the testosterone concentration in the morning hours is 20 to 40 percent higher than in the evening. Highest values ​​can be found between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and lowest values ​​between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. (top right).

How is testosterone transported in the blood and what happens to it in the target cells?

In the blood, testosterone is bound to various transport proteins, especially the sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Only about 1 to 2 percent of the circulating testosterone is unbound and actually biologically active as free testosterone. In the cells, testosterone is converted to the more biologically active dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

However, the fat cells also have the ability to convert testosterone into the most important female sex hormone, estradiol, and thus, in a way, to feminize a man and counteract the effects of testosterone.

How is blood testosterone measured?

Since the free testosterone usually agrees well with the total testosterone, the determination of the free testosterone, which is methodically very complex, is not standard and unnecessary. However, if the concentrations of the SHBG change, either increased or decreased total testosterone values ​​are measured, although the free or biologically active portion of the testosterone has remained largely normal:

So it typically occurs with an underactive thyroid, with a treatment such. B. with cortisone and with pronounced obesity to a significant drop in SHBG and total testosterone, so that the diagnosis of a testosterone deficiency can be erroneously made. The additional determination of the free androgen index (FAI), in which a quotient of total testosterone and SHBG is formed, can help to avoid a misjudgment regarding a testosterone deficiency.

Do physical activity, diseases, and medications affect testosterone levels?

Short, intense physical exertion can lead to an increase in testosterone, but long-term muscular activity and high-performance sports can lead to a drop in testosterone. Almost all chronic diseases, especially the liver, kidneys, and heart, as well as stress, anesthesia, and many medications can cause a drop in testosterone.

Examples include the anabolic steroids, which are also used by recreational athletes to improve physical performance and supposedly optimize physical appearance: These substances inhibit the messenger substances in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland – and thus testosterone production in the testicles.

Since a sufficient testosterone level is also essential for the maturation of the sperm in the Sertoli cells of the testicles, there is also a drop in the sperm count and thus infertility. Fortunately, this unwanted infertility is usually reversible after stopping the anabolic steroids. An increase in prolactin can also lead to a drop in testosterone levels and sperm count in men since this pituitary hormone also inhibits the release of messenger substances; This hormone is known primarily as a breastfeeding hormone for women.

But also in men, different medications (especially psychotropic drugs) or an almost always benign pituitary tumor can trigger an increase in prolactin in the blood and lead to temporary infertility with testosterone and sperm deficiency. It is not uncommon for these men to come to us because the hormonal effects of this hormone have been shown to them: real breast tissue or gynecomastia has developed. Fortunately, these changes are traceable through medication or surgical removal of the pituitary tumor.

What should be considered when determining testosterone in the blood?

We hope that you can now understand why a testosterone deficiency cannot be derived from testosterone determination alone. It is important that blood samples are taken on two days in the morning, preferably between 8 and 10 a.m.

To evaluate the testosterone values ​​are essential: weight, medication, data on previous or concomitant diseases, information on the current life situation and the additional determination of the gonadotropins, SHBG, and prolactin, as explained above. Otherwise, statements about the presence of a testosterone deficiency can also be compared to the predictions from the famous glass ball.

To a certain extent, every man has it in his own hand to increase or possibly lower his testosterone production. A beer belly or components in plastic can slow down the formation of testosterone. FOCUS Online explains how to raise your testosterone levels in eight steps.

A sufficiently high testosterone level is desirable for every man. The hormone formed in the gonads, especially in the testicles, is not only associated with masculinity and potency but also has an anabolic effect, ie it builds up muscles and fat. A sufficiently high testosterone level is associated with a long life.

Accordingly, men with testosterone levels that are too low have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke, but also metabolic diseases such as diabetes. However, the production of the masculinity hormone in the testicles decreases around the age of 35. The standard value of 12.4 to 30 nanomoles per liter of blood serum (depending on the measurement method of the laboratory) then drops by about one percent per year.

So it is definitely desirable to have enough testosterone, “not just to live longer, but to fill it with more lives every day,” says Frank Sommer, andrologist, urologist and president of the German Society for Men and Health. Because testosterone undeniably means more quality of life for men.

Exercise, certain foods like oatmeal and broccoli can increase testosterone production. The posture also has an amazing impact.

Signs of testosterone deficiency

A doctor’s blood test is often not necessary to recognize that too little testosterone is active in the body. Possible symptoms of testosterone deficiency are:

• Muscle strength decreases
• Decrease in libido
• significantly less sex than before
• faster weight gain than usual
• Upset
• sleep disorders

Raise testosterone levels without medication

Pronounced, detectable testosterone deficiency compensates for medication. But this testosterone replacement therapy can have side effects, such as hair growth on the body and weight gain.

“Another option is to bring the body’s own testosterone production up to speed through lifestyle changes,” says Frank Sommer. The important, biologically active testosterone increases through certain measures.

Because not all testosterone molecules that swim in the blood also dock on the cells and work with them. Two different proteins in the blood, albumin, and SHGB (sex hormone binding globulin) block the male hormone. This is why it is important, by the way, not only to have the hormone level in the blood measured in the testosterone test, but also the testosterone binders albumin and SHGB. The urologist or andrologist can use these three parameters to calculate the biologically active testosterone. The value should be over 0.074 nanomoles per liter.

The following eight measures are particularly recommended to increase the biologically active testosterone:

1. Interval training

Interval training is the most effective. Frank Sommer, who has already carried out several studies on this topic, recommends sport as the most important measure to produce more biologically active testosterone: “Twice 20 minutes three times a week, alternating with strength and endurance training such as running, has been shown to increase testosterone levels by 40 percent. “

Or simply train according to the 3x3x3 program that Sommer developed especially for men in their prime. This means: You perform three fitness exercises three days a week, which takes a total of three minutes.

If you overdo the training, you risk the opposite, namely a drop in testosterone levels. For example, marathon runners can have well-trained leg and Pomus muscles but lack testosterone.

2. Reduce belly fat

Men who have a waist circumference of more than 94 centimeters should definitely lose weight. Because the fat deposits around the middle of the body form the female sex hormone estradiol with the enzyme aromatose from testosterone. This makes the man even fatter, the libido decreases.

3. Save calories, especially in the evening

In general, light fasting has a positive effect on testosterone levels. “Ultimately, the daily calorie balance is decisive, but the absence of carbohydrates from white flour and sugar in the evening significantly increases the morning testosterone values,” explains Frank Sommer.

4. Vitamin D

Too low a vitamin D level is often associated with a low level of testosterone. “Why a vitamin D deficiency reduces testosterone has not yet been scientifically clarified,” reports the expert. But a connection has been proven. Men should, therefore, get some sunlight on the skin every day and possibly take vitamin D tablets.

5. The “Testosterone Diet”

Certain foods promote the formation of testosterone. These are, for example, oatmeal. They contain special phytochemicals called avenacosides (natural steroid saponins) that raise testosterone levels. Men should, therefore, eat oatmeal muesli or porridge in the morning. Incidentally, the testosterone effect of oats has long been known and this is probably why high oat rations for horses are discouraged – otherwise the horses become too active and aggressive, which is typical of the negative side of the male hormone.

In addition, unsaturated fatty acids such as nuts, almonds, hemp oil, and safflower oil are important for the formation of testosterone. The advice is to use a handful (unsalted) nuts daily and use vegetable oils for cooking.

Cruciferous vegetables, i.e. broccoli, spinach, lettuce, kale, are also important foods for men. Green vegetables contain the secondary plant substance indole-3-carbinol. This substance is a natural aromatase inhibitor, so it prevents the formation of estradiol from testosterone. In addition, it binds the testosterone inhibitor SHGB in the blood.

Soy, which has long been discredited for lowering testosterone levels in men because of its phytoestrogens, is harmless. It does not affect the testosterone balance in men, so it does no harm – on the contrary: soy reduces harmful cholesterol in the blood.

6. Sleep well and relieve stress

Lack of sleep and too much psychological stress cause the body to produce more stress hormones like cortisol. Cortisol is an antagonist of testosterone and lowers the proportion of biologically active male hormone. Adequate sleep and reducing stress is therefore also important in connection with testosterone deficiency.

7. Affect testosterone through the psyche

Yes, it actually works. The correct posture is crucial: men who confidently sit with their arms folded behind their heads, their upper bodies stretched out and their feet aside or their legs open increase their testosterone levels – compared to those who sit despondently, pull their shoulders forward and they Legs cramped together.

In a study, Frank Sommer analyzed the testosterone levels of men who took these poses – before and after posing. The testosterone level rose under self-confidence by 40 percent and probably stayed that high for about half an hour, according to the astonishing result. Frank Sommer: “Hardly any medication has such a strong influence on the body.”

8. Avoid plastic

Certain substances in plastic material, the so-called endocrine or hormone-active substances (EAS) like that

• Plasticizers phthalic acid esters/phthalates (in tiles, wallpaper, soft plastic material) and
• Bisphenol-A (BPA), especially in packaging, but also in the coating of canned food

affect the hormonal balance negatively. Studies show that exposure to phthalates in the urine can be demonstrated. And high urinary phthalate levels are associated with low testosterone levels. Bisphenol-A is suspected of also negatively affecting sperm. The pollutants often pass from packaging to content. Best advice (also for the environment): Even if EAS can already be found in our entire environment, try to avoid plastic wherever possible.

Conclusion

In order to naturally boost testosterone production, the man has many options: exercise regularly, lose weight, eat healthy foods with oatmeal, green vegetables and nuts, adequate sleep, a certain posture and, last but not least, no plastic. And this not only benefits the hormonal balance and can give you years of life, but also promotes your health in general.

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How testosterone affects your masculinity, strength, and muscles

Testosterone gives you strength and lets your muscles grow: men should know about the messenger

“Without testosterone, there is hardly an erection, no muscle can grow significantly, no beard is tight,” says Professor Dieter Hesch, endocrinologist and men doctor from land battle. How important the hormone is for men, what a deficiency or too high a testosterone value means, and whether an artificial intake makes sense, we clarify all this with experts.

In this article:

What is testosterone and what does it do?

Where is the male hormone made in the body?

What testosterone level is normal?

So the testosterone level fluctuates during the day

What leads to a testosterone deficiency?

How useful are testosterone supplements?

Can testosterone accelerate muscle building?

Contraception with testosterone?

How does testosterone affect the brain and heart?

Brain research: That is why men think differently than women

Testosterone levels are not a question of age

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Testosterone is the main male sex hormone

What exactly is testosterone?

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone (androgen). As with all other hormones in the human body, testosterone is also a biochemical messenger – so it has a chemical composition. This is based on androstane, i.e. on organic hydrocarbon molecules. The hormone was first discovered in 1935 by Ernst Laquer. The physician and pharmacologist spent a long time studying hormone research. After the discovery of the female hormone (estrogen) in the mid-twenties, ten years later he isolated the sex hormone testosterone, which he called from bull testicles.

What does testosterone do?

Testosterone not only controls a man’s sexuality and fertility. It works in all organs. So while it contributes to the formation of sperm, it is also responsible for your muscles. The hormone also supports bone metabolism and promotes bone growth in adolescents. In the course of a man’s physical development, the messenger substance is also involved in building and maintaining bone density.

Where is the male hormone made in the body?

The largest production site for testosterone is the testes. Up to 95 percent of the testosterone content in the male body is formed here. The remaining five percent is taken over by the adrenal cortex. However, the release of the male hormone is controlled by the brain. Whenever the head office notices in the head that there is not enough of the messenger substance in the bloodstream, it releases another hormone, namely lutropin (LH). As soon as this gets into the testicles, it signals to the cells located there that they should accelerate their work. Hormone production is in full swing immediately. The newly created testosterone not only gets into the bloodstream but also ripens out of immature progenitor cells an army of millions of prickly sperm for reproductive purposes.

Testosterone lets prickly sperm mature from reproductive cells for reproductive purposes.

Light Field Studio / Shutterstock.com

Testosterone causes millions of sperm to mature from reproductive cells from immature progenitor cells

This is how you increase your testosterone level

What testosterone level is normal?

The average testosterone content in the blood of an adult male is between 12 and 40 nmol / l (nanomoles per liter). Women also have the hormone in their blood, but only a little. For comparison: In women, it is below 3 nmol / l, sometimes even so low that laboratories cannot prove it. A value of 1 nmol / l means that 1 milliliter of blood that the doctor draws with the syringe contains less than 1 billionth of a gram of the hormone. Little – but effective.

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So the testosterone level fluctuates during the day

Men release the hormone every 24 hours – this has consequences for sex and strength training, among other things. Here is a rough schedule:

7:00 a.m .: The testosterone level now begins to rise and reaches its daily maximum at this point. If you want your doctor to check your hormone levels, he will draw blood from you early in the morning to determine the maximum value. In men with a testosterone deficiency, the testosterone level is just as low in the morning as in the evening.

1:00 p.m .: Testosterone levels gradually decrease as the day progresses. The production of the hormone does not decrease quite uniformly, however, but can also increase slightly in between – for example, if your body reacts spontaneously to stimuli from scantily clad colleagues.

8:00 p.m .: Let’s go? At this point, hormone production drops to its daily minimum. But that doesn’t mean that the evening hours are generally a bad time for sex. “New studies show that fluctuations in testosterone levels can always trigger a stimulus, even if the absolute value drops,” says endocrinologist Professor Dieter Hesch. So if you irritate your lovely adorable little bit, it will work.

The testosterone curve in men.

Raymond Biesinger

This is how much testosterone men release every 24 hours

How is the testosterone level measured? 

Your doctor will usually do this by taking a blood sample. Other methods of measuring testosterone levels include saliva or urine. There are now also testosterone self-tests (ab 51,36 € ) for at home.

You can do that against men’s breasts

What leads to a testosterone deficiency?

If your hormone level is too low, there can be different reasons. In men, too low values ​​are usually associated with underactive gonads, anabolic steroids, liver cirrhosis, drug abuse or severe malnutrition. But women can also have too little testosterone in their blood. This is often noticeable in an underactive ovary. But therapy with anti-androgens, taking estrogens (i.e. the female hormones) and taking anabolic steroids, liver cirrhosis and malnutrition can also decrease the value.

However, the opposite can also happen. Namely, that your testosterone level is too high. In men, the value can be too high if they take an additional testosterone intake – for example with doping agents. But even in cases of testicular tumors, adrenal cancer or androgen resistance, there can be an increased value. In women, an overactive ovary or adrenal cortex can increase hormone levels. It can also lead to adrenal cancer or premature puberty.

This is how you recognize and treat a testosterone deficiency

Taking testosterone: lifestyle hormone or useful supplement?

This question is justified: Testosterone is often only taken in order to achieve better results in sports or to strengthen the muscles. The latter was particularly common in the bodybuilder scene. Anabolic steroids were used particularly often, which exposes the athletes to a significant health risk. Injecting high doses of testosterone can result in thrombosis, strokes and heart attacks. Foci of cancer slumbering in the body, for example in the prostate, can also be stimulated by the additional testosterone doses.

But if you now think that taking testosterone in the form of medication is definitely harmful to your health: this is only the flip side of the coin. The messenger substance can also have a positive effect on your body. For example, the hormone replacement can be used if a testosterone deficiency is found and help with a lack of sexual desire (loss of libido). Testosterone can be supplied to the body in different ways. Be it the conventional taking of tablets, an external application on the skin or an injection (by syringe). 

Erectile dysfunction? It really helps

Our tip and advice:  There are numerous drugs that are based on the male hormone and can balance your testosterone level. Since everyone reacts differently to medicines, side effects and interactions can occur – but do not have to. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and get advice. He will be able to tell you whether additional testosterone intake makes sense for you personally.

The male hormone testosterone helps build muscle

Africa Studio / Shutterstock.com

The male hormone testosterone helps build muscle

Can testosterone accelerate muscle building?

Many men wonder if a testosterone patch can accelerate muscle growth. “Testosterone patches have been officially available from us since 1998. They are intended as an alternative to syringes for men with testosterone deficiency,” says Professor Günter Stalla, Head of Medicover Endocrinology in Munich. In any case, they are therefore subject to a prescription.

The plasters are stuck to the testicles. Since the skin is thin there, the body can easily absorb the testosterone. With daily use, the testosterone level is kept at a constant level – easier and more constant than with syringes. Muscle growth is hard to be expected with one of these plasters. For one thing, the dose is very low. On the other hand, a healthy body has a balancing mechanism that ensures that the testosterone level remains constant. If you bring this hormone into the body from the outside, although there is no deficiency at all, it reduces your own production – the result is a zero-sum game.

If you take the preparation off again disappointed, you have to reckon with the loss of potency and libido due to the reduced testosterone production. Apart from that, the hormone is not a training substitute: Testosterone, which is chemically modified and also contained in anabolic steroids, is considered doping in high doses and also has side effects: acne formation, testicle size reduction, breast growth in men, limited to complete inability to conceive.

The risk of developing liver tumors also increases. If the hormone is no longer ingested, the splendor disappears quickly. So you should think hard about whether muscle growth is worth all of these risks.

The growth hormone HGH really does

Condoms: 1st place on the contraceptive podium.

Marjan Velijanosi / Shutterstock.com

So far the only successful contraceptive for men: the condom

Contraception with testosterone: an alternative to condom, pill & Co.? 

Since the messenger substance is important for sperm maturation, it could even be suitable for contraceptive purposes. But prevent with testosterone – should that work? Yes and no By mid-2011, the World Health Organization was researching a hormonal contraceptive method for men. The hormone was injected from the outside.

Goal: to inhibit the body’s own testosterone production. Consequence:  The brain then leans back in reassurance – there is enough testosterone in the blood. Without a command from the brain, hormone production in the testicles soon stops. However, the foreign body’s testosterone does not get there in sufficient quantities. Soon no sperm will fidget in the ejaculate. The preparation should be injected every two months. If the test subjects wanted to stop taking the medication, they were fertile again after one year. However, this method of contraception brought many side effects and not 100 percent protection, which is why the study was stopped.

Another possible consequence: Since the testicular cells are unemployed, they become weak. The tissue becomes softer and the testicles gradually feel like old plums. The same can happen to bodybuilders who inject testosterone – usually in an even higher dose – for doping purposes. A glimmer of hope: As soon as you stop, the tissue becomes plump again and the hormone-producing cells resume their work – at least in most cases.

Safety first! Last but not least, that such contraceptive methods have their side effects, do not protect them 100 percent against your partner’s pregnancy. Suppression of sperm formation by testosterone is not sufficient in about 10 to 15 percent of men. For this reason, no pharmaceutical company has yet taken the step of bringing such an innovative contraceptive for men onto the market. The condom is and remains the only successful contraceptive method for men so far.

You should know these natural methods of contraception

Testosterone as a drive for the brain?

The body reacts sensitively to hormonal fluctuations. Even the smallest changes have a big impact: Testosterone makes men confident, ambitious, dominant and keeps their brains fit for a long time – presumably because it protects nerve cells from destructive stress. A testosterone deficiency is said to favor the decline. What threatens are depression and, at a later age, Alzheimer’s and dementia. Experiments show that testosterone intake makes you smarter almost immediately in old age.

Everybody experiences something similar every day. In the mornings, when the testosterone value is at its highest, tasks for spatial thinking are particularly well solved. In contrast, in the late afternoon, when the hormone level is lower, the error rate increases, as an English study by the University of Leeds has shown.

But there is also too much of a good thing. In a test tube, large amounts of testosterone drive nerve cells to suicide after a few hours. Of course, this is not possible in a natural way. For men who dope with anabolic steroids, we don’t put our hands in the fire.

Does the messenger have a positive effect on your heart?

STILLFX; Rashad Ashurov / Shutterstock.com

Mukkis for the heart through testosterone?

Is testosterone good for the heart?

Testosterone strengthens the heart, wakes up a tired pump and protects the blood vessels. “For example, cells from the bone marrow that repair damaged vessels are present in significantly fewer numbers when there is a lack of testosterone,” says Hamburg-based urologist Professor Hartmut Porst. Men with low hormone levels are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases and have a lower life expectancy. 

This is how you lower your heart attack risk

But be careful! In bodybuilder doses, anabolic steroids (muscle building substances) overturn the protective effect! The heart then grows to an unhealthy size, blood pressure rises. Result: stroke and heart attack threaten.

Brain research: Why men think differently than women!

Men are different. And very early on, namely in the mother’s womb. “Before birth, male brains literally swim in testosterone,” says American neurobiologist and author Dr. Louann Brizendine from the University of California at San Francisco. That’s a good thing because that’s the only reason why they leave the preset, female path. Regions of the brain that store memories, process feelings or control language are shrunk in the testosterone bath.

Instead, the areas for sex, aggressiveness, and spatial imagination grow with him. That is why an adult man speaks fewer words later – around 7,000 a day, a woman triple. He thinks of one thing more often – namely every 52 seconds – and is faster in the parking space than a woman. Ideally, at least, because the brain is much more complex than a switch that switches testosterone in one direction or the other. So you are welcome to talk more. No woman will, therefore, question your masculinity.

You see, the hormone testosterone affects almost every aspect of your body. You now know the natural level fluctuations throughout the day, use them for your goals, and don’t risk your health with unnecessary substitutions.

“What is Testosterone?”

Ask the next person you meet.

You may hear something like this:

• “The more testosterone , the more muscle building.”
• “You need testosterone. Women need estrogen. ”
• “Testosterone makes you slim and defined.”

Surprise: only one statement is correct. The rest is humbug.

In this article, you’ll learn four scientific facts about testosterone that few people know about:

1. Clarified once and for all: what is testosterone?
2. A higher testosterone level usually does not accelerate muscle building.
3. Fat loss and how testosterone affects it.
4. Testosterone is not just a matter for men, but also for women.

If you invest 3-5 minutes reading time in this article, you know more about the sex hormone than 99% of your fellow human beings.

Thing # 1: What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone,  a biochemical messenger in your body.

Men produce it in the testicles, women in the ovaries. Both sexes also make up a small proportion of the adrenal gland.

Some people think testosterone is schizophrenic – it has two different properties:

1. It turns a man into a man  (androgenic properties): Testosterone signals to the male body: “Form the primary and secondary sexual characteristics”. So penis and testicles, but also hair growth and a deep voice.
2. It ensures strong muscles and bones  (anabolic properties): Testosterone is one of the three most important muscle building hormones and also plays an important role in the formation of strong bones.

Your brain usually controls how much testosterone is produced and released.

Most of the testosterone circulates in the bloodstream. In order for it to be quick in place, a mobile pedestal is of course required. This task is performed by a special protein.

The “auto” for testosterone is called sex hormone binding globulin  (SHGB). Testosterone that is bound to SHGB is also called bound testosterone.

However, bound testosterone does not play an active role in your body. Only unbound, as free testosterone, can it penetrate cells and exert its effect there.

Key Facts – What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone that is produced in the male testicles or the female ovaries. It has androgenic (“man-making”) properties and, as one of the most important anabolic messengers, is an essential muscle building factor.

Thing No. 2: How does your testosterone level affect muscle building?

Testosterone is one of the main hormonal players in muscle building.

Studies in young, healthy men show that anabolic steroids, which increase testosterone levels drastically, grow muscles even without training. 1

Does that mean that higher testosterone levels automatically lead to more muscles?

Warning, now it’s getting interesting …

We know that if you increase your testosterone dramatically, you will build more muscle.

If you take a certain steroid cocktail AND train, you can build more muscles than intended by mother nature.

You can marvel at the result of these drugs in hardcore bodybuilding magazines, among other things. So far, nothing new.

But FIRST, it’s not about hardcore bodybuilding, SECOND, you risk your health (body destroying instead of bodybuilding) and THIRD …

Stay tuned don’t take steroids.

Instead of unnaturally high testosterone levels, we are interested in how fluctuations in natural testosterone affect muscle building.

And very few people know exactly that:

As long as your testosterone level is in the normal range, a fluctuation does not affect muscle building.

It may be that you feel better and have more desire for sex if you raise your testosterone level from the middle to the upper normal range. But it doesn’t affect how well you build muscle.

I know that is contrary to popular belief. But science speaks a different language.

Two interesting studies:

1. Study: Natural Testosterone Levels and Muscle Building: A 20-week study conducted on young men investigated whether young men with high normal testosterone build muscle faster than men with a lower normal testosterone level. Result: Although the participants with high testosterone levels built up a little more muscle, the difference was negligible. Study: hormone release after training and muscle building: In a US study by McMaster University, the subjects followed a classic muscle-building program for 12 weeks: they exercised 5 times a week and followed the principles of muscle building nutrition. The researchers wanted to know the following: Do those who release more anabolic hormones after training build muscle faster than subjects who release fewer hormones? Result: You could see no connection between growth hormone release and muscle growth as long as the values ​​remained within the normal range. 

A reader recently asked whether testosterone boosters accelerate muscle growth. There are supplements that can help  – but testosterone boosters are not one of them.

The ingredients of most “Testo Boosters” are ineffective according to scientific standards. The few that work can only raise your testosterone to a level that is still natural for your body.

If you don’t have a testosterone deficiency and want to build muscle, you can save the money on this type of dietary supplement.

If your testosterone level is in the natural range, a “testosterone booster” will not help you build muscle.

The only exception would be people with a proven testosterone deficiency. In this case, a high-quality supplement could help normalize testosterone levels.

Then there are few reasons to naturally increase testosterone levels?

Not quite. At least not if you want to lose body fat …

Key facts – testosterone levels and muscle building

As long as your testosterone level is in the normal range, a fluctuation does not affect muscle building. “Testosterone boosters” are therefore not an effective means of accelerating muscle growth.

Thing No. 3: How does your testosterone level affect fat loss?

In contrast to muscle building, fluctuations in testosterone in the normal range very well influence fat loss:

The more testosterone, the less body fat.

The scientists in the first study mentioned above observed an inverse relationship between testosterone levels and body fat percentage of the test subjects:

• The higher the testosterone level of the study participants, the lower their body fat percentage.
• The lower the testosterone level of the study participants, the higher the body fat percentage.

The researchers picked out subjects with a medium hormone level and then gave them medication that lowered the testosterone level into the low normal range.

With a dramatic effect: the body fat mass increased by an average of 36%.

Even if the exact relationships are not yet known, the studies indicate that testosterone directly influences fat storage and that a low testosterone level promotes obesity.

If you naturally increase your testosterone level, it will help you to become and stay slim.

Key Facts – Testosterone Levels and Fat Loss

A low testosterone level probably favors fat storage even if the value is still in the lower normal range. The higher your testosterone level, the easier it is to break down fat.

Thing # 4: Why Ms. Testosterone Needs

Men make testosterone. Women make estrogen. Right?

Nope. It would be nice if you could fit the complex system “body” into such a simple black and white pattern.

In fact, it’s a common misconception that testosterone is for muscular men and – God forbid – not for women. At least not for those who want to preserve their femininity.

The truth is: testosterone is vital for the female body.

Testosterone also plays a major role for women and is responsible for some extremely important metabolic processes in women:

• No sex drive without testosterone: As with men, testosterone also influences sex drive in women. The pill may have negative effects on the sex drive of women: A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine comes to the conclusion that the pill increases the level of the sex hormone-binding protein (SHGB, see “Thing No. 1”). This would bind more testosterone and lower the level of free testosterone.  Less free testosterone means less sexual desire – whether male or female.
• No estrogen without testosterone:  Few people know that estrogen is made from testosterone. And estrogen is important not only for the female metabolism but also for the male.
• No muscle building without testosterone: Even women can only get stronger if they have enough free testosterone in their blood.
• No solid bones without testosterone: Contraceptive pills can have another undesirable side effect and lower bone density in women. 

It is true that women produce significantly less testosterone than men – the amount is about 1/10. But the female body is much more sensitive to the sex hormone.

Women need less testosterone than men to live healthy and fit.

Testosterone is just as vital for women as it is for men. It fulfills the same roles in the female metabolism as in the male.

Key Facts – Testosterone in Women

Testosterone is also vital for the female body: Without enough testosterone, women, and men do not feel like having sex. Estrogen is made from testosterone. Women need testosterone to build strong muscles and bones.

Women need less testosterone than men to live healthy and fit. Nevertheless, it fulfills the same vital roles in female metabolism as in the male.

Conclusion

What is testosterone? The messenger not only makes men male, but women also need and produce the sex hormone.

As long as your testosterone level is in the normal range, a fluctuation does not affect muscle building. “Testosterone boosters” are therefore not an effective means of speeding up muscle growth.

It is different from a fat loss:  A low testosterone level probably favors fat storage even if the value is still in the lower normal range. The higher your testosterone level, the lower your body fat percentage.

Women need less testosterone than men to live healthy and fit. Nevertheless, it fulfills the same vital roles in female metabolism as in the male.

This was part 2 of the series of articles about testosterone. In part 5  you read my personal testosterone story and find out why I no longer run marathons. In the upcoming articles, you will learn how to clearly recognize a testosterone deficiency and what you can do to increase your testosterone level naturally.

One of the causes of potency problems is testosterone, the production of which decreases steadily from the age of thirty. The hormone level can be increased with the help of testosterone tablets. But is that really without risk? And which preparation is suitable for more testosterone?

Before we go into a suitable preparation, let’s first look at what testosterone is and what can lead to a hormone deficiency.

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone and probably the best-known representative of male sex hormones. Testosterone has a variety of functions in the body of both men and women. Among other things, it plays an important role in terms of potency and muscle building.

What is the function of testosterone?

In the male embryo, the penis, scrotum, and prostate develop under the influence of male sex hormones. During puberty, testosterone leads to genital growth, sperm maturation and the appearance of a male. The following factors are influenced by testosterone in the development phase and make a boy become a man:

• Shoulders and chest become wider
• The larynx grows
• The voice gets deeper
• The hair grows
• The facial features become coarser

In addition, testosterone increases sexual desire, general drive, but also aggressive behavior.

In puberty, testosterone in men is also responsible for the formation of so-called secondary sexual characteristics such as body hair, beard growth, and broken voice. Testosterone also causes men to have more red blood cells than women and a higher muscle to fat mass ratio. Therefore testosterone is used as a doping agent in sports. However, there are also herbal remedies that increase testosterone levels and can, therefore, provide improved potency and faster muscle building (more on this later).

The falling testosterone level in old age

The production of sex hormones decreases steadily in men in old age. This process was previously called – based on the menopause in women – andropause or climacteric viril .

These names are not very precise. While there is a massive drop in female sex hormones in women within a short period of time, testosterone in men is only gradually decreasing. The following table shows the age-related average testosterone levels in men:

Age in years	Testosterone level in ng/ml
20-29	3.1 – 8.3
30-39	3.0 – 8.3
40-49	2.8 – 7.0
50-59	2.4 – 6.3
60-69	2.1 – 5.4
70-79	1.7 – 4.9

The level usually begins to drop slowly from 30. Annually by up to two percent. It doesn’t sound like much right away, but it has a significant impact on your entire life and well-being. If a testosterone deficiency causes symptoms in men, these days we speak of a testosterone deficiency syndrome. This is where taking testosterone tablets can help.

Testosterone tablets – the drug of choice?

The agent of choice is called Testogen and is a completely herbal and freely available dietary supplement, sounds too good to be true, right?

So you know what Testogen is:

Testogen is a testosterone booster, a dietary supplement that helps you increase your testosterone levels. It consists exclusively of natural ingredients.

According to the manufacturer, Testogen has the potential:

• Increase testosterone production in the body
• To give you more strength and energy
• Increase your sex drive
• Experiencing stronger and more frequent erections
• Burn fat faster and build muscle
• Better to sleep
• Shorter recovery phases between training units / su_list]

Come on, can’t you tell me you’re not impressed? We have tested Testogen extensively and perceived it as a real insider tip in terms of testosterone increase.

Testosterone tablets for muscle building: how does it work?

The exact effect of testosterone in the body is very chemical and complicated. One of the most important effects for athletes: Testosterone controls a factor in the body that is responsible for controlling cell growth in the liver and muscles. The factor is called IGF-1. When the IGF-1 level is high, muscle growth is also high.

Men produce 2.5-11 mg of testosterone daily. After puberty, hormone production drops again. Women produce approximately 0.25 mg daily. For many strength athletes, the falling testosterone level is a reason to stimulate production or to increase it artificially. You can find some testosterone boosters on the Internet that show you how to accelerate muscle growth.

I advise you not to take any gels, syringes and tablets in your hand that are supposed to increase your testosterone. These are poison cocktails and you harm your body and your health! If you pay attention to a few things, you can also naturally increase your testosterone level and build healthy muscles.

Buy natural testosterone tablets

Natural testosterone boosters can increase the level of free testosterone in the body, which is useful for building muscle. These products usually contain natural substances from Tribulus terrestris or Maca and are free from the above-mentioned side effects. Testogen has worked with professional bodybuilders for a long time and uses only the best and most effective extracts for its muscle building products. You can buy the testosterone booster in the shop. The special muscle building preparations are also interesting for muscle growth.

Testosterone is the most important of the male sex hormones. These are also known as androgens

Among other things, testosterone promotes the growth of body hair

In a nutshell:

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone. It is mainly formed in the testicles. Metabolic disorders that involve testosterone and other hormones can affect not only men but also women.

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is by far the most important male sex hormone. It also occurs in small quantities in women. Testosterone is produced in the so-called Leydig cells of the testis. In both sexes, the adrenal glands also produce limited testosterone. The testicles are controlled by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in the midbrain. The pituitary gland releases the follicle-stimulating hormone ( FSH ) and the interstitial cell-stimulating hormone (ICSH) into the blood. The latter is primarily responsible for testosterone production, while the former controls the formation of sperm – with the help of testosterone.

Which value is normal?

In adult men, the total testosterone concentration in blood serum is 2.41 to 8.27 µg / l. These values ​​apply to tatakelood between eight and ten in the morning. In the evening, the testosterone level drops by about 20 percent.

In women, the testosterone level between the third and fifth day of the cycle is around 0.14 to 0.76 µg / l. The hormone comes from the adrenal gland in women.

A very small percentage of testosterone circulates freely in the blood. The rest is bound to protein, including the so-called sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Sometimes, in addition to the total testosterone value, the doctor also uses the testosterone / SHBG ratio, which depicts the biologically active, free testosterone, for assessment.

The testosterone / SHBG ratio (also called free androgen index) is 7 to 100 percent in men (age-dependent) and under 6 percent in women.

When does the value increase?

Diseases or certain disorders of the adrenal glands can be characterized by large amounts of testosterone in the blood. The effects are of course different for women and men or for girls and boys. Boys/men and girls/women experience sexual development and function disorders. In the course of this, feminization symptoms also appear in women.

Both sexes can also suffer from stunted growth.

For example, the hereditary adrenogenital syndrome (AGS) causes the production of aldosterone and cortisol in the adrenal glands to be disturbed. Instead, more testosterone is produced. Among other things, girls can see the increased hair growth and a lack of breast development. Menstruation does not take place. In boys, increased, premature development of gender characteristics such as the armpit and pubic hair and beard growth indicates early puberty. The gonads in the testicles are immature. As a result, there are different shapes and forms at AGS.

Malignant tumors of the adrenal cortex, which can affect both sexes, very rarely form testosterone.

Beard growth is also stimulated by testosterone

© W&B / Shutterstock

Younger women with obesity sometimes develop cystic changes in the ovaries (polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCO syndrome). There are increased testosterone levels that cause masculinization and other disorders. Young women also usually get the rare, mostly benign ovarian tumors (Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors). These tumors can also lead to increased testosterone levels with the corresponding physical changes.

When is the value too low?

Serum testosterone levels may be lower than usual after prolonged physical work. Stress, serious illnesses, hereditary disorders, old age, anesthesia, alcohol, drugs or certain medications can also lower the testosterone value.

Testicular tumors, loss of function of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, and increased levels of prolactin in the blood may also result in decreased testosterone levels.

Testosterone levels are also reduced in Klinefelter syndrome. This is a chromosome disorder in which the boy is usually born with two females and one male sex chromosomes (47 XXY).

A low testosterone level can lead to feminization in men. He then develops female traits. For example, breast tissue increases due to the increased growth of the mammary glands (gynecomastia). Among other things, this is typical of the aforementioned Klinefelter syndrome.

The determination of testosterone can also indicate the effectiveness of hormone therapy in prostate cancer.