Read the article and find out why athletes use female hormones. How do they affect the result in gaining mass and increasing strength. Estrogens are produced not only in women, but also to some extent in men. For example, in the body of men, the production of "male hormones" is much higher than the production of these hormones in the body of women. In nature, everything is in harmony and the ratio of the corresponding hormones in the human body, depending on gender as well.
It is believed that the high content of the hormone testosterone in the body of a male athlete is the main prerequisite for the growth of muscle tissue, and this is not characteristic of the female body and is impossible. However, as practice and many studies show, women during strength exercises have the ability to build increased muscles in the image of men, despite the fact that the content of testosterone in their body is very small. From this it can be concluded that the anabolic hormones produced during training do not have a strong influence on muscle growth and development.
For what purpose are estrogens produced in the body of men?
The question of "female hormones" in the body of men has not been fully studied, however, there is a theory that their production affects the fertility of men due to the fact that they are actively involved in the formation of sperm. In the case of a decrease in the amount of "female hormones" in the body of a male athlete, many athletes observe a decrease in sexual desire. Estrogens in the female body affect the structure of bone tissue, and their lack contributes to problems with the musculoskeletal system. There is a theory that "female hormones" in the body of men have the same function. In a man's body, a reduced amount of testosterone can also cause bone disease.
Experts do not advise men to take drugs that lower estrogen levels for a long time, in which case the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases increases. Another important point is the participation of estrogens in oxosynthesis and the release of nitric oxide from the body. These hormones help to keep the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels normal, which is the prevention of atherosclerosis and an increase in blood pressure. Estrogens are powerful antioxidants that have a positive effect on an athlete's fat profile. However, studies have proven the fact that elevated estrogen levels can lead to sudden death as a result of cardiac arrest, regardless of gender.
Estrogen is a real enemy for the bodybuilder. It is able not only to retain water in the body, but also creates a kind of film that significantly impairs the expressiveness of the athlete's musculature. Those athletes who use steroids with the formation of estrogens are often faced with manifestations of gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men). To prevent gynecomastia, athletes often use drugs that inhibit the activity of estrogen by blocking receptors. Also used are aromatase inhibitors, which suppress enzymes that convert androgens to estrogens. Many athletes are so afraid of estrogens that they use such drugs all the time without fear of their consequences.
Few athletes are aware of the real benefits of estrogen for muscle gain and exercise. Also estrogens have anti-inflammatory effects. They are essential for muscle growth and bulk.
Cellular receptors of the hormone estrogen and their types
- ER-A (estrogen receptor-A) is located in the genitals, liver, cardiovascular system, kidneys and others.
- ER-B (estrogen receptor-B) is located in the walls of blood vessels and organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
A pair of these receptors are found in skeletal muscles in both sexes, however, have different effects.
Experiments were carried out on rats. In the first group of experimental animals, the ovaries were previously removed to avoid the production of estrogen. The second group of rats was divided into two subgroups: one had estrogen-receptor-A removed, and the other had estrogen-receptor-B removed.
All the animals were injected with a toxin that attacked their muscles. Some animals from the first group were selectively injected with genistein and other synthetic substances that selectively interact with different types of estrogen receptors. Others continued to receive the toxin. As a result of the experiments, rats that received substances that stimulate the production of estrogen and genistein showed less muscle damage and a significant reduction in chemicals that cause inflammation and injury.
Due to catabolic processes in muscle tissue, which progress over time, inflammatory processes occur, including TNF (tumor necrosis factor-alpha). It is believed that TNF may be the main culprit in the manifestation of sarcopenia (age-related loss of muscle volume). Treatment is carried out with the introduction of a "female hormone" and substances acting together with estrogen receptors-B. Separate activation of estrogen receptors-B, which contribute to an increase in muscle growth.
Experiments were also carried out separately on male rats. As a result of their implementation, male rats showed an increase in muscle tissue growth with the production of an increased content of IGF-1 (the main anabolic hormone), which is also produced in athletes during strength training. Based on the results of the studies, scientists concluded that estrogen for testosterone is a real supplement and as a result of their interaction, muscle growth is stimulated.
From all that has been said about animal studies, relevant conclusions are drawn. The simultaneous effect of increasing anti-inflammatory and processes that stimulate the growth of muscle tissue, as well as an increase in the rate of rehabilitation after injuries resulting from intense exertion, is achieved through the selective use of estrogen receptors-B. Also, the activation of estrogen receptors-B increases the effectiveness of testosterone and stimulates the activation of "satellite cells".
It is worth noting that although the research results are based on animal performance, they may not be 100% applicable to the human body. Although, given the fact that all the processes carried out in the studies, they take place, be applicable to human muscle tissue. Estrogen has a number of positive effects and functions, such as muscle tissue regeneration, however, they are questioned due to the problematic decrease in the amount of estrogen in the body of the stronger sex.
The best option for controlling estrogen levels and changes in estrogen is to reduce body fat. The increased amount of adipose tissue stimulates the increased activity of aromatase (an enzyme that converts androgens to estrogens). Another option for controlling the level of "female hormone" consists of adjusting the diet and introducing cruciferous vegetables into the diet, mainly different types of cabbage (Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, Savoyard and others).
The introduction of such foods into the diet contributes to the transformation of a dangerous form of "female hormone" into a safe one, while maintaining the positive effect of the hormone on the health, growth and development of muscle tissue. Eating soy in large quantities impairs the effect of testosterone and promotes the manifestation of an estrogenic effect for the male body, while moderate consumption of this product does not do any harm. On the contrary, soy contains isoflavone genistein, which is an activator of estrogen receptors-B, which promotes the growth and regeneration of the athlete's muscles. The optimal amount of soy protein is 25 grams per day.
Therefore, it is not desirable for athletes who use aromatizing anabolic steroids to reduce the amount of "female hormones" to a critical minimum. The optimum will be the content of estrogens in reference values, due to the fact that increased amounts of the hormone can cause undesirable consequences.
Video - what are estrogens (estradiol), their effect on a man's body:
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