Conventional wisdom holds that higher levels of naturally occurring testosterone increase a person’s ability to build muscle. For this reason, many bodybuilders and weightlifters go to great lengths to maximize testosterone levels by abstaining from alcohol, eating certain foods and – in some instances – even avoiding ejaculation. (By the way, avoiding ejaculation doesn’t lead to increased testosterone.)
We certainly know that unnaturally high levels of testosterone (i.e., those obtained through steroid abuse) do result in muscle growth. And, from other research, we also know that higher levels of testosterone have been shown to limit muscle loss due to aging.
But a two new studies by scientists at McMaster University have revealed that exercise-related testosterone and growth hormone aren’t influencing factor in building muscle after lifting weights. These findings fly in the face of long-held conventional wisdom – and speak to the complicated role that hormones play in our dynamic human bodies.
The scientists came to this conclusion through two separate studies.
In the first study, men and women performed an intense leg exercise. Despite a 45-fold difference in testosterone levels, men and women were able to make new muscle protein at the same rate.
In the second study, researchers followed 56 young men through 12 weeks of exercise. The men trained 5 times a week and experienced muscle gains of nothing up to a maximum of 12 pounds. Researchers found no relationship between muscle or strength gains and levels of testosterone or growth hormone.
According to the lead author of the two studies:
While testosterone is definitely anabolic and promotes muscle growth in men and women at high doses, such as those used during steroid abuse, our findings show that naturally occurring levels of testosterone do not influence the rate of muscle protein synthesis.
Much research is still needed – and there’s a lot that’s not understood about the complex role hormones play. But for everyday strength trainers and non-senior populations, the takeaway is that pretty clear: When putting together a workout program, maximizing testosterone or growth hormone levels need not be a priority.
And feel free to ejaculate as often as your heart desires.
About Davey Wavey
Hi Davey,
Real interesting and suggests a rethink of how steroids affect muscle growth. Do you know if its true that intermittent fasting leads to natural release of anabolic steroids? I read this on an organic website: http://www.questorganic.com/1403/is-there-a-natural-steroid-for-building-muscles
Thanks.
-R Layton
No way is this true. Yeah maybe the results but more testosterone=more muscle growth plain and simple. Guys who say things like this have obviously never weight trained, hard and increased their testosterone. What is lacking is the nutrition aspect from this study. Yeah if they don’t take in a mass amount of protein they are not going to build muscle regardless of testosterone. I have lifted weights for 10 years, and have taken otc testosterone boosters. Increased testosterone with proper diet, hard training, rest, will put more muscle on you.