Secreted by the adrenal glands and testes, testosterone is the male sex hormone responsible for developing secondary sexual characteristics like body hair and deep voice. This androgenic hormone is associated with athletic prowess. The use of testosterone became popular among athletes in the 1950s to 60s and has since been considered a performance enhancer.
In women, the body produces testosterone through the ovary for women and in testicles in men. However, the female testosterone level is way lower than the males. Lower testosterone levels may result in low libido, a decrease in muscle mass, and a high risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Of all the substances produced by the human body, testosterone is the most associated with athletic performance. Studies show that athletes have used testosterone for decades to increase their muscle mass within a short period. This hormone is also essential in muscle size and body fat.
Athletes may have lower testosterone levels due to various factors, including:
- Increased stress
- Use of oral contraceptives
- Endurance based training
Those with low testosterone levels may seek to boost it by using supplements. Testerone supplements come in different forms. You can order Testosterone 400 injectable online or get it in other forms, including:
- Skin patches
- Gels
- Mouth patches
Find below more benefits of testosterone boosters for athletes:
Help Increase Muscle Mass
Studies have shown a positive effect of testosterone on muscle mass increase following hypertrophy-based strength training. Researchers gave subjects testosterone supplements to measure their impact on muscle growth. The results show that testosterone boosts the rate of muscle protein synthesis post-training compared to athletes who didn’t use any testosterone boosters.
This muscle hypertrophy tends to occur over the long term, resulting in a more than 600mm increase in the subjects’ quadriceps. On the other hand, the exercise-only group lost over 100mm in their quadriceps.
Athletes who use testosterone may build their endurance during training. Testosterone alters metabolism and motor system function, supporting resistance training adaptations. While the exercise-only group didn’t improve their training strength, those who took boosters improved their bench press by 9kg.
Strengthen Bones
Testosterone may play an essential role in bone gain and maintenance. Studies have shown that men with lower testosterone may experience accelerated bone loss and a high risk of fractures. With the right dose, testosterone may increase bone density. The use of testosterone, in this case, may decrease loss and help maintain bone mass. A clinical trial on the effect of testosterone on bone density found improvement in the thickness of the spinal and hip bones. With solid bones and more support for your muscles and internal organs, you may boost your athletic performance.
Testosterone levels may also aid post-training recovery. Studies have shown that testosterone is essential in the healing process. Conversely, decreased levels may impede healing.
Promote Healthy Heart and Blood
Athletes train for long hours in preparation for a race, game, or event. As a result, their hearts must be in top shape to perform their best. Some studies have linked low levels of testosterone to cardiac health. In a 2004 research, 20 men with heart failure were given testosterone injections for 12 weeks. The results showed a 33% increase in the distance they could walk on the treadmill compared to what they could do before the dose. Researchers attributed this improvement to the testosterone administered.
In another study in 2008, 22 men with coronary artery diseases and low testosterone levels were given testosterone orally. Testosterone helped increase blood flow to the heart muscle. It also boosted heart muscle contractions, according to the research results. These studies show that many improve your cardiac health by increasing testosterone levels.
Reduce Fat While Building Muscle
Taking testosterone may help dieters lose fat while retaining muscle mass. In a study, researchers observed the effect of testosterone on the body in 100 relatively healthy obese men. During the 58-week-long research, the group given testosterone injections lost almost only fat. In contrast, the placebo group lost both fats and lean muscle. In addition, the men taking testosterone booster lost 6.6 pounds more body fat than those on the placebo. They also retained their muscle mass while the other group lost 7.7 lb.
Improved Energy levels
Testosterone has been linked with increased motivation in athletes. Experts believe that high levels of this substance in the body may ignite the drive to train and win. Researchers observed a group of female athletes. They selected greater training weights when their testosterone levels increased. Experts found that the athletes chose training weights according to their testosterone levels. Not only did their resistance increase, but their motivation to train also improved.
In a similar study of male athletes, higher pregame testosterone levels in a group of professional rugby players resulted in better performance. Higher testosterone levels impacted motivation and increased the chance of victory, while lower testosterone levels reduced the chances of winning. These studies indicate that ensuring maximum testosterone levels may support athletic performance.
In conclusion
Testosterone is one of the most common agents used by athletes who participate in power-based sports, such as wrestling, cycling, bodybuilding, wrestling. While the body generates testosterone naturally, some athletes have reasons to boost their testosterone levels to get the full benefits.