let’s get on with it and look at exactly what makes testosterone a good mass builder. Firstly, testosterone promotes nitrogen retention in the muscle(2) the more nitrogen the muscles holds the more protein the muscle stores. Testosterone can also increase the levels of another anabolic hormone, IGF-1, in muscle tissue(3). Testosterone also has the amazing ability to increase the activity of satellite cells(4). These cells play a very active role in repairing damaged muscle. Testosterone also binds to the androgen receptor to promote A.R dependant mechanisms for both muscle gain as well as fat loss.(5) Testosterone significantly increases the concentrations of the A. R in cells which are critical for muscle repair and growth.(4, 6 ). Testosterone induces changes in shape and size of your muscle fibres, and also can change the actual appearance and the number of muscle fibres(7). Also of note to both bodybuilders and athletes is that many anabolic/androgenic steroids (like testosterone susprnsion, in this case) can also protect your hard earned muscle from the catabolic (muscle wasting) glucocorticoid hormones(8) that your body employs to maintain homeostasis. In addition, Testosterone has the added ability to increase red blood cell production(9), and a higher RBC count may improve endurance via better oxygenated blood. More RBCs can also improve recovery from strenuous physical activity, and this has obvious benefits for the hard training bodybuilder or athlete.
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