Most people can agree that the biggest key to making the quickest muscle gains for women is ample protein intake, but there’s another muscle growth strategy for female bodybuilders that many people know about but don’t discuss openly: performance-enhancing drugs, especially synthetic testosterone intake for women.
Testosterone, the most overlooked hormone in a woman’s body
Although testosterone is a sex hormone that is produced by both genders, it is often not taken into account when it comes to women. Prior to menopause, the level of testosterone present in female bodies is three times that of oestrogen.
Testosterone can be vital for women in many aspects of health like bone strength, muscular build, mental alertness, libido and energy levels. Testosterone levels are essential for maintaining good physical health, as well as mental and vascular functioning. With age, they tend to drop gradually while undergoing oophorectomy (removal of ovaries) can lead to a sudden halt in testosterone production in a woman’s body.
NORMAL TESTOSTERONE LEVELS
Women’s testosterone levels typically range between 15 and 70 ng/dL. This production starts in adolescence and peaks during the 20s. Beginning in the mid 30s, levels of testosterone gradually diminish.
As women reach their 40s, the amount of testosterone in their blood is approximately half of what it was during their 20s. About one-third of total testosterone content comes from the ovaries. About two-thirds of a woman’s testosterone is produced through the conversion of precursors released by the ovaries and adrenal gland. The presence of normal testosterone levels in women is typically associated with better health outcomes.
How do female bodybuilders get almost as well built as male bodybuilders?
Women bodybuilding professionals often use anabolic androgenic steroids, testosterone, and other supplements to reach the desired level of physical perfection and strength needed to be successful. Studies indicate that taking certain chemicals can help you gain muscle strength and size quicker than what is attainable with just natural practice.
Why is it so challenging for women to build muscles without testosterone supplements?
Testosterone plays a huge role in the muscle-building process. Women cannot naturally produce as much testosterone as men and thus struggle to gain the same level of muscle mass as males despite their best efforts. Scientific research supports this fact.
Both men and women have seen an increase in testosterone levels after engaging in a strenuous weight-training session. However, due to our genetic makeup, women are unable to build as much muscle as men do. Generally speaking, females are not able to build muscle mass to the same extent as males as they often have lower levels of testosterone. On the other hand, women possess higher amounts of estrogen and progesterone compared to men.
What type of steroids do female bodybuilders take?
In the past, bodybuilders typically relied on Anavar in order to shed fat and gain muscle. However, due to its limited effectiveness for building muscle mass, it was often combined with testosterone in spite of the health dangers associated with it.
An increasing number of recreational bodybuilders are turning to legal steroid cycles rather than the illegal drugs. This is because they offer better protection while still being in line with the law. Recent technological advancements have resulted in legal steroids that produce results on par with their illegal counterparts. As such, using a combination of potentially dangerous chemicals is neither necessary nor recommended to get the desired outcomes.
How can a woman boost her testosterone levels faster?
Testosterone replacement therapy is available in different forms and your doctor can help you decide which one is the best suited for you. There isn’t a single one-size-fits-all answer, so make sure to fully understand your requirements before selecting a suitable option.
Below are the most common options for testosterone replacement products:
- Topical gels or creams
- Transdermal patches
- Injections
- Oral formulations, such as pellets and trochees
Different types of injectable testosterone treatments:
- testosterone cypionate (Depo-Testosterone)
- testosterone enanthate (Xyosted, the most generic)
- testosterone undecanoate (Aveed, a long acting formula)
Why is testosterone injection or Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) the most effective for women?
This is almost undebatable since the injection goes directly through the muscles. Therefore, they are better than the topical forms of synthetic testosterones mentioned above. It takes time for the skin to absorb the gels, creams and even the testosterone capsules take time before getting ingested into the bloodstream.
DIY injection of testosterone is highly dangerous. This is because most who have done so were all tempted to experience the effects immediately. Most doctors will sign you up for a weekly or bi-monthly session. Each session, a much lower dose of testosterone will be injected so that your body will adjust better to all of the changes brought about by the testosterone boost.
WHAT HAPPENS IF A WOMAN TAKES TESTOSTERONE PILLS:
Increase in muscle size and mass
In 2007, studies looking into the effects of testosterone enanthate revealed that there are remarkable changes in muscle mass and strength when it is administered. The research investigated how well the participants performed in various strength training exercises, concluding that their body mass had significantly increased after 6 weeks.
Burn excessive fat faster
It is not a surprise that women who exercise aim for weight loss. The amount of fat each person wants to lose may vary, depending on their own preference and goals. Many women have their own goals when it comes to fitness and one of the most common is achieving fat loss. Thus, nearly every supplement designed specifically for female athletes contains an ingredient aimed at burning fat. Depending on the body type, some people are better at burning fat. Other women will acquire a better ability to build and strengthen their muscles. On the other hand, there are those who maintain a balance between both of them.
Injuries heal faster
Steroid use remains common among athletes, particularly to help them recover more quickly from injuries. While some steroids don’t necessarily improve performance, they have been known to speed up muscle recovery. Studies conducted to examine the impacts of synthetic testosterone have proven its effectiveness in accelerating muscle regeneration.
How much time do women have to wait to feel the effects of the testosterone treatment?
Testosterone may take a few weeks or months for the effects to become visible in women. If no progress is observed after 6 months, it is highly unlikely that the treatment will be beneficial.
It is highly recommended to have a minimum of 8 months of testosterone replacement therapy by way of injections. This allows the doctor to monitor the progress, or lack thereof and adjust the required supplementation accordingly in order to reach the desired outcomes.
Why do people misuse anabolic steroids?
To enhance muscle growth and athletic functioning, some bodybuilders and athletes turn to anabolic steroids. These steroids can be administered either orally, injected into muscles, or applied through the skin as a cream or gel. These doses of medication are usually much higher than what a doctor would recommend for any health conditions.
Self-medication without any medical supervision can be illegal and unsafe in many cases. It is important to consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before using them.
Always consult your physician for the correct dosage of testosterone
Before determining the appropriate dosage of testosterone for women, several factors should be considered, such as the current level of testosterone in their body, the desired outcome and type of therapy. It is essential to consult a doctor for advice on the right amount of testosterone needed.
Below are the highest rated testosterone supplements for female bodybuilders:
- Testo Prime
- Testo Max
- Testogen
- Testol 140
- Testonine
Although the marketing and design of all the testosterone boosting supplements are deliberately masculine. However, they are now commonly used by female bodybuilders. All 5 of the T-booster supplements mentioned above can be safely used by both genders. Always show the product to your physician first before taking it. Remember, these products have a much higher testosterone content than the ones prescribed by the doctors.
The commonly encountered issues with topical testosterone supplements
Testosterone levels vary from person to person. As a result, applying it topically is so different from applying other gels, creams and patches. These are not even approved by the FDA and often sold by the black market. The testosterone levels of these products are often 50% higher than what a licensed medical professional will prescribe. Addiction is highly possible.
Topical Testosterone have become popular in recent years for the following risks:
- Women might not get accurate dosages since the majority of medications are formulated with men in mind.
- Many women are unable to effectively absorb medications prescribed to them.
- An excessive level of testosterone in the body
- Generally, these products are expensive and not covered by insurance since they haven’t been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for women’s use.
Why do the doctors who administer Testosterone Replacement Therapy or TRT focus on restoring hormonal balance?
In recent times, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) has become more popular as a treatment option for certain gender imbalances. It is now being seen as offering serious health benefits to women, in addition to the already accepted Hormone Replacement Therapy for estrogen and progesterone imbalances.
Testosterone might not be the only hormone contributing to your symptoms. It is possible that your testosterone levels are within normal range, and that it is actually estrogen and progesterone levels which need to be looked into. Blood testing can be utilized to figure out the root cause of the issue.
Research has demonstrated that the most effective way to alleviate symptoms is to balance individual hormone levels in relation to one another. The three key sex hormones – testosterone, estrogen and progesterone – need to be in balance with each other in order for them to work efficiently.
An imbalance in any one of these hormones can cause an alteration in the functioning of the others. Complicated endocrine complications may necessitate the administration of additional hormones in combination with testosterone supplementation.
How safe are testosterone treatments for women?
Studies suggest that testosterone treatments are considered safe when given in low doses through the skin. However, due to lack of long-term safety data, it is not recommended for use among menopausal women beyond two years. It’s a relief to know that transdermal testosterone does not raise blood pressure, nor does it have any negative impacts on the levels of fats and lipids in the body.
Recent medical studies have indicated that there are no adverse effects on the kidneys, liver or blood cells as a result of transdermal testosterone therapy in women. Additionally, it has been found that there is no increased risk of breast cancer and it does not cause an overgrowth in the endometrium (lining of the uterus).
Below are the most proven ways to increase testosterone in women naturally:
- Eating healthily is essential for optimal health and to maintain your hormones in balance. Try to avoid an excessive intake of carbohydrates, binge eating, alcohol consumption and smoking as these can have detrimental effects on your wellbeing.
- Taking active steps to reduce stress can be immensely beneficial for overall wellbeing. Identify and tackle habits, people or activities that leave you feeling drained and exhausted – take a break from them if possible. Add more humor, lightheartedness and joy into your life by having fun and increasing time spent with people who lift you up.
- Exercise and activities such as weight lifting or HIIT (high intensity interval training) can help keep testosterone levels at an optimal level, with some exercises even being capable of increasing it.
- It is advisable to take vitamins on a regular basis. Furthermore, it is important to pay attention to the level of Vitamin D in your diet. You could also consider taking Zinc, as it can help boost testosterone levels and fortify the immune system.
- Are you getting enough sleep each night? To ensure optimal health and well-being, it’s recommended to get 7-8 hours of restful sleep every night. If your sleep is often disrupted or of low quality, it is best to speak with a medical professional and figure out why and how you can get back on track.
- To stay healthy, it’s important to limit or prevent your exposure to toxins such as BPA, parabens etc., as well as drugs, steroids and opioids. Regular detoxification can help you remove impurities from the body.
Who doesn’t need testosterone therapy?
It is important to note that some women should avoid testosterone therapy or have a detailed conversation with their doctor(s) before undergoing hormone replacement therapy due to potential risks.
Women who fall in the following categories should not be prescribed testosterone therapy:
- Testosterone can be toxic to fetal development, so it should be avoided during pregnancy.
- Couples planning to conceive a child should be aware that high testosterone levels in the mother can cause serious birth defects.
- Testosterone levels may reduce lactation in women who are currently breastfeeding.
- Managing active cancer requires full dedication and the utilization of all your energy & resources to rid your body of the disease.
With the right precautions, testosterone therapy can boost your well-being with minimal negatives. By being mindful and aware of the possibilities, you can make the most out of your treatment and enjoy a better quality of life. The key is to find the balance between risk and reward!
Testosterone Treatment Therapy (TRT) to improve overall lifestyle of women
Women affected by a lack of testosterone can experience severe symptoms, yet be unaware of the cause. Testosterone deficiency in women is a common issue and there are treatment options available. vFor females, maintaining optimal testosterone levels is extremely important for their overall wellbeing. It can have various beneficial effects like increased bone mineral density as well as improved mental health and happiness.
Testosterone replacement therapy is an option for women who suffer from low testosterone levels. It has proven to be safe and effective when administered with care and precision. To determine the suitability of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) for you, your doctor may take into account both your family medical history and the levels of testosterone in your blood. Before deciding to undergo this treatment, make sure that you discuss all possible risks and benefits associated with it with your physician.