We know the many benefits of increasing testosterone with HRT, but researchers may have just found an interesting way your body naturally increases your testosterone level.
Do you feel a rush when you are in competition, particularly when you win? That may not be just the excitement and satisfaction of competing. It may be a rise in your testosterone level. Recent research has found that when men are faced with a challenge or a rival, such as from another man, it could increase their testosterone production.
This phenomenon of increased testosterone production when confronted by a new “alpha male,” is well known among other social mammal species, but it was never proven to exist in humans. Recent research indicates that male humans exhibit a similar boost in testosterone when “challenged.”
Competition and Testosterone Level
If you plan on testing the theory yourself, it cannot be with your friends. So, an after work game of basketball with a good friend will not have the same effect. The researchers found the testosterone boost only occurred in competition with a true “rival,” described as an “enemy,” or a “complete stranger.”
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It did not even have to be physical activity or competition to trigger the response. In the study, the researchers found that men’s testosterone went up by as much as 30% when they were in competitive domino games with rivals, as opposed to with friends. They found that winning or losing any kind of competition with friends, did not trigger any increase in testosterone levels.
The researchers concluded that the so-called “thrill of victory” has less to do with endorphin release, as was always suspected, and more to do with increased testosterone. They explained that after winning a competition you are pumped, you are mentally clear, and your muscles tensed. You feel strong and ready to take on the world.
That “feeling” is true! Your testosterone has increased so you are indeed ready – to take on the next challenge. This was important in our ancient tribal ancestors, and it remains “programmed” into our DNA.
So why don’t you get the same testosterone boost when you beat a friend? One of the lead anthropologists on the study explained it from an evolutionary standpoint. He said that for our ancestors it was also key to survival to have allies you could count on. Such alliances would not last long if both party’s testosterone raged every time they got into some disagreement or competition.
The researchers said that the same effects would happen when you beat out a rival in non-athletic competitions, such as scoring a contract at work, as long as he is not a friend.
So the effects do have some modern real world implications. However, the researchers also pointed out that such bursts of testosterone are short lived, and testosterone levels did return to normal when the winner was not soon confronted by another challenge.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
So going around constantly challenging strangers to an arm-wrestle, may not be the best way to boost your testosterone for the long term. But, there is a way for you to boost your strength, energy and clear your foggy thinking more permanently.
Testosterone therapy and/or growth hormone therapy could be just what you need to get a leg up on your competition.
In addition, hormone therapy for men can also give you:
- Improved strength and vitality
- Better sleep patterns
- Improved mental abilities, better cognition and clearer focus
- Reduced belly fat and increased muscle mass
- Improved bone density
- Improved mood, less depression and less anxiety
- Increased sex drive and improved sexual performance
There is only one way to determine if you are a candidate for hormone replacement therapy. You must see your doctor and have your blood tested and hormone levels evaluated.
If you are found to be suffering from low testosterone, low growth hormone, or a combination of the two, you may benefit from HRT. Contact us today!