If testosterone was all it took to make your fully mature penis bigger in adulthood, your penis would keep growing all the time! The penis size that you currently have is largely thanks to testosterone production and exposure during critical developmental periods. In that sense, the answer to “will testosterone make my penis bigger? So can testosterone make your penis bigger? From birth to puberty is another critical period for penis growth. Unlike testosterone, it doesn’t affect your body’s hormonal levels.Numerous studies have examined the relationship between testosterone levels and erectile function.That's why I'm a proponent of getting blood work done, because that's how you know whether or not your androgen levels, as well as things like vitamin D levels, et cetera, are sufficiently high.You’ll also be able to compare how much muscle gains you have attained after using Turkesterone.In short, you don't have to worry that you're going to increase the wrong hormone.Starting with a small dose, say, 500mg (1 capsule) will allow your body to get used to the supplement.Unlike synthetic compounds like Testosterone Enanthate, which can cause shutdown, liver strain, and side effects, Turkesterone offers a non-hormonal and legal pathway to muscle building. They start losing their hair to levels that, at least for them, aren't comfortable. Some people can take creatine without any problem, in terms of hair loss. Creatine can increase DHT, which means that if you take creatine and you're very DHT-susceptible, then you might experience some hair loss. It has a much higher affinity for the androgen receptor than does testosterone. By reducing this buildup, turkesterone may delay the onset of fatigue during exercise, leading to longer exercise sessions and reduced recovery time. Ecdysteroids have adaptogenic and anabolic effects. That’s where turkesterone and testosterone come in. Turkestanica extract works pretty much like laxogenin in that it doesn’t bind to androgen receptors. But it doesn’t trigger anabolism via androgen receptor activity as testosterone does. We presume as the popularity of this substance grows more suppliers will bring quality, tested, standardized products to market and the availability will increase. However there have been a few pioneers who have run Turk with bodybuilding routines and documented the process along with their thoughts on whether Turkesterone is worth it. To summarize, since everyone is different, there is no way to determine if you will experience any adverse effects from Turkesterone. It's always interesting to look in the literature and see how everyone wants to free up their testosterone so that it can work. They're there to actually transport testosterone to specific tissues, to shuttle them to specific tissues, and to set the rate of bound and unbound testosterone so that it's not all unbound at once. People talk about that the level of free testosterone is really what's important, and that you want to optimize free testosterone. Most of it is bound to either sex hormone binding globulin, SHBG, or to albumin. Testosterone, the molecule, is total testosterone. So there's a little bit of data looking, specifically, at how endurance exercise impacts testosterone and its derivatives. In other words, if you want to optimize testosterone levels, it seems to be the case that weight training first and doing cardio-type endurance activity afterward is the right order of business. Now, it may not raise your testosterone levels as high as you want, but it's definitely taking things in the correct direction. The use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been on the rise over the past decade. Since its discovery in the 1930s, testosterone (T) has become a well-established treatment modality for patients with hypogonadism and/or sexual dysfunction. Both are ecdysteroids, but Turkesterone is thought to be more bioavailable and potentially more anabolic due to its structural differences. Al. examining the polyphenol content and antioxidant qualities of methanolic extracts from the grain .You may see some turkesterone supplements not mention anything at all about an extract percentage and just say something like Ajuga turkestanica herb 500mg or Ajuga turkestanica extract 500mg.In a stress-induced mouse model, ecdysterone and turkesterone were found to prevent stress-related consequences and restore immunological activity .Likewise, castration-induced testosterone deficiency was shown to increase muscle proteolytic gene expression in mice (48, 58), whereas testosterone administration in C2C12 cells represses MAFbx expression through AR-dependent signaling (64).This suggests the importance of consuming spinach in managing lipid levels and obesity .Positive nitrogen balance is an absolute necessity for building new muscles. Apart from being rich in nutrients, quinoa also exhibits health-promoting properties, including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-obesity, and cardio-beneficial effects (Figure 4) 35,191,192,193. Al. reported that in well-trained men, daily oral supplementation with spinach reduced indicators of oxidative stress and muscle injury after training . Oleracea extract, combined with moderate-intensity exercise, in over 50-year-old individuals, Perez-Pinero et. In a study on daily supplementation with S. In the debate of laxogenin vs. turkesterone, turkesterone shows a competitive edge over laxogenin. As a result, you won’t experience adverse side effects like high blood pressure, stroke, or liver and kidney toxicity, usually caused by hormonal imbalance. This means that you can run subsequent cycles of turkesterone without the need for post-cycle therapy. The compound is thought to work by increasing protein synthesis and nitrogen retention, which produce physiological effects in the body, such as increased lean muscle mass and strength. These two natural hormones are the go-to fitness supplements for many fitness enthusiasts who prefer not to use anabolic steroids. Is turkesterone really one of the best natural supplements for muscle growth? But if there's a consistent literature in this whole story about aging and reductions in hormones and general health and reductions in hormones, its apnea. And so we're going to talk about how to modulate IL-6 in the direction that you would want and how to increase another cytokine called IL-10, which is anti-inflammatory, in ways that can help promote or at least support the sex steroid hormones. So the reason why people don't want sex when they're sick is because levels of IL-6 are increased. It's known that IL-6, when injected into individuals, will decrease the desire for sex and eventually will reduce levels of testosterone and estrogen independent of feeling lousy. Therefore, it’s advisable to have a meal before ingesting the supplement. This allows you to work out significantly longer than you would have while limiting the possibility of getting muscle cramps. These enzymes break down fat cells and release them into the bloodstream, where they can be absorbed by muscle cells and converted to energy. The fitness supplement offers a myriad of benefits that could potentially lead to a better physique and athletic performance. This pathway comprises a group of nuclear receptor proteins that regulate glucose homeostasis and energy metabolism in cells. Yes, because testosterone is one of the hormones that drives penile development and growth through puberty. Considering popping testosterone supplements and wondering, “can testosterone increase penis size? Syrov and colleagues (5) investigated the effects of several plant-derived supplements on blood glucose levels. Zubeldia and colleagues (2) investigated the effects of Turkesterone on muscle tissue and concluded the it can support muscle mass without the typical side effects of synthetic anabolic drugs. According to several studies, Turkesterone optimizes the translation of mRNA. Testosterone is a hormone that plays a vital role when it comes to regulating secondary sexual characteristics. To put it simply, Turkesterone acts as a testosterone booster. Moreover, in animal studies, the administration of 4-hydroxyisoleucine, an extract from fenugreek seeds, lowered serum cortisol concentrations (77). Another potential mechanism through which herbs may increase testosterone concentrations in males is by ameliorating cortisol production. Asian ginseng also has antioxidant properties, which reduce lipid peroxidation and increase glutathione peroxidase concentrations (74), and it is noteworthy that the only study demonstrating benefits of Asian ginseng recruited individuals with metabolic syndrome (47). But within the female population, or population of individuals that have ovaries, there's a very stereotyped and characteristic reduction in estrogen levels as the number of eggs becomes depleted, and that's what we think of as menopause. So menopause, as I mentioned earlier, is this fairly massive reduction in the amount of estrogen that is circulating in one's blood, mainly because the ovary is now depleted of some estrogen production of its own. They can just clamp or keep their testosterone levels high. Its mechanisms of action and impact on muscle anabolism highlight its utility as a natural supplement in sports and fitness regimes. Importantly, turkesterone achieves these effects without significant interference with hormonal balances, distinguishing it from other anabolic agents that can provoke undesirable endocrine disruptions. Turkesterone is believed to enhance the process of protein synthesis, which is the body's way of building muscle tissue. This connection to muscle-building hormones is where a lot of the interest in Turkesterone starts. Turkesterone has gained popularity in the fitness niche, as it is believed to mirror the effects of anabolic steroids, but without their legal and health risks. This means that it doesn’t affect your body’s hormone levels. Still, you may experience several side effects from taking a turkesterone supplement. As an ecdysteroid, turkesterone doesn’t undergo the androgen receptors’ binding process, which is responsible for most anabolic steroids’ adverse side effects. Unlike testosterone, turkesterone is not an anabolic steroid and, thus, activates different anabolic pathways. That's why it is okay for younger people to take, including women, without having to worry about your hormones. We will cover the benefits, side effects, and how it stacks up to steroids, SARMs, and prohormones. I hope that you'll come away from this with a deeper mechanistic understanding of how the brain and body are interacting to control the output and the ways in which these incredible things that we call sex steroid hormones, work and influence us. Likewise, if estrogens are going too high, or they're going too high at various phases of the cycle, that can start to throw off various other hormones, including FSH, progesterone, LH. If someone has high estrogen and low testosterone, and let's just say has ovaries, then both of those would increase by taking Fadogia agrestis. Sounds pretty crazy, but believe it or not, that and things like ice baths and cold showers can have positive effects on the sex steroid hormones, both testosterone, mainly in males, and estrogen, mainly in females. Has ovaries and has higher levels of estrogen than testosterone, then viewing bright light early in the day, because of dopamine's effects, are, is going to promote more estrogen and subtle increases in testosterone. But basically, if you're somebody who naturally has ovaries and has higher levels of estrogen than testosterone... The effects of a turkesterone supplement kick in pretty fast. High cortisol levels slow down muscle recovery after exercise. Turkesterone also blocks proteins such as myostatin protein and the stress hormone cortisol that hinder muscle development. The Ajuga turkestanica extract supports muscle development by promoting protein synthesis. It, instead, activates the estrogen receptor beta responsible for boosting skeletal muscle growth and repair. This natural compound is derived from rare Ajuga Turkestanica plant species. This study also only utilized a single search term (“Testosterone Booster”). Limitations of our study are that we used only Google as our search engine, and there may be regional and geographic differences in search engine results. Certainly, it is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, which is what many of the claims seem to tout. It is important that patients have a realistic picture of what to expect with T supplementation. Turkestanica also enhances muscle regeneration and maintenance 29,226. Turkestanica demonstrate hypoglycemic activity in models of hyperglycemia and diabetes, suggesting their potential therapeutic use in managing blood glucose levels . In a stress-induced mouse model, ecdysterone and turkesterone were found to prevent stress-related consequences and restore immunological activity . Most of these effects are likely due to the presence of Pes . Moreover, in DSs, turkesterone is derived from A. Increases in IL-6R expression with exercise and recovery feeding were also greater in TEST vs. PLA during ED. Positive associations between changes in total RNA and AR protein content suggest alterations in translational capacity may occur downstream of AR activity. The 6-h postexercise biopsy (5 h postfeeding) may have occurred too late to determine whether maximal activation of mTOR signaling during ED differed in TEST vs. PLA relative to WM, since peak stimulation of this pathway has been observed 1–2 h after feeding (2, 57). Six studies (50, 52, 55, 56, 61, 63) out of 32 were judged to have a low risk of bias due to their strong methodological designs. The risk-of-bias assessment (Supplemental Tables 1 and 2) revealed some concerns for most of the included studies. A total of 126 male participants were recruited for the studies, with ages ranging from 20 to 56 y and sample sizes ranging from 20 to 56 participants. Many people claim that adding Turkesterone to their exercise program and diet regime increases metabolism and fat burning, reduces fatigue, elevates strength, stamina, and improves overall athletic performance. Commonly referred to as Ecdysteroid, or simply ECDY, Turkesterone is a natural steroid product that owns potent abilities to speed up recovery from training, enhance muscle growth, and boost energy. Understanding that Turkesterone does not directly influence testosterone levels is key for those considering this supplement. Improved Cognitive Function So it's not simply the case that high levels of testosterone produce a lot of sex and mating behavior and low levels of estrogen are good across the board; you actually need both in both males and females. It's important to point out that while increases in testosterone promote seeking of mates and reproduction in both males and females, in females, it's actually increases in estrogen that promote receptivity to mating. Dopamine is actually released in the brain in ways that has the pituitary, this gland that sits over the roof of your mouth, release certain hormones that then go on to promote the release of more testosterone. So the adrenals ride atop the kidneys, and the release of these steroid hormones from the adrenals, in particular testosterone and some of its related derivatives, are mainly activated by competition. A lot of people don't realize this, but the testes actually have the capacity to manufacture estrogen and aromatase, albeit at low levels. Users commonly report increases in strength, especially in compound lifts like squats, bench press, and deadlifts, within the first few weeks of consistent use. Turkesterone doesn’t just help you build muscle — it may also improve how much force your muscles can produce. Additionally, some research suggests it may influence AMPK signaling, which supports improved body composition by enhancing glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation. Turkesterone is a PE, with 27 carbon atoms and seven OH-groups; it is considered that the OH groups at C-20 and C-11 are responsible for the anabolic effects 28,215. No serious adverse effects were reported within the experiments, which correlated with the safety profile of quinoa extracts and their safe nutrition in sports. Quinoa extracts showed anti-obesity, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, immunoregulatory, and collagenase-modulating effects in in vivo experiments with rats 208,209,210,211,212,213,214. Al. conducted a study on the ability of quinoa extract enriched in 20HE to prevent obesity, and it was observed that quinoa and 20HE demonstrate anti-obesity activity in rats . The highest content of turkesterone is considered to be in Ajuga turkestanica . Turkesterone is considered to possess an anabolic effect, and it is used as DS by athletes, instead of anabolic steroids 28,30. Supplementation with quinoa and chia seed extracts may regulate metabolic indicators and showed hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities in rats . It also defines the primary sex characteristic of, the growth of the penis, et cetera. DHT, dihydrotestosterone, as I mentioned in the previous episode, has this dramatic role in creating a kind of masculinization of the brain prenatally. Likewise, with estrogen, the development of the birth control pill was only made possible by understanding the structure of estrogen and estradiol. They do that mainly by disrupting the receptors on gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons. Rosea extracts suggests no potential effects on physical performance and fatigue 26,142. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of action and possible long-term consequences of these supplements. We found multicenter randomized double-blind studies on ecdysterone and ecdysterone-rich extracts. It is considered that lower doses showed no significant effects but reported that amounts more than 5 μg/kg body weight were considered effective . One of the most troubling side effects of doing a cut is that it leads to a reduction in muscle mass. Research studies have found that there is evidence that indicates that regularly using Turkesterone helps to increase the stores of energy in the body, which in turn increases the production of ATP, which improves endurance during workouts. What makes Turkesterone so unique, however, is that unlike testosterone and other types of supplements, it doesn’t bind with androgen receptors. Two studies used patented extracts, Trib Gold, manufactured by Nerhadou International, standardized to contain up to 45% steroidal saponins (extract source not provided) (39), and Tribestan, manufactured by Sopharma, delivering a minimum of 675 mg furostanol saponins (from overground parts of the herb) (48). Two of the studies demonstrating positive effects recruited men with no known clinical conditions (50, 62). Three studies used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study design (35, 51, 62), and 1 study used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study design (50). No estrogen conversion. Let’s examine this like a nerd with a microscope and a protein shake. Turkesterone’s biggest selling point is that it’s the “side-effect-free anabolic.” But how true is that? It comes from Ajuga turkestanica, a plant that thrives in the mountainous chaos of Central Asia, specifically Uzbekistan, where goats chew it and get unnaturally swole. Synthetic anabolic steroids are variations of testosterone, so when you take them, your body stops producing testosterone, since it’s getting it from the outside. The truth is, Turkesterone doesn’t affect testosterone natural synthesis in the male body in any way, but it can affect systems that do. The answer is no, yes, and just maybe, Turkesterone doesn’t increase testosterone production and concentrations in the blood. Can Turkesterone help to maintain muscle mass? These proteins benefit us by repairing muscle damage, accelerating the recovery process. The adaptogenic properties are another essential feature of this supplement as it plays a vital role in dealing with post-exercise stress and demotivation. Many users, including but not limited to athletes, fitness trainers, and even influencers experienced positive effects from this natural steroid. Hence leucine is highly beneficial when it comes to boosting lean body mass. Body composition. Testosterone levels generally peak during adolescence and early adulthood.Significantly few people reported facing these side effects with the consumption of Turkesterone.That means Turkesterone doesn’t suppress your natural testosterone, doesn’t convert to estrogen or DHT, and doesn’t require post-cycle therapy (PCT).Approximately two-thirds of men on haemodialysis (HD) have serum T levels in the hypogonadal range (4).So there are increases in testosterone that are quite significant during the physical act of sex and far less so during observing sex.Mostly sleep apnea, although apnea in general was shown to be an issue negatively impacting hormones. And sex itself also increases testosterone, but it also increases prolactin. It is nuanced and you have to understand that nuance if you want to understand how certain behaviors impact hormones and how hormones impact those behaviors. However, abstinence also increases testosterone even further. What it means is that sex itself increases testosterone. Although it will increase prolactin levels for the reasons I described a moment ago. To summarize, since everyone is different, there is no way to determine if you will experience any adverse effects from Turkesterone.A total of 227 papers, of which 115 are about the biological activities of ecdysterone, turkesterone, and plants containing these PEs, were selected and included in the current review.Before we dive into our discussion about hormone optimization, I want to raise what I think is a very important point that at least I hadn't heard of until recently, which is the concept of salutogenesis.These people actually were willing to have blood draws taken while watching pornography.Unlike anabolic steroids, it doesn’t raise your androgen levels or suppress the body’s capacity to produce testosterone.It contains compounds known as “turkesamide”, which are thought to be responsible for its various beneficial effects on health.This upsurge extends from the many favorable effects T has on various body systems.Brock et al. found that 60 mg of topical testosterone 2% gel applied daily resulted in a significant increase in testosterone levels as well as libido, as measured using the SAID scale after three months of treatment. Latest Reviews Find out what's known — and not known — about testosterone therapy for normal aging. As you age, testosterone therapy might sound promising. Considering testosterone therapy to help you feel younger and more vigorous as you age? Technically, it’s a phytoecdysteroid—a plant-based compound structurally similar to anabolic steroids, but it does not act like one in the human body. If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” extreme caution should be exercised before taking or recommending a new supplement. Furthermore, protein synthesis signaling markers remained unchanged, suggesting no significant impact on muscle protein synthesis. Increased Muscle Protein Synthesis I want to emphasize that when you hear sex steroids or steroid hormones, most people think about anabolic steroids.I don't think anyone really believes that hiking for three hours is going to reduce your testosterone.Some of these signs and symptoms can be caused by other factors, including medication side effects, obstructive sleep apnea, thyroid problems, diabetes and depression.As a result, you won’t experience adverse side effects like high blood pressure, stroke, or liver and kidney toxicity, usually caused by hormonal imbalance.There are no side effects to warrant any serious concern5Lafont R, Dinan L.More muscle means a higher resting metabolic rate, which increases total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) — a key driver of fat loss.So levels of testosterone that are far lower than they should be for a given age.Regarding gene expression, studies suggest that phytoecdysteroids do not directly bind to steroid receptors in humans or alter natural hormone production.These compounds are believed to help with predator deterrence and regulating reproduction in their natural environments. So, if your dream is to have a beautiful and perfect body, maybe we managed to speed it up a bit? The supplement is safe and 100 percent legal! It fastens muscle recovery, stamps out any depressive emotions, and even improves digestive processes. Besides, the known issue with ecdysteroids is that body quickly metabolizes them. So levels of testosterone that are far lower than they should be for a given age. So let's get back to behaviors that can help optimize hormone levels. Although people still argue that there are no pheromone effects in humans, that it's all through olfaction. Turkesterone is most effective when combined with a progressive resistance training program, adequate protein intake, and consistent recovery habits. However, cycling off periodically helps assess natural progress and maintain long-term sensitivity. Because it doesn’t suppress testosterone, you don’t need a traditional PCT. Most users take 500–1,000 mg per day, often split into two doses (morning and pre-workout) to maintain consistent plasma levels. While it’s a non-hormonal compound, following a consistent protocol is key to maximizing its anabolic potential. Taking turkesterone might also reduce inflammation and promote the excretion of lactic acid from your muscles. Turkesterone may help increase endurance and reduce exercise-induced fatigue. ATP does more than increase your endurance during exercise. Acting as your body’s internal fuel shuttle, ATP delivers the energy needed by your muscle cells to boost strength and power and ease muscle fatigue. This natural muscle builder promotes the production of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the muscle cells. That’s because this extract promotes nitrogen retention in your muscles. The proteins and amino acids are the building blocks of big, strong, and defined muscles. It’s not a miracle, but compared to the science-fiction nightmare that is SARMs or methylated prohormones? Not everyone gets this, but those who do are usually taking Turk alongside five other supplements and wondering why they feel like a caffeinated squirrel. But compared to SARMs, steroids, and even some prohormones, Turkesterone’s safety profile looks squeaky clean. Table 5 summarizes investigations into potential health benefits connected with S. In Table 5 are presents in vivo studies on the biological activities of S. Spinach leaves are utilized for their, emollient, wholesome, antipyretic, diuretic, laxative, and anthelmintic substances, as well as their anti-inflammatory effects and joint pain relief (Figure 3) . Grucza et al. reported even lower levels of 20HE content in fresh spinach leaves at 10 µg/100 g . Contrary to the randomized trial, which reported improved physical performance after the intake of 20HE, the investigation into the effects of R. In the ever-evolving world of performance supplements, few natural compounds have generated as much hype in recent years as Turkesterone. This means there are a growing number of supplement brands and products to choose from for natural steroids like turkesterone. Keep in mind that muscle supplements are becoming more common as well over three million Americans take nutritional supplements to help with physical activity. This ecdysteroid encourages protein synthesis to maximize the potential for muscle growth, helping to make many gym goals a reality. So if you look at the literature on menopause outside of just standard estrogen therapy, there are some very interesting compounds out there that have been used, and that are supported by quality peer-reviewed studies. In addition, there's a concern always about supplementing estrogen when there's a breast cancer background in the family, or there's concern about breast cancer for any reason, because a lot of those cancers are estrogen dependent. Well, one of the most common ones is that physicians will prescribe supplemental estrogen. Now, this is important because we often think of testosterone as creating whatever masculinization or virilization, or all these terms are thrown around, but what's it really doing when it comes to mate choice and competition? But what I was really referring to is the fact that testosterone lowers stress and anxiety, in particular in males of a given species. So I've said before on previous versions of this podcast and on other podcasts that testosterone has this incredible effect of making effort feel good. Today, we're going to talk about hormone optimization in reference to estrogen and testosterone and their derivatives. But many people exercise or eat well for that matter in order to avoid heart disease or to avoid dementia, to avoid negative changes in body composition. Today, we're going to be talking about hormone optimization, and we're mainly going to be focusing on estrogen and testosterone and their derivatives. He also discusses peer-reviewed studies and protocols addressing (at a mechanistic level) how light, cold and heat and respiration (breathing) can positively or negatively impact testosterone and estrogen. Hence, this supplement should help you to retain all that muscle mass. Given the increasing body of research on herbal supplementation to support natural hormone production, it presents as a potential treatment option for AD. This systematic review includes randomized controlled trials examining the effects of herbs, spices, plants, and their extracts on testosterone concentrations in men. Overall, 9 out of 32 studies demonstrated statistically significant increases in testosterone concentrations. The main findings of this review indicate that 2 herbal extracts, fenugreek seed extracts and ashwagandha root and root/leaf extracts, have positive effects on testosterone concentrations in men. But can testosterone increase penile size in adulthood if you take testosterone supplements? If you aren’t on a super tight budget and looking for a natural product to boost your gains, you should definitely give Turkesterone a go. Since it doesn’t attach to androgen receptors, you won’t experience any of the negative side effects. Turkesterone won’t appear on drug tests and is used legally by bodybuilders and some athletes. Studies haven’t advised women against taking turkesterone. This approach has been implemented previously by studies investigating differences in high vs. low responders to resistance exercise (16, 39, 41), which allocate participants who fall into extremes for study outcomes (i.e., greatest increase or decrease in muscle cross-sectional area, muscle mass, etc.) into subsets and evaluate group differences. The anabolic effects of supplemental testosterone have been attributed to androgen receptor (AR)-dependent and -independent regulation of muscle protein synthesis and breakdown (47), and satellite cell and muscle pluripotent stem cell commitment and differentiation (49, 51). The effects of testosterone administration on lean body mass accretion are well documented (7–9) and suggest testosterone supplementation is a viable strategy for preserving muscle mass in populations exposed to extreme stress. These are plant compounds that are structurally similar to the hormone ecdysteroid, which regulates growth and development in molting insects. We’ll evaluate what it is, how it works, and potential turkesterone side effects and dosage guidelines. Your doctor will likely measure your testosterone levels at least twice before recommending testosterone therapy. Also, some research shows that testosterone therapy can increase your risk of heart disease. All studies used berry or root extracts of Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), with the root reported as Korean red ginseng, a processed form (67). The inclusion of the testosterone fractions and binding proteins were deemed important since only ∼2% is “free” testosterone, with the remaining testosterone “bound” to proteins (predominantly SHBG, ∼40–45%) (31–33) and controversy existing regarding the relative importance of “bound” and “unbound” testosterone (34). These included TT, (calculated) free testosterone (FT), measurement of FT, bioavailable testosterone (BT), and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG). This is important because the only way you’ll gain muscular mass is if your protein synthesis is higher than protein breakdown. Leucine is a branched-chain amino acid (BCAAs) that plays a significant role in the general health of muscles. Turkesterone works in a number of ways to kickstart that muscle-building effect in your body. One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, partial-crossover study was conducted examining the effects of a stinging nettle root extract (synthesized from the roots via a fractional percolation process and standardization) on testosterone concentrations (60). One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted examining the effects of reishi extract (dried and chipped with 30% ethanol) on testosterone concentrations (55). One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted examining the effects of a forskohlii root extract, manufactured to contain a forskolin concentration of 10% (Forslean) daily (extraction process not provided) on testosterone concentrations (40). One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted examining the effects of a garcinia extract (standardized to contain 60% hydroxycitric acid; details of extraction process not provided) on testosterone concentrations (43). Macronutrient composition of the postexercise meal in TEST vs. PLA at weight maintenance and energy deficit Muscle biopsies were collected under fasted rested conditions (Resting) and again after the cycle ergometry bout at 1 h (Post) and 6 h (Recovery) postexercise. A total of three muscle biopsies were collected from one incision on one leg per biopsy protocol day using a 5-mm Bergström needle with manual suction (22) and under local anesthesia (1% lidocaine). Overall, these studies highlight quinoa’s broad bioactive qualities and promise as a functional food. Al. examining the polyphenol content and antioxidant qualities of methanolic extracts from the grain . Furthermore, quinoa’s potential as a rich source of antioxidants is highlighted by the study by Alvarez-Jubete et. Table 7 presents in vitro studies involving quinoa. The quinoa grain is characterized by high protein (13–15%), fiber (3–4%), carbohydrates (59–61%), fatty acids, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals 35,184,185,186,187,188. So this is hormone therapy, where somebody takes either their oral estrogen, or they'll use a patch or a pellet, some way to secrete estradiol into the system. So there are many people who are trying to optimize their estrogen levels, and one of the places where this shows up a lot, and I get a lot of questions about, is menopause. And that endurance exercise that extends beyond 75 minutes is going to start to lead to reductions in testosterone, presumably by increases in cortisol. And there are several studies exploring whether or not endurance activity can increase or decrease androgen levels, and whether or not you combine endurance activity and weight training, whether or not that has any effect if you do the endurance activity first or second. So now let's talk about how exercise in its various forms — weight training, endurance work, weight training to failure, or less intense weight training — can impact testosterone levels. I've looked at these, that it does seem to have some pro-fertility, pro-free testosterone and subtle aphrodisiac effects. There are supplements, in particular Tongkat ali, which is, it has this other name. This is true in males and females, or it can be doing exactly what it's supposed to do, which is shuttling testosterone to the proper tissues and organs, where it has all these effects, including the brain. Remember, these binding globulins aren't there to soak up all your testosterone just to make it hard for you to free up testosterone and make gains in the gym, or whatever it is, or have increases in libido. They're needed as transporters, to get testosterone into cells so that testosterone can have its effects on gene expression as well as other pathways within the cells. One of the main hormones for that is luteinizing hormone. Far more subtle than would be, for instance, just injecting testosterone or injecting estrogen, et cetera. While we're talking about supplementation, the effects of supplementation, I would say, in some individuals can be quite dramatic, but they're always, always, always, except in extreme cases, going to be far subtler. The initial results certainly seem promising, leading many to wonder if Turkesterone might be a valuable addition to their supplement regimen for muscle building. Beyond muscle-building potential, other observed Turkesterone benefits and those of related compounds include a reduction in blood glucose levels, healing of cardiovascular and liver tissues, and improvements in immune defense systems. Similarly, studies in 1968 and 2000 found that Ecdysteroids stimulated protein synthesis in mouse liver and various mouse organs. A 1975 study, for instance, indicated that Turkesterone stimulated growth in rats. Testosterone supplementation in humans increases the number of proliferating satellite cells and expression of myogenin, indicating testosterone promotes cell cycle entry and later stages of myogenesis (51). Furthermore, testosterone-related increases in the fusion of activated satellite cells to existing muscle fibers has been hypothesized to contribute to greater muscle volume (13, 52). Upregulation of anabolic signaling through the mTOR pathway (i.e., translational efficiency; see Refs. 3 and 58) and AR-dependent downregulation of ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis (64) has also been observed in vitro following testosterone administration in cultured rodent muscle cells. Loss of lean mass under these conditions is likely accelerated by the concomitant suppression of endogenous testosterone synthesis (25, 29) and may therefore be attenuated with supplemental testosterone (42, 43). How does it benefit muscle growth?Testosterone supplementation during energy deficit promotes whole body lean mass accretion, but the mechanisms underlying that effect remain unclear.Moreover, Turkesteorone is not an artificial hormone and can’t get involved in hormone replacement therapies.No increase in biomarkers for liver or kidney toxicity was noticed.And we don't often think about that, but testosterone plays a powerful role in determining which members of a given species will get to reproduce, which ones of that species will actually get access to females.The Lab says these supplements are designed exclusively for serious athletes who want to see anabolic growth and increased metabolism.Rat studies again suggest that testosterone deficiency (for whatever reason) or exposure to disruptive chemicals throughout childhood and adolescence can also inhibit post-natal penis growth. As per anecdotal evidence, there isn’t a notable difference between individuals who take 30mg and those who take 50mg of this supplement each day. Do note that taking the supplement with a meal is recommended to avoid the risk of developing an upset stomach. In summary, by improving the production of ATP, you’ll increase your endurance and your strength. Gorelick-Feldman et al. investigated the effects of PEs and extracts from A. Because of its anabolic qualities, ecdysterone has gained popularity as a natural sports performance booster. Spinach’s traditional claim to increase muscle strength may have scientific support due to its ecdysteroid concentration. In recent years, the consumption of spinach has increased due to consumers’ concerns about healthy eating . However, variations exist regarding the levels of 20HE in spinach, with some reporting lower amounts, such as 50 μg/g dry mass, 10.3 and 16.8 μg/g in different spinach accessions, and 0.44 mg% dry weight 8,156,160. The Benefits of Turkesterone It circulates, and either goes to the ovary to promote various aspects of egg maturation, as well as production of estrogen, and to the testes, to promote testosterone and sperm production.Well, testosterone is one of the hormones that drives penile development both in infancy and through puberty.So, Turkesterone may not increase your testosterone, but it still has other beneficial abilities, and it’s much safer than anabolic steroids.While anecdotal evidence supports the benefits of Turkesterone in muscle growth and performance enhancement, scientific research is still catching up.Our research team constantly monitors the development of the very latest and most innovative ergogenic and health promoting substances and the research that demonstrates their beneficial effects.However, in the short term, just competing increases testosterone, independent of whether or not you win or lose.The use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been on the rise over the past decade.This male-enhancing supplement and immune booster not only benefits muscle growth but also supports performance and mental focus. If you want to build muscle, recover more quickly from exercise, improve endurance, have more energy, and generally feel well, it is vital that your liver is functioning optimally. It is the accumulation of lipids within fat cells that typically causes an increase in body fat. Several studies have documented Turkesterone’s beneficial effects on sarcopenia (3,4). How to Make Your Own Pre Workout Supplement In males, it's interesting to point out that testosterone is promoting seeking of sex, but it's also estrogen in males that's important for libido. So testosterone is driving the seeking of sex, and estrogen is promoting the actual act of sex from female so-called receptivity, consensual receptivity. And this is all by self-report, but this is also while measuring things like testosterone, estrogen ratios and so forth. So I just want to emphasize once more, in case I went through it too quickly, that increases in testosterone in females are also going to lead to increase in reproductive behavior or seeking out reproductive behavior. So the short version of this is that competition increases testosterone. The name itself might sound familiar, perhaps reminding you of testosterone – and you’d be on the right track! This compound first piqued interest back in the 1980s, when Russian Olympic bodybuilders were suspected of using it for doping purposes. These findings suggest that AR, Fn14, and IL-6R signaling and subsequent alterations in downstream proteolytic activity may contribute to changes in lean mass. This signaling occurs within seconds to minutes of testosterone administration in vitro, although the physiological relevance is humans has not been fully elucidated. In other words, you may have a particular penis length “pre-programmed,” but if your hormones are disrupted in the growth process, you may not reach that length. Rat studies again suggest that testosterone deficiency (for whatever reason) or exposure to disruptive chemicals throughout childhood and adolescence can also inhibit post-natal penis growth. Then, testosterone and growth hormone together drive penis growth. We’ll also discuss whether supplemental testosterone can increase the size of your penis. In the group initially treated with placebo, 60% of men achieved normal testosterone levels at the end of the open label study, compared to 66% of the participants on TTh for the duration of the trial. Testosterone Support: Leucine improves muscle mass by stimulating muscle protein synthesis. Muscle growth will occur if your body consistently maintains a higher level of protein synthesis. So if the testosterone level increases, muscular growth and strength also increase. The hormone plays a key role in increasing bone mass, muscle mass, and strength. Patients should be informed that “T booster” supplements may not have components with mechanisms to support their claims. Despite the FDA statement against the use of supplements to treat conditions, 90% of “T booster” supplements claimed to boost T. However, despite this FDA statement, the “T booster” supplements made a host of claims. The compound is thought to stimulate protein synthesis and support the muscular system's adaptation to physical stress, potentially leading to improved strength and stamina. So, go on, give your muscles the treat they deserve, and maybe, just maybe, your fitness journey will be as smooth as our shameless plug! Remember, finding the right Turkesterone is like dating – it's all about compatibility and avoiding the ones that give you unwanted side effects. Its unique composition makes it a top choice for those seeking the most effective Turkesterone supplement on the market. Our Turkesterone Elite features Ajuga turkestanica extract standardized to 40% Turkesterone, combined with Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin for enhanced solubility and absorption. A muscle cell decodes information from the messenger RNA (mRNA) and uses it to create a protein or a sequence of essential amino acids. To boost protein synthesis, the extract optimizes mRNA translation. Turkesterone is an ecdysteroid — a class of steroid hormones derived from plants and insects. Laxogenin belongs to a class of plant hormones called brassinosteroid. However, Turkesterone is known to have such side effects as nausea, lightheadedness, and sometimes light digestive issues. How reliable is dietary supplement labeling? Then Turkesterone is a good supplement in your everyday nutrition. She has accomplished several courses on health, nutrition, dietology. Taisiia Dobrozorova is a nutrition and fitness writer at Unimeal and a healthy lifestyle devotee. That’s because the muscles and the respective connective tissues suffer micro tears, stimulating an inflammatory response. A positive nitrogen balance prevents muscle breakdown. The good news is you’ll still maintain muscle gains during fat loss. The supplement’s safety is unclear because of the lack of human clinical trials. Only articles that looked at the effect of supplementation were included. However, despite this clear FDA statement, there continue to be products that either directly claim or imply to have certain effects on medical conditions. These over the counter “T boosters” are often taken with the hopes of raising endogenous T production and doing this in a more “natural” manner. However, one study found that 87.8% men with low T were not receiving treatment, despite adequate access to care . Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a well-established option for those with symptomatic hypogonadism related to low T levels. A few years ago, there was a lot of excitement about the hormone DHEA, which is mainly made by the adrenals. So in both men and women, sex increases prolactin postsex. As I mentioned before, in females, testosterone also primes the motivation to seek out sex. And I hope this is satisfactory, no pun intended, to those of you that have been asking me what is the relationship between sex and ejaculation, and testosterone, and dopamine. This is also why many users recommend running the supplement for a longer cycle, as it takes some time for the compound to build up in the body. Starting with a small dose, say, 500mg (1 capsule) will allow your body to get used to the supplement. So, instead of rushing your body to get used to a supplement, following an 8-12 cycle will allow your body to get used to it slowly. Most users run an eight to twelve-week cycle to experience muscle-building effects from Turkesterone. The paucity of high-quality studies investigating the effects of herbs on testosterone production in men means further research is required. If future, robustly-designed studies demonstrate consistent positive effects of some of these herbs on testosterone production, further research will also be required to elucidate their potential mechanisms of action. This means that testosterone may have a greater physiological effect in the body when concentrations of these biomarkers are elevated. In this review, Asian ginseng only had 1 study out of 7 demonstrating a positive effect on testosterone concentrations in men; however, its administration reduced cortisol concentrations in adults experiencing high work stress (78). “Turkesterone demonstrates anabolic activity without altering hormonal balance or affecting the gonadal axis, which differentiates it from traditional steroids.”— Gorelick-Feldman et al., Biochemical Pharmacology Turkesterone’s support of recovery also makes it a strategic addition during cutting cycles, where maintaining muscle while in a calorie deficit is a constant battle. It may also modulate inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers, contributing to faster soft tissue healing and less muscle breakdown during recovery windows. By improving recovery and reducing muscle damage, Turkesterone may also allow for greater training volume and frequency, which further drives performance adaptations.