Testosterone-Optimizing Strategies in Athletes
Artemii Lazarev, MD,†‡‡ George G.A. Pujalte, MD,*†¶ Christina Philibert, MS, CSCS, CCFT, ACSM CPT, ACSM EP,† Shon E. Meek, MD, PhD,‡ Gregory A. Broderick, MD,§ Dani G. Zapp, DO,# Michael R. Mayo, DO,|| and Anthony C. Hackney, PhD, DS
Educating athletes on safe and effective strategies to increase testosterone is crucial, with ongoing research needed to explore additional methods.Strength-of-Recommendation Taxonomy:B.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Maksumuurin takana, mutta sain hommattua koko lapun. Laitan kyseisestä tutkimuksesta ''kohokohdat''. JOta kuta voi kiinnostaa.
Testosterone is a steroid hormone produced in Leydig cells of the testes in men, ovaries in women, and in the adrenal and peripheral tissues in both sexes.41,75 Testosterone production is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis via gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) through a negative feedback loop. Testosterone circulates as free testosterone (FT) or binds to sexhormone binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. FT either activates androgen receptors (ARs), converts to dihydrotestosterone via 5-alpha reductase, or transforms to estradiol via aromatase. AR upregulation increases receptor availability, enhancing testosterone action. Testosterone also acts nongenomically by stimulating transcription and translation via intracellular signaling molecules.Testosterone has a role in androgenic (eg, masculinization, libido), anabolic (eg, muscle growth, bone formation, erythropoiesis), and psychological (eg, risk-taking, aggression) systems.53 Athletes seek to optimize testosterone levels due to its association with improved physical performance, recovery, including strength, power, and endurance.76 Studies show testosterone supplementation increases fat-free mass and muscle strength and reduces fat mass. Testosterone also influences competition, with precompetition testosterone spikes enhancing motivation and physical readiness.18,94,180,199 Winning increases testosterone levels, reinforcing positive behaviors, motivation, and reactivity—critical traits for athletes.6,202Athletes are motivated to explore methods for increasing testosterone levels, both legally and illegally. Legal methods for safely enhancing testosterone include optimized nutrition, supplements, exercise, sleep, stress management, and environmental adjustments. The purpose of this study was to review and evaluate these methods based on the medical literature available
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Pitkään kestänyt ''miinuskalorit'' vaikuttaa negatiivisesti testosteroniin. Myöskin liian pitkää liian kovalla intensiteetillä on merkittävä vaikutus myös.
''Some foods, particularly polyphenol-rich products, may act as natural aromatase inhibitors by decreasing the conversion of testosterone to estradiol.212 This research, initially from breast cancer studies, highlights flavonoid-rich products for potential aromatase inhibition.26,63 Macronutrients, such as proteins and fats, micronutrients, such as vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, and boron, and certain supplements are also being studied for their testosterone-boosting potential.198
Jotkut ruoka-aineet, varsinkin polyfenolia runsaasti sisältävät (esim. marjat, pähkinät vihreät lehtivihannekset, oliiviöljy) voi vähentää aromataasientsyymin toimintaa eli testosteroni muuttumista estrogeeniks.
Makroista proteiini ja rasvat,- mikroravinteista dvitamiinista, sinkistä ja boorista voi olla jotain hyötyä.
Fat tissue increases estradiol through aromatization, lowering testosterone levels; however, testosterone deficiency from obesity is rare in athletes. Popular diets among athletes, such as vegetarianism, veganism, ketogenic diets, and intermittent fasting, are under investigation for their effects on performance and testosterone levels.95 Low-fat diets appear to reduce testosterone in men, while saturated and monounsaturated fats predict higher testosterone levels.84 However, excessive protein intake (>3.4 g/kg/day) with low carbohydrates may lower basal testosterone, likely due to liver SHBG synthesis.4,198 Lowcarbohydrate diets can increase the risk of LEA, REDs, and low testosterone.136 Contrary to popular belief, plant-based diets and soy-based proteins or phytoestrogens have no significant effect on testosterone levels in men.151
Korkee rasvaprosentti lisää estrogeenitasoja. Liian matala rasvan saanti vaikuttaa testosteronia alentavasti. Ja.. no, lukekaa ite. ;)
''Testobuusterit''
Kuten tongkat ali, ashawanga (ashwagandha, fenugreek, β-hydroxy β-methyl butyrate, and betaine,) Tongkat alilla on ''suurin potentiaalinen vaikutus'' vaikka onkin näyttö epäselvää. Tuskin on kauheen suuri vaikutus kumminkaan. Myöskin sinkillä on saattaa jonkin verran vaikutusta. Ainakin jos vajetta. Tosin
SAATTAA olla myös yhdistettynä jonkin toisen aineeseen myöskin negatiivisia vaikutuksia, ainakin kausaalinen. Sehän ei välttämättä tarkota että se on aiheuttajana tai aiheuttaa.
However, their efficacy is questionable, with most compounds lacking substantial evidence or showing conflicting results.132 Some substances, like Eurycoma longifolia (or tongkat ali), ashwagandha, fenugreek, β-hydroxy β-methyl butyrate, and betaine, have demonstrated potential to increase testosterone.25,188 Among these, eurycoma longifolia has the strongest evidence, shown to raise testosterone by inhibiting aromatase, boosting LH and follicle-stimulating hormone, and increasing FT by dissociation from SHBG. A meta-analysis of 5 randomized trials confirmed significant testosterone increases in men using eurycoma longifolia.109
Zinc—a common TB component—has been shown to boost testosterone levels, particularly in people with both with and without zinc deficiency.17,80,88,98,138,148,164,170 Its effects are attributed to antioxidant activity in the testes and activation of steroidogenic enzymes.Despite claims of safety, TB consumption poses risks, including thromboembolic events, liver injury, and pancreatitis.21,139 Adulteration and contamination, affecting up to 50% of samples, are major issues, with many supplements containing prohibited substances that risk both health and anti-doping violations.87 More research is needed to evaluate TB safety and effectiveness.
Kannabis, alkoholi ja nikotiini. ( en käytä, enkä ole ikinä käyttäny mitään noista ja vaikka hyvin pieni määrä osoittautuiski minkälaiseks testobuusteriks tahansa, niin en käyttäis siltikään)
Recreational substances are used widely by athletes.124 We review the substances used most, namely, alcohol, nicotine, and cannabinoids. The relationship between testosterone and alcohol remains unclear. Some studies have shown association between higher alcohol intake may increase testosterone and FT levels, with Jensen et al90 reporting higher FT in men consuming over 20 units weekly (1 unit = 12 g). Moderate alcohol consumption might influence testosterone levels positively due to altered liver steroid metabolism during alcohol detoxification, favoring androstenedione conversion to testosterone and estradiol.90 However, chronic alcohol abuse has been linked to decreased testosterone levels, potentially due to Leydig cell toxicity or HPG-axis disruption.119,137 Alcohol’s effects on SHBG are inconsistent, with some studies suggesting it lowers SHBG and total testosterone levels,160 while others find no association186 or even increases in SHBG levels with alcohol consumption.86 Overall, the testosterone-alcohol relationship is complex and warrants further research.
Interestingly, in women, cigarette smoking was associated with higher testosterone levels in 1 study.16 Those who quit smoking were reported to have lower testosterone levels than their smoking counterparts.191 Altogether, a systematic review and meta-analysis of related observational studies showed a positive association between smoking and testosterone levels, which might be related etiologically to competitive inhibition of androgen disposal, aromatase inhibition, central nervous system, and LH stimulation.214Cannabis use is prevalent among athletes, with approximately 1 in 4 athletes using cannabis.125 The association between cannabis and testosterone is unclear. Results vary, with reports of higher testosterone values in cannabis users,52,173 no difference,12,39,102 and decreased testosterone in users versus nonusers.99 Further research is needed to fully establish the effects of cannabis on testosterone levels
Unellakaan ei välttämättä ole niin suurta vaikutusta kun luultu. Jos jotakuta kiinnostaa niin voin kertoa puolen vuoden unettomuudesta jossa pahimmillaan kymmeneen vuorokauteen nukuin kolmena tai neljänä vuorokautena vaan muutaman tunnin per yö ja kaks kolmenvuorokauden pätkää nukkumatta minuuttiakaan...se oli hauskaa se,
not!
6 While earlier research linked obstructive sleep apnea treatment to improved testosterone levels,64,163 a more recent study did not confirm that.29 In addition, jetlag from frequent travel across time zones may disrupt hormonal balance.61
However, sleep extension studies, including a trial of 10-hour sleep for 6 nights, failed to show substantial testosterone benefits, and further research into nutraceutical approaches is needed.177
Reeni
Moderate- to high-intensity exercise triggers testosterone release, while mild activity shows no impact.38 Testosterone showed the highest increase when measured immediately after, and up to 30 minutes after, exercise.38
While high volumes of endurance exercise without sufficient energy intake might result in LEA, REDs, and testosterone decrease, acute endurance exercise has been shown to increase testosterone in some studies.56,89 For example, Galbo et al56 showed a 31% increase in testosterone concentration occurring 40 minutes after exhaustive treadmill running, and Jensen et al89 showed 37% increase in testosterone levels during hard endurance training.The link between resistance exercise and testosterone is well-studied. Resistance exercise does increase testosterone, especially moderate- and high-intensity, with large muscle involvement, bigger exercise volume, and short resting intervals between sets.153,196
Masturbation, Coitus, and Abstinence
Although commonly believed in sports, there is no evidence of sexual activity reducing performance, with studies showing ejaculation may boost testosterone levels.48,55,149 The association between the number of sexual encounters and testosterone levels has been described previously, with loss of sexual activity related to decreased testosterone and restoration of it related to increased testosterone.122Masturbation is prevalent in the general population54; however, the effects of masturbation and abstinence on testosterone levels remain understudied. Exton et al51 showed that abstinence from masturbation for 3 weeks significantly increased testosterone levels; however, ejaculation did not lead to changes in testosterone levels. Jiang et al92 showed a 145% increase in testosterone levels after 1 week of abstinence from masturbation. This study gained high popularity and even led to the formation of an anti-masturbation movement called “Nofap,” which reported multiple benefits of abstinence.122,217 Later an English version of the Jiang et al92 article was retracted due to duplicate publication; however, the Chinese version is still available.91 Isenmann et al85 found that masturbation reduced circadian drop of FT, but recommended larger studies for validation.
Muovilla
saattaa olla isompi vaikutus mitä luullaan. Eli juomapullot, muovieväsrasiat jne. Jännästi muistan jo marko savolaisen joskus 10-20 vuotta sitten pakkiksella tosta maininneen. En uskonu sillon.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as bisphenol A, phthalates, and dioxins, are common synthetic hormonal substances. EDCs have been associated with multiple adverse events, including obesity, male and female infertility, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.8,34,42,114,194,211 EDCs disrupt primarily normal endocrine system functioning. For example, Skakkebaek175 linked EDCs to a combination of adverse health outcomes related to men’s health, including decreased testosterone levels in men. EDCs can affect testosterone levels during testicular production and HPG-axis regulation.44 For example, higher pesticide levels were associated with lower testosterone levels in consumers.127 Intake of organic food, which has fewer pesticide residues,176 was associated with better sperm profile (but not testosterone levels) in 1 study.27 Phthalates and bisphenol A exposure (commonly found in packaging, solvents, fragranced household products, and personal care products) were also associated with low testosterone levels in men.126,203,216 Interest in reducing personal EDC exposure is growing. For example, limited use of plastics, personal care products and cosmetics, consumption of homegrown food, and limited automobile use were associated with lower levels of EDCs.121 Limiting plastic use in favor of metal and glass cartons, prevention of dust formation at home, and consumption of fresh organic produce have also been recommended.33
Saunan vaikutus testosteroni tasoihin: ei ole.
Sauna bathing is used actively by many athletes and has been shown to have multiple endocrine effects.13,83 The impact of sauna use on testosterone remains unclear. A study by Leppaluoto et al110 showed no changes in testosterone in 10 healthy men visiting a Finnish sauna (80°C) for 1 hour twice a day for 7 days. Kukkonen-Harjula et al101 observed testosterone increases during dry heat exposure at 80°C until exhaustion. Another study performed by Opaszowski et al140 showed elevation in testosterone-cortisol ratio (but not in testosterone) in participants exposed to a 1-hour sauna, with rehydrated participants experiencing higher increases. Similar results were obtained by Podstawski et al,147 showing no significant increase in testosterone but a decrease in cortisol
Kylmä vesi. Sama vaikutus. Ei ole.
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Melkein jo huuhaajuttujen puolelle menee imo tämä..? Wifi, netti etc...
radiofrequency Electromagnetic RadiationRadiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) is abundant in modern environments, with mobile phones and Wi-Fi devices being the most common sources of RF-EMR.118 Most animal studies have shown a significant decrease in testosterone levels from mobile phones and Wi-Fi devices.7,6
studies have shown a significant decrease in testosterone levels from mobile phones and Wi-Fi devices.7,60,96,103,128,141,142,167,168,171,207 It appears to be a dose-dependent effect. A low (8 h/day) and middle (16 h/day) exposure to a 900-MHz mobile phone for 30 days in mice did not affect the testosterone synthesis function of the testes, but high (24 h/day) exposure showed a reduction in testosterone level.213 A decrease in testosterone was also observed after exposure to a 2.45-GHz Wi-Fi device for 2 hours per day in rats.103Human studies have had inconsistent results; some have reported decreased testosterone with prolonged exposure (900 MHz Global System for Mobile Communications radiofrequency from regular cellular phone use or from base stations),45,50 and some have reported increased testosterone in cell phone users.66RF-EMR might have deleterious effects on the HPG-axis at various levels. Possible mechanisms include thermal (ie, increased temperature) and nonthermal (eg, increased reactive oxygen species production) effects on the testes,11,162 causing Leydig cell dysfunction, or direct effect on the hypothalamus or hypophysis, causing gonadotropin decrease.60,174,213 RF-EMR effects depend on usage duration, with longer exposure linked to lower testosterone (60 minutes a day vs 0-30 minutes a day in rats).128 Tissue absorption varies by device proximity, closer locations (eg, side pockets) increasing impact.14 Thus, it might be wise for athletes to decrease their RF-EMR exposure by
Tulehduskipu lääkkeillä todella epäselvä vaikutus data perusteella. Opioidi pohjasilla selkeempi. Negatiivinen sellanen.
Kesä vs talven vaikutus, epäselvä. Norjassa mitataan korkeimmat joulukuussa pimeään ja kylmään aikaan mutta esim. israelissa tehdyssä tutkimuksessa oli merkitystä. Miamissa ja pittburghissa ei ollu vaikutusta, tosin miamilaisilla miehillä oli suuremmat testosteroni arvot jo muutenkin.
ConClusion
Sports performance is associated closely with testosterone levels, with several testosterone-optimizing strategies available, such as maintaining energy balance via a calorie-neutral or calorie-proficient, balanced healthy diet; moderation of alcohol; implementing high- or moderate-intensity resistance exercises with short rest intervals; maintain proper sleep hygiene and addressing sleep disorders; limiting exposure to EDCs, RF-EMR, CWI, analgesics, and alcohol. Evaluating the efficacy of these strategies requires further research considering hormonal and performance outcomes. Athletes should adopt these approaches carefully to optimize testosterone levels safely.
clinical RecoMMendations
•• Athletes should be educated on the importance of testosterone for exercise training and performance as well as the prevalence of low testosterone. Strength of recommendation: B.
•• Athletes should be educated on strategies to increase testosterone that are not prohibited by WADA. Strength of recommendation: B.
•• Athletes should maintain a healthy balanced diet to avoid energy deficiency with a cautious approach to various supplements to increase testosterone. Strength of recommendation: B.
•• EDCs and CWI exposure should be avoided. Strength of recommendation: B.