One of the numerous elements contributing to the growth of muscle mass and strength is testosterone, with lower muscle mass and strength being a symptom of low testosterone levels.
In competitive physical sports, it is not uncommon to hear about athletes boosting their testosterone levels to supercharge performance, sometimes the means being unethical but effective.
We did some investigating into the effects of testosterone on the human body and scientific research on boosting testosterone levels with the goal of gaining strength. Do yourself a favor and follow through!
Quick Fact Overview
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone that is predominantly generated by men's testicles and by women's ovaries and adrenal glands. The growth and development of masculine traits in males heavily rely on this hormone. For women, testosterone levels are substantially lower.
The body uses cholesterol to make testosterone. However, a high cholesterol level does not guarantee a high testosterone level. The pituitary gland in the brain controls testosterone levels too precisely for this to happen.
This misconception exists that aggression and violence are directly correlated with high testosterone levels, but that’s not quite the case. According to this research article exploring the effects of testosterone on human aggression found that testosterone encourages competitive behavior and makes males “feel good” about leaning into the effort.
Imagine Buddhist monks being injected with supraphysiological levels of testosterone; in this case, they would go around seeing who can be the most helpful towards people instead of being violent.
Testosterone enhances already existing modes of behavior.
How can we manipulate Testosterone to Get Stronger?
To get increases in strength, you need to have increased or at least optimal levels of testosterone. The means by which you can manipulate levels of testosterone can be very harmful and not harmful at all.
Let’s take a look at them and see how they impact your body overall.
Anabolic Steroids
In reality, athletes who take anabolic steroids, testosterone, or similar substances to boost muscle mass and athletic performance are the main source of information regarding unusually high testosterone levels in males.
Anabolic drugs stimulate the growth of muscle by imitating the actions of testosterone. Anabolic steroids are most commonly associated with bodybuilders who take specified and increasing doses of anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass dramatically.
Keep in Mind: Anabolic steroids have a profound effect on the human anatomy, and the consequences of abuse can be fatal. In many countries, they fall in the category of controlled substances, where facilitation, possession, and use can be prosecuted by law.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Men and some teenagers who experience the negative consequences of low testosterone are often treated with testosterone replacement therapy or TRT for short. It is used to raise their testosterone back to optimal levels, allowing them to lead healthy lives.
Keep in Mind: While the substances used in TRT are fairly similar to anabolic steroids, the process by which you can apply for such therapy is regulated by law and the supervision of a board-certified doctor.
You will need to consult with a doctor, explain your symptoms, and they will decide if you are eligible for such therapy. TRT is not the same for everyone, and different patients receive different levels of treatment. There are loopholes and cases where those without low testosterone levels abuse testosterone treatment to obtain an unfair advantage in athletic competitions.
Diet
Changing your diet is the best and least harmful way to start improving your testosterone levels, and it’s also the first recommendation your doctor will have for you before you even get to treatment. A protein-rich diet is a base for overall great health and increases testosterone and strength as a consequence.
A popular misconception is that eating fat is somehow detrimental to health, while for hundreds of thousands of years, humans have enjoyed fatty food without complications. When a human male doesn’t consume any dietary fat, it is followed by a notable decrease in testosterone levels and, subsequently, a lack of energy, sexual desire, and strength.
Do consume moderate levels of fatty food sources from meat and plant-based derivatives such as olive oil.
Testosterone Boosters
T-Boosters, or natural testosterone supplements, were created to help by providing specific combinations of substances that increase the synthesis of testosterone.
The substances that these supplements include can be found in food but in less concentrated levels. These are great add-ons you can use to compound a healthy diet to push your body to establish an optimal level of testosterone and improve your overall strength.
Unlike anabolic steroids or TRT, testosterone boosters are completely safe for consumption and completely legal, and you can obtain them without the prescription of a doctor, fully over-the-counter.
Benefits of having high Testosterone levels
The side effects of high Testosterone in Men and Women
Responses to clinically maladaptive elevated levels of testosterone in men were investigated by researchers, and this study found a list of negative symptoms associated with high testosterone or supraphysiological levels in men.
Such levels of testosterone are commonly achieved by anabolic steroids, and TRT abuse, as naturally occurring testosterone is fairly controllable by the body through feedback mechanisms.
Like in men, using anabolic steroids or having ovarian or adrenal gland tumors can cause elevated testosterone levels in women. Unusually high testosterone frequently originates from a health issue, such as PCOS.
One of the most typical reasons for elevated testosterone in females is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Menstrual irregularities, a lack of ovulation, an abundance of body hair, and ovarian cysts are among the signs and symptoms.
List of Natural ways of boosting Testosterone
The healthiest way of boosting testosterone is by using natural means. A combination of foods, herbs, and supplements, should be anyone's first step to getting their hormone profile to optimal levels. We have included some alternatives so you can incorporate them alongside the research to support the beneficial claims.
Food
Herbs
Herbs | Sources to support Testosterone Boosting Effects |
Yohimbe | |
Malaysian ginseng | |
Saw palmetto | |
Pine bark extract | |
Ashwagandha | |
Puncturevine |
Vitamins & Supplements
Vitamins & Supplements | Sources to support Testosterone Boosting Effects |
Zinc | |
L-arginine | |
DHEA | |
Vitamin D |
Conclusion
Testosterone can definitely make you stronger; it is the hormone that gives males their gender characteristics one of which being an increased amount of lean muscle mass compared to the opposite sex. Bigger muscles mean a stronger output for external resistance.
There are several ways you can boost testosterone to enjoy the benefits, with the safest and healthiest option being the most boring, like fixing your sleep, dieting, exercising, and taking supplements.
If you are feeling concerned, the first step is to get blood work done, specifically, looking into your hormone profile is always recommended. Medical interventions like testosterone replacement are serious endeavors, as you will need to check with a licensed physician before making any decisions.