Testosterone is one of the top hormones responsible for masculinity and performance on the field.
It is the primary hormone in males and stands out as a doping agent many people use. Athletes over the years have used testosterone for enhanced performance in various sports like wrestling, cycling, athletics, bodybuilding, and many more. This can be traced to its ability to build muscles.
However, does testosterone trigger improved performance in athletes?
Testosterone is meant to make the male hormone dominant. As a result, testosterone is believed to be a magical hormone that will make athletes train harder, compete in marathon races without getting tired, swim with ease, and hit the ball hard during volleyball or table tennis.
Many believe taking shots of this hormone gives athletes an unfair advantage, especially in competition. As a result, this was the cause of the issue with Floyd Landis, who won the 2006 Tour de France. However, the French representatives revealed that Mr. Landis tested positive for excessive testosterone levels on the day of the performance, even though he denied it all.
That aside, some top experts who have studied testosterone over the years do not have enough proof to support the fact that testosterone boosts endurance or gives an unfair advantage. Indeed, when you buy testosterone enanthate for athletic performance, it doesn’t work like a caffeinated soft drink, so users will not feel an instant boost of energy. Instead, the hormone works overtime to strengthen the muscle and increase performance.
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is one of the many hormones present in the human body. It is dominant in males and produced primarily in the testicles. Females also produce testosterone in the ovaries, even though in minute quantity.
Production of testosterone mostly starts during puberty and declines around age 30. Besides influencing muscle growth and development, the hormone is responsible for many body functions.
Testosterone plays a crucial role in maintaining sex drive and boosting sperm production in males. It affects fat storage, bone density, production of red blood cells, alongside the wellbeing of the mood and emotions.Â
How testosterone improves Athletic Performance?
Testosterone is responsible for building muscles. As a result, many athletes have gravitated towards it. Many athletes love to improve their performance and get an edge on the field. Testosterone seems like a good option, thanks to its ability to induce a series of body processes that contribute to positive athletic performance.
Testosterone is popular among athletes as it helps achieve the following:
Increased Aggressiveness
Many athletes believe they must be aggressive and rugged to compete effectively and win. This will allow them to navigate the complexities involved in the game and get the upper hand. Even though such fierceness might give athletes an advantage, it is not desirable in social and personal relationships.
Testosterone seems to increase aggressiveness in users, which athletes believe can improve their athletic performance.
Might Improve Cognition
According to studies, testosterone improves the nervous system in many ways. An enzyme in humans called aromatase helps transform testosterone into estrogen. Such hormonal conversion might enhance memory, cognition, and concentration, positively influencing athletic performance.
Might Boost Strength
Since testosterone can build muscle, athletes use it to increase their muscle mass. As a result, it is not surprising for athletes to try enanthate to boost athletic performance as it increases strength and physical appearance. It is one of the main reasons testosterone supplements are common among athletes.
Might increase oxygen in the tissue
The tissues and other body organs work better when they receive more oxygen. The ability of testosterone to boost the production of red blood cells makes it desirable to many athletes since this means many body organs get abundant oxygen supply.
The muscles also get an abundant oxygen supply with more red blood cells. This translates to improved stamina and performance, especially in long-distance running, cycling, or other energy-demanding activities.
Might Make the Bones Stronger
Another way testosterone support athletes is via bone mineral density. As men age, the testosterone level decreases, and bone density reduces. As a result, one becomes prone to osteoporosis and weak bones. However, you need strong bones to support your muscles and perform optimally on the field.
According to research, testosterone can trigger an increase in bone density, especially in high doses. Some clinical trials on how testosterone affects bone density reveal that it increases spinal and hip bone density. Another study, conducted on females switching gender to male, revealed that testosterone helped increase the density of bone minerals. However, there are no indications that it can help reduce fracture risk.
Might Improve the Stamina
A positive psyche is one of the top factors that contribute to the success of any athlete. This encapsulates the mental and psychological state of the athlete.
Considering everything testosterone achieves in an athlete – increasing the muscle mass, boosting mood, raising their cognition and stamina – all this contributes to a better psyche. The better the psyche, the higher the chances of excellent performance.
Do testosterone Supplements Work?
Indeed, testosterone helps boost athletic performance in both males and females. Hence, it is not surprising that testosterone boosting supplements are widely sold and available on the market.
However, athletes need to understand that taking the synthetic form of the hormone is the best way to supplement – this is the anabolic steroid.
When going for testosterone, it is better to consider the one that comes from a natural ingredient that can help the body increase testosterone production.
However, do they work?
It depends!
Evidence suggests that some natural compounds can boost testosterone production in humans with abnormally low levels. Some of these compounds are:
- Vitamin D
- Ashwagandha
- Shilajit
- Tongkat Ali
- D aspartic acid (also known as DAA in short)
- Mucuna pruriens
Interestingly, these nutrients should be present in a supplement in the ideal amount to be effective.
However, this is hardly the case.
Hence, it’s essential to do your research when buying a testosterone-boosting supplement. In addition, ensure you only patronize trusted dealers so you can get a high-quality supplement that will meet the intended needs.
Conclusion
While there is evidence that testosterone might help improve athletic performance, it is essential to work with a reliable testosterone supplement for optimum results.
Indeed, testosterone increases athletic performance in many ways, and supplementing the right way can help improve your performance as well.
References
https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-testosterone#benefits
https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/10/fashion/10Fitness.html