testosterone
∙5 minute read
Crouch and Defoe, Ant and Dec, testosterone and muscle mass – some things just go together. We’re sure about the strike partnership and geordie duo, but is the link between muscle mass and testosterone justified? Strong evidence says it is.
Let’s go into a bit more detail.
You’ve probably heard the word hundreds of times throughout your life, but you may be wondering ‘what actually is testosterone’?
It’s a lesser-known part of our health that has huge importance. To put it simply, testosterone is a sex hormone that affects multiple areas of the body. In men, it’s thought to regulate sex drive (libido), bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass and strength, and the production of red blood cells and sperm. Ultimately, a healthy body needs healthy testosterone levels.
If you want to build muscle, you’ll need healthy testosterone levels. Testosterone works by increasing the protein synthesis, which is the process by which muscle fibres repair and regenerate after exercise-induced damage. Higher testosterone levels enhance protein synthesis, leading to more rapid recovery and muscle growth.
Track your testosterone levels and make sure they’re at a healthy level, but increased testosterone isn’t a shortcut to a muscular physique. You do need to eat the right foods and get exercising. If you feel generally fatigued, lacking energy, and unmotivated, you may be short of testosterone. If so, it’s time to get checked out.
Don’t panic if you do have low testosterone – there are many options to achieve normal levels. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is an effective way of boosting your testosterone and many men have a positive experience with the treatment. After treatment, you should notice increased energy, enhanced sex drive, and stronger muscles.
For those who are unable to produce testosterone normally and have a diagnosis of testosterone deficiency, then TRT is a standout option. But if you are able to produce testosterone normally, there are natural ways of optimising your testosterone. Testosterone Support contains ingredients that are linked to a heightened sex drive, improved mood, and increased testosterone.
Increasing your testosterone levels to an excessive amount isn’t a good way to build muscle. But what is? The best way is the tried and tested method – lifting weights and eating a balanced diet rich in protein. Of course, the key lies in how heavy the weights are, how many times you lift them, and how often. Create an efficient weightlifting routine and you’ll see the benefits. Men lose 3-5% of their muscle mass per decade, so optimising your muscle gain becomes more important as you get older.
We tend to associate testosterone with a muscular physique, but healthy testosterone levels are also pivotal for weight loss. It all relates to lifestyle. If you have healthy testosterone levels, you’re more likely to exercise regularly, keep active, see results in terms of lean muscle gain, and be more motivated.
If you want a muscular physique, testosterone is just one piece of the puzzle. Healthy testosterone levels must be combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise to achieve muscle mass. Track your testosterone to make sure it’s at an optimum amount and then make it count. Don’t be tempted by increasing your testosterone for muscle gain - you need to actually put the work in.
