10 Ways Testosterone Affects Your Body

Testosterone is an important male hormone. A male begins to produce testosterone as 
early as seven weeks after conception. Testosterone levels rise during puberty, peak during
the late teen years, and then level off. After age 30 or so, it’s normal for a man’s testosterone
levels to decrease slightly every year.

Most men have more than enough testosterone. But, it’s possible for the body to 
produce too little testosterone. This leads to a condition called hypogonadism. This can
be treated with hormonal therapy, which requires a doctor’s prescription and careful monitoring.
Men with normal testosterone levels should not consider testosterone therapy.

Testosterone levels affect everything in men from the reproductive system and sexuality to
muscle mass and bone density. It also plays a role in certain behaviors.

It All
Starts Here

Another Hormone Maker

Sperm Production

Libido

The
Control Center

Skin Issues

Fat Metabolism

Heart Health

The Messenger

The
Main Source

Genital Transformation

Behavioral Traits

Beard and Body Hair

Muscle Mass

Bone Density

In the Bloodstream

Testosterone is a vital male hormone that is responsible for the development and maintenance of
male attributes. Women also have testosterone, but in much smaller amounts.

The Effects of Testosterone on the Body

A male begins to produce testosterone as early as seven weeks after conception. Testosterone
levels rise during puberty, peak during the late teen years, and then level off. After age 30 or so,
it’s normal for a man’s testosterone levels to decrease slightly every year.

Most men have more than enough testosterone. But, it’s possible for the body to produce too little testosterone. This leads to a condition called hypogonadism. This can be treated with hormonal
therapy, which requires a doctor’s prescription and careful monitoring. Men with normal
testosterone levels should not consider testosterone therapy.

Testosterone levels affect everything in men from the reproductive system and sexuality to muscle
mass and bone density. It also plays a role in certain behaviors.

Endocrine System

The body’s endocrine system consists of glands that manufacture hormones.
The hypothalamus, located in the brain, tells the pituitary gland how much
testosterone the body needs. The pituitary gland then sends the message to the
testicles. Most testosterone is produced in the testicles, but small amounts come
from the adrenal glands, which are located just above the kidneys. In women,
the adrenal glands and ovaries produce small amounts of testosterone.

Before a boy is even born, testosterone is working to form male genitals. During puberty,
testosterone is responsible for the development of male attributes like a deeper voice, beard,
and body hair. It also promotes muscle mass and sex drive. Testosterone production surges
during adolescence and peaks in the late teens or early 20s. After age 30, it’s natural for
testosterone levels to drop by about one percent each year.

Reproductive System

About seven weeks after conception, testosterone begins helping form male
genitals. At puberty, as testosterone production surges, the testicles and penis
grow. The testicles produce a steady stream of testosterone and make a fresh
supply of sperm every day.

Men who have low levels of testosterone may experience erectile
dysfunction (ED). Long-term testosterone therapy can cause a decrease in sperm production. Testosterone therapy also may cause enlarged prostate, and smaller, softer testicles. Men
who have prostate or breast cancer should not consider testosterone replacement therapy.

Sexuality

During puberty, rising levels of testosterone encourage the growth of the
testicles, penis, and pubic hair. The voice begins to deepen, and muscles and
body hair grow. Along with these changes comes growing sexual desire.

There’s a bit of truth to the “use it or lose it” theory. A man with low levels
of testosterone may lose his desire for sex. Sexual stimulation and sexual
activity cause testosterone levels to rise. Testosterone levels can drop during a long period
of sexual inactivity. Low testosterone can also result in erectile dysfunction (ED).

Central Nervous System

The body has a system for controlling testosterone, sending messages
through hormones and chemicals that are released into the bloodstream.
In the brain, the hypothalamus tells the pituitary gland how much
testosterone is needed, and the pituitary relays that information to the testicles.

Testosterone plays a role in certain behaviors, including aggression and
dominance. It also helps to spark competitiveness and boost self-esteem. Just as sexual activity
can affect testosterone levels, taking part in competitive activities can cause a man’s
testosterone levels to rise or fall. Low testosterone may result in a loss of confidence
and lack of motivation. It can also lower a man’s ability to concentrate or cause feelings
of sadness. Low testosterone can cause sleep disturbances and lack of energy.

It’s important to note, however, that testosterone is only one factor that
influences personality traits. Other biological and environmental factors are also involved.

Skin and Hair

As a man transitions from childhood to adulthood, testosterone spurs
the growth of hair on the face, in the armpits, and around the genitals.
Hair also may grow on the arms, legs, and chest.

A man with shrinking levels of testosterone actually may lose some body hair. Testosterone replacement therapy comes with a few potential side effects,
including acne and breast enlargement. Testosterone patches may cause minor skin irritation.
Topical gels may be easier to use, but great care must be taken to avoid transferring testosterone
to someone else though skin-to-skin contact.

Muscle, Fat, and Bone

Testosterone is one of many factors involved in the development of muscle
bulk and strength. Testosterone increases neurotransmitters, which
encourage tissue growth. It also interacts with nuclear receptors in DNA,
which causes protein synthesis. Testosterone increases levels of growth
hormone. That makes exercise more likely to build muscle.

Testosterone increases bone density and tells the bone marrow to manufacture red blood cells.
Men with very low levels of testosterone are more likely to suffer from bone fractures and breaks.

Testosterone also plays a role in fat metabolism, helping men to burn fat more efficiently.
Dropping levels of testosterone can cause an increase in body fat.

Testosterone therapy can be administered by a doctor via intramuscular injections.

Circulatory System

Testosterone travels around the body in the bloodstream. The only way
to know your testosterone level for sure is to have it measured. This
usually requires a blood test.

Testosterone spurs the bone marrow to produce red blood cells.
And,studies suggest that testosterone may have a positive effect
on the heart. But some studies investigating testosterone’s effect on cholesterol,
blood pressure, and clot-busting ability have had mixed results.

When it comes to testosterone therapy and the heart, recent studies have conflicting
results and are ongoing. Testosterone therapy delivered by intramuscular injection
may cause blood cell counts to rise. Other side effects of testosterone replacement
therapy include fluid retention, increased red cell count, and cholesterol changes.

Source:   Healthline

Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Sports Fitness Hut

How to Burn Off Fat Cells

By Kevin DiDonato MS, CSCS, CES

So here’s the story.

The other day we explained sick fat cells and how they can kill you slowly. Well, today, we are going to explain how fat stored in your cells is made into usable energy through a process called lipolysis.

You body needs fuel. Luckily for us, our muscles and liver provide a quick energy source in the form of stored sugar. However, in the absence of food or nutrients, our body uses our stored sugar. Luckily we have another storage system which has plenty of stored energy.

Fat cells are full of stored energy! When our bodies need energy, a process called lipolysis happens, which breaks down stored fat and releases them into the blood stream. Here is how the process works:

When we eat, food is used or stored as energy for future use. When we eat any type of fat or excess calories, research suggests, these nutrients are processed and stored in adipocytes. Adipocytes are pockets in adipose tissue where fatty acids are stored for later. In order for us to utilize the stored energy, certain hormones have to be released. These hormones begin the process of splitting and releasing the stored energy.

The absence of food could cause stress in your body. Some research suggests, this stress increases Epinephrine and Norepinephrine. These hormones, which are secreted by the adrenal glands, stimulate fatty acids to mobilize from the cell getting them ready to be processed for energy.

Epinephrine binds to the surface of the cell, stimulating the production and release of adenylate cyclase. This increases the level of cAMP in the cell. The increased level of cAMP activates another hormone, PKA, stimulating the release of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL).

Fat stored in the cell mobilizes and moves toward the surface. Once at the surface, hormone sensitive lipase splits the triacylglycerol, which is the stored fat form, cell at a certain point in the chain, hydrolyzing or splitting the fatty acid.

The specific point in the chain, which is hydrolyzed, is part of the chemical backbone of the molecule. The fatty acid then moves into the bloodstream, transporting it to muscles or other cells. The fatty acid enters the cell and moves into the mitochondria, where the fat is burned for energy.

Two potent nutrients have been shown in research to aid in this process. We all know Capsaicin is hot! Capsimax® is an encapsulated bead(s) of Capsaicin, which could allow the beadlets to enter the gut and move it into the intestines, with little breakdown.

Capsimax® is most effective in the intestines. Once the beadlets enters the intestines, research shows, there is a slow release of Capsaicin into the bloodstream. This allows Capsaicin to work effectively without the immense burn you would get from eating Capsaicin.

Capsaicin gives peppers their heat. Capsaicin, some studies show, can dramatically increase Epinephrine released by your body, which could stimulate fatty acid breakdown. Result: more fat cells shredded and used for energy!

The other potent nutrient, Raz K®, works to help this process. Raz K® could help to mobilize stored fat and move it to the surface of the cell shows some clinical research. Once there, the fat cell is broken down, sending it on its way to other areas of the body.

Raspberry ketones are a natural phenolic compound found in raspberries. They may potentially increase lipolysis, which is the breakdown of triacylglycerides into a more usable form. So, it comes as no surprise that Raz K®, according to some studies, can also: release adiponectin, aid in fatty acid oxidation and, of course, lipolysis.

Research done by Park, determined rats who consumed a high-fat diet in combination with raspberry ketones, stunningly showed no additional increase in body weight or body fat. They also showed an increase in lipolysis, or the breakdown of fatty acids in the cell, shipping it to other areas for energy.

In a similar study, Morimoto et al. discovered rats fed a high-fat diet showed a build up of triglycerides in the liver. Those same rats were fed the same fat-enriched diet, this time with the addition of raspberry ketones.

By adding raspberry ketones, the rats fed the same high-fat diet did not increase their body weight. They also did not increase liver weight. They decreased their weight and the amount of fat in their livers, even though fat in the livers increased prior to the addition of raspberry ketones. Their final conclusion: raspberry ketones could prevent and improve obesity and fatty livers!

The reason why this formula is so effective is the use of Capsimax® and Raz K® together. The use of Capsimax® could increase the secretion of Epinephrine and Norepinephrine, while Raz K® has the potential to liberate fat from adipocytes, allowing them to be shredded and burned. This powerful combination, suggests previous findings, could increase fatty acid metabolism by providing more fuel for your fat burning machine to use for energy!

3 Top Weight Loss Tips for Six Pack Abs

by: Jayson Hunter, Registered Dietitian, CSCS

Weight loss tips for six pack abs are in high demand these days. It seems everywhere you turn dieters everywhere are searching for the secret to the ever elusive flat belly. Registered Dietitian Jayson Hunter, who has helped hundreds and hundreds of people lose weight successfully, has released the following easy-to-follow weight loss tips for six pack abs.

“Losing belly flab isn’t easy, but the formula is pretty simple,” Hunter explained. “There are simple things people need to focus on to lose weight fast.”

Hunter recommends these 3 top proven weight loss tips for six pack abs:

1) Review food labels

Avoid foods that contain excess sugar and calories.  Especially avoid foods that contain any trans-fats. Look for foods that are low in energy density.  This means you get a good size portion, but low calorie.  This will generally be non-processed foods. Meaning fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins are your best choices.

2) Follow the 90% rule

If you can follow your diet plan 90% of the time then that is enough to have success with weight loss. If you find yourself breaking the rules more than 90% of the time then the chance of being successful with weight loss is not as likely. Your chances of failing increase significantly. 

Lose the all or nothing attitude and just take one day at a time. Reflect on your day before you go to bed at night and instead of getting down on yourself because you weren’t perfect just set goals to accomplish next day that would eliminate those errors.

3) Keep total fat intake under 30% for the day

This can be accomplished by not adding too many extra fats such as butter, sour cream, mayonnaise, etc.  It doesn’t mean you have to completely eliminate these items, but do not eat them as a regular food item every day.

Jayson Hunter, RD, CSCS is the author of the Carb Rotation Diet. 


Mark Dilworth, BA, PES

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