{"id":6175,"date":"2022-06-23T06:08:29","date_gmt":"2022-06-23T06:08:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fitolympia.com\/?p=6175"},"modified":"2022-06-23T06:08:41","modified_gmt":"2022-06-23T06:08:41","slug":"how-does-hormonal-imbalance-affect-the-muscle-mass-of-men-and-women","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fitolympia.com\/na\/how-does-hormonal-imbalance-affect-the-muscle-mass-of-men-and-women\/","title":{"rendered":"How does hormonal imbalance affect the muscle mass of men and women?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hormones<\/strong> are important products of the human body\u2019s glands,<\/strong> and their levels affect health and muscle mass.<\/strong> During life, hormone levels naturally and \u201cunnaturally\u201d change.<\/strong> Puberty and menopause<\/strong> are to blame, but stress or poor lifestyle can cause an imbalance too. Learn all the essentials about hormones, their effect on exercise, but also changes in their levels during life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hormones and the endocrine system<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hormones are\u00a0chemicals<\/strong>\u00a0produced by the\u00a0glands<\/strong>, and are a kind of chemical\u00a0\u201cmessengers\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0that travel through the bloodstream. Their role is to\u00a0transmit information<\/strong>\u00a0in the human body, and this function is similar to the nervous system, but in this instance, hormones are used instead of nerve impulses. They affect\u00a0almost every cell and organ<\/strong>\u00a0in the body, and simply put, they\u00a0dictate\u00a0<\/strong>tissues and organs\u00a0\u201cwhat to do and how to do it\u201d.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hormones and exercise<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Proper hormone levels are very important for the optimal functioning of the body, and logically therefore affect exercise and muscle growth. Hormones are divided into steroid, peptide and amine,<\/strong> in addition they can be anabolic<\/strong> or catabolic<\/strong>. Anabolic<\/strong> are important for tissue growth<\/strong> and catabolic<\/strong> break it down.<\/strong> In the following list you will find several hormones that are related to exercise [24] [25] [26] [27] [28]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  • Insulin\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013\u00a0is important for the\u00a0metabolism of carbohydrates and fat,<\/strong>\u00a0because it ensures the absorption of glucose in the bloodstream. In addition, it can cause fat not to be used as fuel for muscles, but stored in adipose tissue. Insufficient insulin sensitivity can grow into insulin resistance or even type 2 diabetes. You can influence the proper functioning of insulin in the body with a healthy lifestyle.<\/li>
  • Cortisol \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>also known as a stress hormone because it is excreted under stress. During long workouts, it supports the\u00a0breakdown of triglycerides and proteins<\/strong>\u00a0to produce glucose, which the body uses as a source of energy during training. However, it should be mentioned that\u00a0overtraining<\/strong>\u00a0is also a form of stress that causes cortisol secretion.\u00a0Sleep and regeneration<\/strong>\u00a0between workouts are important for maintaining optimal cortisol levels, which you can also support with your\u00a0protein\u00a0or\u00a0BCAA\u00a0intake.<\/li>
  • Testosterone \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>is associated mainly with men, but we also find it in women, although less than 10%. This hormone has\u00a0anabolic effects<\/strong>\u00a0on the muscles, thus supporting the\u00a0growth of muscle mass and strength.<\/strong>\u00a0For women, it is beneficial for muscles, bones and sexual desire.<\/li>
  • Growth hormone\u00a0\u2013\u00a0<\/strong>an anabolic peptide hormone with a function that comes from its name \u2013 to promote\u00a0cell growth.<\/strong>\u00a0It is formed during sleep and is stimulated by intense, strength or cardio training.<\/li>
  • Glucagon\u00a0\u2013\u00a0<\/strong>is responsible for the\u00a0release of free fatty acids<\/strong>\u00a0from adipose tissue at\u00a0low blood sugar levels,<\/strong>\u00a0which are used to increase glucose levels. Simply put, it is a hormone to prevent your blood sugar from falling too low.<\/li>
  • Epinephrine and norepinephrine\u00a0\u2013\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0are catecholamines also known as\u00a0adrenaline and noradrenaline.<\/strong>\u00a0Their role is to support the production of energy to the sympathetic nervous system and the control of bodily functions during cardio. They increase the\u00a0heart rate in the body, blood sugar levels, the contractility of the heart<\/strong>\u00a0(the force with which the heart compresses) and epinephrine even promotes improved breathing due to the\u00a0relaxation of smooth muscles<\/strong>\u00a0in the airways.<\/li>
  • Insulin-like growth hormone\u00a0\u2013\u00a0<\/strong>is needed for muscles and their growth, because it supports the activity of growth hormone by\u00a0repairing damaged proteins<\/strong>\u00a0during training.<\/li>
  • Brain neurotrophic factor\u00a0(BDNF) \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>takes care of the formation of\u00a0new cells in the brain,<\/strong>\u00a0which improves\u00a0cognitive function.<\/strong>\u00a0During intensive training, you not only ensure the production of growth hormone and insulin-like growth hormone, but also BDNF, which is beneficial for cells in the brain.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    \"Hormones<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Hormones and muscle growth<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Hormones perform many functions in the body and some of them are related to muscles and body weight. Anabolic and catabolic<\/strong> processes take place in the body, in which certain hormones are present. Anabolism<\/strong> is the process by which small molecules<\/strong> become complex<\/strong> with the help of energy obtained by catabolism. Conversely, catabolism<\/strong> occurs during digestion, when molecules are broken down<\/strong> and the body uses them as a source of energy. Anabolic processes include, for example, the growth of muscle mass or bones.<\/strong> In catabolism, large molecules are broken down into smaller ones, such as proteins into amino acids.<\/strong> [29] [30] [31]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The following hormones are present in anabolism and catabolism [29]:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Anabolism<\/strong> \u2013 testosterone, estrogen, growth hormone and insulin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Catabolism<\/strong> \u2013 adrenaline, cortisol, glucagon and cytokines<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Anabolic state\u00a0<\/strong>is desirable for athletes and active people who want to\u00a0gain<\/strong>\u00a0(and also maintain)\u00a0muscle mass<\/strong>. They follow a nutritional program that aims to\u00a0provide enough nutrients<\/strong>\u00a0before and after training to\u00a0provide fuel<\/strong>\u00a0for training and\u00a0maintain anabolic state<\/strong>. In addition to diet, however, another factor is an important part of the anabolic state \u2013\u00a0sleep<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Hormones<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Hormonal changes in men and muscle growth<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Probably the first major hormonal changes in a man\u2019s life begin at\u00a0puberty<\/strong>. In the hypothalamus, the\u00a0production of the hormone gonadotropin begins,<\/strong>\u00a0which causes\u00a0an increase in testosterone levels.<\/strong>\u00a0By the way, gonadotropin in puberty also affects\u00a0women and estrogen production.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Testosterone is an important hormone that affects several functions and its levels change throughout life. It rises during puberty and reaches its\u00a0peak<\/strong>\u00a0at the\u00a0end of adolescence.<\/strong>\u00a0A phase of decline follows, and after the age of 30, it is natural for testosterone to decline every year. Its level is also important for\u00a0muscle growth and strength.<\/strong>\u00a0It affects DNA receptors, which causes\u00a0protein synthesis<\/strong>\u00a0and increases transmitters, thereby promoting\u00a0tissue growth<\/strong>\u00a0and, last but not least, increasing\u00a0growth hormone<\/strong>\u00a0levels. The effect of testosterone is complex and, in addition to muscle, it also has something to do with\u00a0fat metabolism<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0bone density.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Hormonal<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Another case of hormonal changes in a man\u2019s life can be\u00a0a hormonal imbalance.<\/strong>\u00a0In addition to\u00a0natural reasons,<\/strong>\u00a0such as\u00a0puberty<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0aging<\/strong>, there are others, such as\u00a0lack of exercise, poor lifestyle<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0stress<\/strong>. Symptoms include\u00a0lack of energy, decreased sexual desire, low sperm count, reduced hair growth and more.<\/strong>\u00a0Imbalances can occur at any time in life, and even already in\u00a0one\u2019s 30s.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hormonal imbalance may be slightly inconsistent, so it is difficult to recognize it from time to time. There are 5 symptoms that indicate an imbalance and may be due to\u00a0reduced testosterone levels<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    • low libido<\/li>
    • erectile dysfunction<\/li>
    • gynecomastia (breast enlargement)<\/li>
    • muscle loss and fat gain<\/li>
    • mood swings<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Another topic that is often discussed is\u00a0\u201cmale menopause\u201d<\/strong>. This term refers to\u00a0a decrease in androgens and testosterone<\/strong>, as well as delayed-onset\u00a0hypogonadism<\/strong>. Although the term \u201cmenopause\u201d is used, these hormonal changes are\u00a0different<\/strong>\u00a0in men. The end of ovulation and rapid production of hormones occurs\u00a0in women<\/strong>\u00a0in a relatively\u00a0short period of time,<\/strong>\u00a0but\u00a0in men<\/strong>\u00a0it is a gradual\u00a0longer decline.<\/strong>\u00a0Symptoms include decreased\u00a0muscle mass and physical weakness, increased fat, difficulty concentrating, depression, infertility<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0erectile dysfunction.<\/strong>\u00a0It is said that life has its highs and falls, in the case of testosterone it starts with puberty and ends with the male version of menopause.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Hormonal changes in women and their effect on muscles<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Hormonal changes during life affect both sexes, and women are no exception. Hormone levels are high after birth, but fall within a few months and\u00a0increase significantly<\/strong>\u00a0during\u00a0puberty<\/strong>. In men,\u00a0gonadotropin<\/strong>\u00a0triggers testosterone production and in women estrogen production.\u00a0The onset of menstruation<\/strong>\u00a0is also associated with puberty. Puberty in girls lasts about\u00a03-4 years<\/strong>\u00a0and just as a fun fact, African American and Hispanic girls start puberty slightly earlier.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Hormonal changes also occur during the menstrual cycle.\u00a0Estrogen<\/strong>\u00a0levels\u00a0fall and rise up to 2 times<\/strong>\u00a0during the cycle. The first increase in estrogen during the middle follicular phase and decreases after ovulation, the second increase occurs in the middle luteal phase and decreases at the end of the cycle. Regarding the reproductive years in a woman\u2019s life, it is necessary to mention\u00a0PMS (premenstrual syndrome)<\/strong>\u00a0and its symptoms. PMS is considered to be all\u00a0pre-period symptoms,<\/strong>\u00a0such as\u00a0mood swings, tenderness, anxiety, anger, convulsions, breast tenderness,<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0diarrhea<\/strong>. Some experts believe that\u00a0mood swings are associated with hormones,<\/strong>\u00a0and that certain hormone metabolites in the brain may be responsible for mood swings, or that hormone metabolism is already different in some women. Other scientists are of the opinion that mood swings may not immediately mean fluctuations in hormone levels. That certainly cannot be said yet. Either way, women seem to experience more frequent hormone fluctuations than men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Menopause<\/strong>\u00a0is a crucial period in a woman\u2019s life when hormonal changes occur.\u00a0Around the age of 50,<\/strong>\u00a0the ovaries\u00a0reduce the production<\/strong>\u00a0of the hormones\u00a0estrogen and progesterone.<\/strong>\u00a0Menopause is defined as a period of\u00a012 months or more<\/strong>\u00a0without a menstrual cycle. It is manifested by\u00a0hot flushes, decreased libido, depression, vaginal dryness<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0osteoporosis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"Hormonal<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      According to scientists,\u00a0estrogen<\/strong>\u00a0is a kind of\u00a0regulator of muscle cell viability<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0muscle energy metabolism.<\/strong>\u00a0Estrogen production is stopped by menopause, which has an impact on the\u00a0deterioration of muscle condition,<\/strong>\u00a0in addition, there is a higher\u00a0risk of metabolic diseases<\/strong>\u00a0after menopause. You can reduce this risk with a healthy lifestyle, but it will not affect your estrogen levels. In addition to muscles, menopause has a more complex impact, because as you start losing muscles,\u00a0bone density is lost too and the risk of osteoporosis increases.<\/strong>\u00a0Needless to say, changes in density potentially increase the possibility of\u00a0fractures<\/strong>. As if that wasn\u2019t enough, in addition to muscles and bones, it also affects the\u00a0joints<\/strong>, which are\u00a0painful and stiff<\/strong>\u00a0due to changes. The human body will never be young again, but you can\u00a0alleviate<\/strong>\u00a0these symptoms with\u00a0regular exercise.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Treatment of hormonal imbalance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      There are various\u00a0medications<\/strong>\u00a0for treating hormonal imbalances, but you can also reduce the\u00a0risk and symptoms<\/strong>\u00a0of the imbalance by\u00a0changing your lifestyle<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0using natural supplements.<\/strong>\u00a0Regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress control<\/strong>\u00a0or maintaining\u00a0an optimal body weight<\/strong>\u00a0are just some of the changes that can help. However, you can also try\u00a0natural ways<\/strong>\u00a0such as\u00a0ginseng<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0maca<\/strong>\u00a0for\u00a0erectile dysfunction.<\/strong>\u00a0Ginseng can also be beneficial for\u00a0menopausal symptoms<\/strong>\u00a0such as anxiety, sleep disorders or irritability.\u00a0Hot flushes<\/strong>\u00a0caused by menopause can be treated with\u00a0red clover, evening primrose oil<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0black cohosh<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"Treatment<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Hormones are important products of the human body\u2019s glands, and their levels affect health and muscle mass. During life, hormone levels naturally and \u201cunnaturally\u201d change. Puberty and 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