Testosterone is what makes men, men, while estrogen makes women, women, right? Well, not exactly – it’s a bit more complicated than that. Men and women actually produce both hormones, just in different amounts. Testosterone, in particular, has been singled out as the hormone that affects muscle mass – that at least is accurate for men.
Testosterone in men is responsible for the sexual characteristics we associate with males: increased height and muscle mass, thicker facial hair, and a deeper voice, to name a few. Women with high testosterone levels can also develop these characteristics, but most women have much lower testosterone levels compared to men. However, women do need small amounts of testosterone to be healthy and maintain strong bones. It’s rare for women to need testosterone supplementation, but in men, testosterone gradually declines with age.
Testosterone affects muscle growth and fat loss. When given anabolic steroids, healthy young men develop increased testosterone levels that can increase muscle mass and help them lose fat. Those steroids come with a high price in terms of side effects, however. Supporting natural testosterone levels may help promote overall well-being, increase libido and cognitive function and help men burn fat.
No matter what a client’s testosterone status is, building muscle requires resistance or strength training. These activities commonly encompass the use of weights. Other forms of strength training include body-weight exercises like squats, lunges, pull-ups, and push-ups, in which the weight of the body provides the necessary resistance. Machines that provide resistance to muscle movement and even heavy-duty elastic bands can also build muscle strength.
While giving testosterone directly is not a good idea unless a client has clearly documented low levels of testosterone and significant symptoms related to those low levels, supporting healthy testosterone function is a different picture. We recommend ZMA® for this purpose. Research shows ZMA® can increase testosterone levels as well as muscle strength and power, and can also enhance muscle regeneration and recovery processes. A mineral support formula, ZMA® contains vitamin B6, zinc mono-L-methionine, and zinc/magnesium aspartate in highly bioavailable form.
For optimum health, your clients need strong muscles to perform their daily tasks and promote overall function. While exercise and strength training are key to this process, you should also make sure you counsel them about ways to support testosterone function with a healthy diet, adequate sleep and supplements like ZMA®. Please contact us at https://www.interhealthusa.com/ or call 1-800-783-4636 if you have questions or need more information.
Phone: 1-800-783-4636
Fax: 1-707-751-2801
Office: 5451 Industrial Way
Benicia, CA 94510
Email: info.benicia@lonza.com
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease.
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