How to increase testosterone for weight loss: from injections to aphrodisiacs

Everyone knows what aphrodisiacs are - products that increase libido and enhance sexual desire for the opposite sex. But not everyone knows why they act this way. And the secret is simple - they increase testosterone levels in the body. This is a male sex hormone responsible for the reproductive system and potency. Women also produce it, but in much smaller quantities.

And certainly few people know how important testosterone is for weight loss. If its level in the body does not reach normal levels, it will be difficult to cope with the problem of excess weight. There is only one way out - to speed up and increase its synthesis by any means.

About the hormone

Testosterone is an androgen, a sex hormone. The source is cholesterol, produced by Leydig cells located in the adrenal cortex, as well as in men - in the testes, in women - in the ovaries. Responsible for virilization in boys and androgenization in girls.

In its pure form it is practically useless. Only after exposure to the enzyme 5α-reductase is its active form, dihydrotestosterone, formed. It is he who is able to influence the androgen receptors of target organ cells.

Functions performed by testosterone in the male body:

• participation in the formation and development of genital organs, secondary sexual characteristics (providing a low and rough voice, masculine facial features, body hair);
• stimulation of sperm production;
• regulation of sexual behavior, increased libido;
• activation of nitrogen and phosphorus metabolism;
• increase in muscle mass, highlighting the relief of the body;
• acceleration of protein synthesis;
• fat burning;
• increased erythropoiesis (production of red blood cells), decreased cholesterol;
• android distribution of subcutaneous fat;
• increasing strength and endurance;
• prevention of heart disease.

In the body of women:

• enlargement of the mammary glands;
• regression of the follicle in the ovaries;
• regulation of the balance of gonadotropic hormones of the pituitary gland.

Normal testosterone levels are:

• in men - 11-33 nmol/l (300-1,000 ng/dl);
• in women - 0.24-3.8 nmol/l (7-78 ng/dl), but during pregnancy it increases 3 times.

Hormone deficiency is called hypogonadism (if the low level is caused by congenital pathologies, most often of the testicles) or hypotestosteronemia (if lifestyle or past illnesses are to blame for the deficiency).

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Interesting fact. Men like to say that they are more honest and straightforward than women. In 2012, a study was conducted that not only confirmed this fact, but also scientifically explained it. It turns out that the higher the level of testosterone in the body, the more sincere the person.

Signs of health problems

The functions of the hormone are quite diverse. If we take into account that testosterone burns fat, it becomes clear that if its content in tissues and blood decreases, obesity can begin. When men suffer from a lack of a hormone in the body, it is easy to determine by quite noticeable signs:

• In middle-aged men, the skin dries out and many wrinkles appear.
• Pathological diseases of the cardiovascular system are noted. They may be accompanied by shortness of breath, tachycardia, increased blood pressure, and often there is a significant increase in sweating.
• Mental disorders, the emotional sphere suffers. The patient may complain of sudden changes in mood for no apparent reason; depressive disorders are often noted; fatigue sets in very quickly even with minor exertion. After a long rest, recovery of strength is insignificant. It may be difficult to fall asleep, which affects concentration, memory deteriorates due to lack of sleep, physical effort is difficult, and stress becomes quite difficult to bear.
• Pathological conditions of the endocrine system that are not related to the functioning of the genital organs. The onset of obesity is noted, and gynecomastia begins, in which mammary gland tissue noticeably grows. The amount of hair on the body and face is reduced.
• There are problems with the functioning of the excretory system, and more often than usual there is a desire to get rid of the contents of the bladder.
• Disorders of the reproductive system begin. When examined by a doctor, testicular atrophy may be detected, the patient may complain of premature ejaculation or a significant decrease in sexual desire.
• There are excruciating pains in the muscles and bones, the muscles weaken. Often there is a decrease in the percentage of muscle mass in relation to adipose tissue, bones become fragile.

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If any of the symptoms listed above are detected, you can consider it as a reason to consult a doctor. The specialist will prescribe hormone tests. The amount of testosterone will also be checked.

Excess weight and testosterone

Studies have found that BMI increases in proportion to the decrease in testosterone levels. However, in this matter, scientists are faced with a “chicken and egg” effect. It is still unclear whether excess weight reduces testosterone or whether androgen production first decreases, and against this background excess body weight appears. One way or another, they are definitely connected.

One of the main functions of the hormone is to build muscle mass, which replaces fat tissue. Therefore, it helps men not so much to lose weight as to gain body definition. To do this, they take synthetic testosterone steroids. But such drugs are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they really beautifully outline the abs and muscles on the body. On the other hand, with an overdose, the danger of obesity increases, since in large quantities androgen begins to be converted into estradiol, the female sex hormone.

Related article: The dangers of obesity in men

You can find out how testosterone and fat are related to each other from the results of a week-long study. The table shows how its amount affects lean muscle mass and fat deposits in a man’s body under conditions of intense strength training:

So, the lower your testosterone level, the more excess weight and body fat you have.

This is interesting. The higher the level of testosterone in a man’s body, the stronger his love for hot seasonings and spices containing capsaicin. And it is known to be one of the best fat burners and promotes weight loss.

Related article: The best fat burners for men

How testosterone can affect your health

The hormone called testosterone is considered male, since it is responsible for the processes taking place in the male body. Due to this hormone, differences between the different sexes are felt. Testosterone has quite wide functions. In particular, they include:

• Ability to control sexual desire;
• Effectively maintaining the correct ratio of muscle and fat tissue in the body;
• Ensuring control over the proper functioning of the reproductive system;
• Normalization of metabolic processes;
• Breakdown of fats and prevention of their deposition inside the body;
• Control over the functionality of the sebaceous glands;
• The process of protein synthesis in the body is accelerated;
• The blood glucose level is brought to the desired level;
• Prevents the occurrence of osteoporosis;
• A person notices a surge of vigor, due to which his activity noticeably increases;
• The state of overfatigue is prevented;
• Active functioning as an antidepressant;
• Reducing the level of lipids and cholesterol in the body;
• Diseases of the cardiovascular system are prevented; 09/25/2018.

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If the body is regularly exposed to feasible physical activity, the activity of the hormone testosterone prevents the destruction of protein structures that may be used as an additional source of energy. This helps maintain good muscles when playing sports, eliminating the accumulation of subcutaneous fat.

Deficiency Symptoms

Symptoms of testosterone deficiency
To lose weight, you first need to take hormone tests to make sure that this androgen is to blame for excess weight. You can suspect him of this by the presence of certain symptoms:

• in men - erectile dysfunction, lack of hair growth;
• fatigue, irritability, mood swings;
• muscle atrophy, weak bones;
• increase in fat deposits in the abdominal area;
• development of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases;
• high cholesterol;
• hypertension;
• decreased sexual desire, libido;
• lethargy, drowsiness, decreased performance;
• depression;
• insomnia;
• vegetative-vascular disorders.

If the problem of excess weight is accompanied by similar symptoms, perhaps the problem is hypotestosteronemia, and in order to effectively lose weight you will have to get rid of it.

Research data. If a man's testosterone level is reduced by 10%, he is effeminate, soft and sensitive. If, on the contrary, it is higher than the norm by the same 10%, notes of aggression, even cruelty, appear in the character, and the instinct of self-preservation is muffled.

Causes

The reasons for decreased testosterone levels can be different - from congenital pathologies to poor nutrition. The most common of them:

• chronic diseases (varicocele, prostatitis, oncology of the reproductive system);
• alcoholism;
• pathologies of the pituitary gland (for example, hyperprolactinemia);
• adrenal insufficiency;
• hypogonadism;
• abuse of sweets and other simple carbohydrates, overeating;
• vegetarianism, fasting.

Purely male reasons - prostatitis, lack of strength training, obesity. For women, long-term low-fat diets.

Hypotestosteronemia can be caused by taking a number of drugs:

• synthetic hormones: danazol, buserin, nafarelin, nandrolone decanoate, octreotide, stanozolol, cyproterone, goserelin, leuprolide, levonorgestrel, metyrapone, methandrostenolone;
• synthetic glucocorticosteroids: dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, prednisone;
• diuretics: spironolactone;
• anticonvulsants: carbamazepine;
• gastric: cimetidine, magnesium sulfate;
• antitumor: cyclophosphamide;
• antifungal: ketoconazole;
• hypolipidemic: pravastatin;
• antipsychotics: thioridazine;
• antibiotics: tetracycline.

Taking birth control pills can also contribute to the development of hypotestosteronemia in women. Herbs that lower androgen levels include mint, licorice and stevia.

If the cause of low hormone levels is the use of the above-mentioned drugs and herbs, in order to lose weight you will have to abandon them and select appropriate analogues.

Note to women. Are you glad that your man has increased testosterone levels? Don't rush: according to statistics, in 35% of cases this leads to adultery and inconstancy on his part.

How to increase it

To increase the level of the hormone, you need to contact an andrologist or endocrinologist. They are the ones who refer you for tests and prescribe appropriate medications. It can be:

• testosterone esters: cypionate, enanthate, propionate, phenylpropionate, isocapronate, decanoate - injection solutions;
• composite preparations (steroid mixes): Sustanon, Omnadren, Androbol, Andropen, Triolandren​, Deposterone​, Test 400, Equitest​, Nandrobol 250 - injection mixtures of testosterone esters;
• tablets: Andriol, Undecanoate, Methyltestosterone;
• gels: Androgel, Testim - for external use;
• suspensions: Aquatest, Testosus, Anabolic-TS, Univet, Aquaviron, Agovirin - injection solutions.

On August 16, 2014, in the Russian Federation, due to too many side effects and potency of action, some injectable testosterone drugs were banned:

• Testosterone propionate;
• Nebido;
• Sustanon-250;
• Omnadren-250.

The same list included Andriol TK capsules. In this regard, athletes and bodybuilders currently give testosterone injections, mainly suspensions. Often added to the syringe:

• other anabolic drugs (fat or water), nandrolone, equipoise - for gaining muscle mass;
• vitamin B12, novocaine or lidocaine to reduce pain.

To avoid side effects, injections are made in different places. The course is no more than 5 weeks.

Tablets are not as effective as injections. They cannot be taken on an empty stomach and during treatment (about 3 weeks) it is necessary to significantly reduce fat intake.

The ban on many testosterone drugs is associated with their dangerous and unpleasant side effects, including:

• gynecomastia, swelling, female obesity;
• inhibition of the body's own testosterone production;
• testicular atrophy, prostate hypertrophy;
• alopecia, acne;
• fever, false flu symptoms throughout the entire course of taking the drug;
• increase in bad cholesterol;
• toxic effect on the liver (in case of overdose).

It is strictly forbidden to take testosterone for weight loss without a doctor's permission. Uncontrolled hormone replacement therapy is dangerous to health. The dosage and course of treatment are usually selected individually, based on test results.

About drugs. Today, more than 30 anabolic steroids are known that replicate the structure of testosterone and perform its functions. However, they are all just synthetic compounds.

Pathology and norm

The reasons for the increase or decrease in the amount of testosterone are not fully understood, but most often it is affected by:

1. hereditary factor;
2. diseases of the endocrine system;
3. disorders of the adrenal glands;
4. change in diet;
5. taking certain medications - in particular, hormonal drugs;
6. biological additives;
7. stressful condition.

Normally, a woman’s blood should contain 0.45 – 0.75 nmol/l of this hormone. It is impossible to calculate the absolute norm - as it has already turned out, it largely depends on age.

A decrease or increase in the indicator leads to health complications:

• Infertility, dysfunction of the pituitary gland, tumors of the reproductive system;
• Polycystic ovary syndrome is not a complete list of diseases caused by impaired testosterone production.

It is impossible to correct the hormone level if the indicator significantly deviates from the norm on your own - you need competent treatment with hormonal drugs, which sometimes have to be taken for a long time, constantly monitoring what is happening in the body with the help of special blood tests.

Drugs that increase testosterone should only be prescribed by a doctor. A slight deviation can be normalized by changing the diet by introducing foods that increase testosterone, or almost completely eliminating them.

Additional recommendations

It is possible to increase the level of testosterone in the body for the purpose of losing weight without taking synthetic drugs.

Nutrition

Firstly, this can be done through nutrition. What do you need:

• reduce fat intake;
• choose a protein diet;
• focus on complex rather than simple carbohydrates;
• adhere to the daily caloric intake calculated specifically for losing weight on your body.

Include foods that increase testosterone levels in your diet every day:

• carrot;
• lemons, tangerines, oranges;
• chicken breast;
• avocados, nuts (be careful with them, as they are quite fatty);
• skim cheese;
• black olives;
• sour cream;
• cauliflower and sauerkraut (reduce estrogen levels, which suppresses testosterone production);
• foods rich in zinc: oysters, brown rice, green leafy vegetables, some cheeses (Cheshire, Lancaster), pumpkin seeds.

Drink decoctions of aphrodisiac herbs:

• Tribulus terrestris;
• muir puama;
• polygonum multiflora;
• Peruvian maca root;
• Smilax forget-me-not;
• ginseng;
• Rhodiola rosea.

Eliminate androgen-lowering foods from your diet (or minimize their consumption):

• alcoholic and carbonated drinks;
• soy;
• grapefruits;
• salt, sugar;
• caffeine;
• imported meat (it is believed that it can be stuffed with female hormones that are fed to pigs), fatty meat, lard;
• fast food;
• milk;
• yeast bread;
• vegetable oils (with the exception of olive and nut oils);
• smoking

Against the backdrop of intense sports, with such a diet, the level of androgen hormone can be increased by 2 times in just 2-3 months.

Sport

To increase your testosterone levels, you need to exercise. The training should be:

• high intensity;
• explosive;
• maximally overloading the muscles;
• short (5-30 min.);
• intervals, but the rest time between sets should be minimal (up to 30 seconds).

To lose weight after such workouts, you must definitely consume high-quality whey protein in the form of cocktails. It has a high concentration of branched amino acids (for example, leucine), which help increase androgen levels.

Other tips

1. Use dietary supplements with zinc (Thompson Zinc, Zincite, Doppel Herz Aktiv “From A to Zinc”, Now Foods, Oligo Zinc, Vita Zinc, Zink Chelate, Zincosan, Zinc spirulina).
2. Sunbathe.
3. Do not use low-quality cheap colognes and deodorants, synthetics, disposable tableware, household cleaning products, and do not drink tap water: they contain high concentrations of xenoestrogens that block the synthesis of androgen hormones.
4. Get adequate sleep at least 8 hours a day.
5. Avoid worries, stress and depression.
6. Spend more time outdoors.
7. Give up bad habits.
8. Optimize your work and rest schedule.
9. Be examined by an endocrinologist annually.

Testosterone levels are important for weight loss, primarily for men, but women should not exclude the fact that this hormone may be to blame for the problem of excess weight. Since it is not a good idea to joke with him, do not try to carry out treatment on your own - this is fraught with complications and side effects. Only strict adherence to all medical recommendations can contribute to the normalization of its production, and therefore to the creation of a beautiful, athletic figure without a hint of fat deposits.

Losing weight with hormone therapy: indications and contraindications

• The main indication is an insufficient level of these biologically active substances.
• In order to recognize it, you need to donate blood.

How does the hormone prolactin affect weight loss?

This hormone is produced by a small part of the brain - the pituitary gland. Prolactin may be the reason why a woman gains extra pounds. Prolactin is produced most when a mother is breastfeeding, because prolactin controls the level of milk in the mammary glands. Then the nursing mother can begin to actively recover.

What are the dangers of increased prolactin production?

This condition may be accompanied by the release of milk from the nipples, as well as headaches, irritability, and bad mood.

By undergoing hormonal tests for prolactin levels, you can determine whether you are pregnant and whether you should be prescribed hormonal therapy.

When a mother gives birth and begins breastfeeding, prolactin levels decrease compared to the last trimester of pregnancy, and it becomes easier to control her weight.

Prolactin can also cause excess weight because it can suppress the female hormone estradiol, which controls metabolic activity in the body.

The condition of bone tissue may be impaired (bones become brittle), the skin may lose its elasticity and sag, and hair may begin to fall out. These are all signs of high prolactin levels.

Hormones for weight loss during menopause

There are several drugs that can be used for weight loss in this case:

• Fluoxetine (Prozac);
• Isolipane;
• Desopimon;
• Teropak;
• Thyroxine.