Anabolic and catabolic hormones play the role in building your muscles and supporting endurance, testosterone and growth hormone are the key ones.
So, You’re hitting the gym three times a week, and not obtaining the physique you wanted?
Your muscles weren’t bulking up as fast as you demanded and the stubborn fat isn’t moving?
Here’s something you need to know about hormones for muscle building and fat loss.
Anabolic Vs. Catabolic Hormones
Before we look at the individual hormones themselves — it’s essential to recognize that there are two distinct forms — anabolic and catabolic.
Anabolic hormones metabolize small and simple molecules into much larger and more intricate forms. This leads to the building of organs and tissues. High levels of anabolic hormones are essential for the bodybuilder as they’re the driving force behind both bone and muscle growth.
Catabolic hormones have the opposite effect. They break down complex molecules such as tissues into smaller units such as fatty acids, monosaccharides, and sugars. Usually, the body oxidizes them to release energy.
While you could view these catabolic hormones as the enemy of the bodybuilder (since they can prevent or inhibit muscle growth) — your body still requires them in limited concentrations for normal metabolic function.
Understanding the role of these hormones and having a healthy balance between the two forms can optimize muscle gain, elevate fat loss and prevent atrophy.
Bodybuilding Hormones For Muscle Growth And Fat Loss
Testosterone
Possibly the most critical hormone in bodybuilding.
In guys, testosterone is mainly produced by the testes (in the Leydig cells) — although the adrenal glands also generate a small amount. In women, it’s formed in the ovaries.
Scientists class testosterone as both being an androgenic and anabolic hormone. As an androgen, it’s responsible for typically male characteristics — causing your penis to grow during puberty, giving you a deep voice, and allowing you to sport an awesome beard.
The anabolic properties of testosterone mean that it promotes tissue growth — most importantly, the muscles. Studies show that this hormone is the driving force behind muscle protein synthesis.
Scientists and bodybuilders consider testosterone to be the original anabolic steroid — that from which all other synthetics derive.
As an additional bonus — research shows that testosterone can assist with weight loss by promoting lipolysis (fat breakdown).
Growth Hormone
The reason that you’ve reached the statuesque height you are today — and not remained as a small child — is due to growth hormone.
The pituitary gland produces this vital compound.
While its height-boosting capabilities are effectively “switched off” around the age of 18 — this hormone continues to power cell, cartilage, and muscle and organ regeneration throughout your adult years. Thus, making it an essential anabolic hormone for the dedicated lifter.
Furthermore, growth hormone stimulates the production of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) — a compound that heightens muscle protein synthesis and leads to impressive mass gains.
Finally, scientists explain that elevating growth hormone levels accelerates fat loss.
Insulin
Your pancreas produces insulin in response to food intake.
This anabolic hormone utilizes the glucose content of these staples and stores them as glycogen within the muscle cells. These reserves work as fuel depots — powering the body during resistance training.
Additionally, insulin is a transporter of amino acids. Increasing the delivery of these proteins to the muscles — elevates the rate of muscle protein synthesis, boosting mass gains.
However, a quick word of warning.
While insulin is a potent anabolic hormone — heightened concentrations can promote fat storage.
Thyroid Hormones
While not directly anabolic — these hormones can influence your muscle growth and fat loss.
The thyroid gland in the neck releases three hormones — thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin. These compounds are of interest to the bodybuilder because they:
Elevate the metabolic rate — boosting energy levels and increasing fat-burning rates.
Increase heart strength, beating rate, and physiological oxygen uptake, and elevate blood flow — heightening stamina and power and leading to more productive workouts. Promote quality sleep — the time when the body produces the majority of testosterone and growth hormone.
Encourage the synthesis of all amino acids (excluding citrulline and glycine) — which can accelerate muscle protein synthesis.
Estrogen
This female hormone, produced in men by the testes, is actually anabolic — despite what some guys down the gym will tell you.
Research illustrates that estrogen is essential for muscle protein synthesis and mass gain.
However, don’t reach for the female hormone pills just yet.
It’s essential that the testosterone-to-estrogen ratio remains in the male hormones’ favor.
If this female hormone takes control, it can lead to fat gain, water retention, gynecomastia, and erectile dysfunction.
Ghrelin (Lenomorelin) And Leptin
Two different hormones — but both affect your food intake.
Ghrelin is commonly known as the “hunger hormone.”
When your stomach is empty, the gastrointestinal tract releases ghrelin. Conversely, when the stomach stretches, the release of ghrelin ceases.
This hormone stimulates the hypothalamic brain cells — invoking feelings of hunger and directing you toward the refrigerator.
Leptin, however, acts in the opposite way by inhibiting the desire for food. Research shows that both men and women who are overweight generally have a decreased sensitivity to this hormone.
Therefore, they are unable to detect when they are satiated.
Hence, lowering ghrelin levels and elevating leptin can help to boost fat loss. Scientists explain that the most natural way to do this is through exercise.
Catabolic Hormones
Cortisol
Some experts consider cortisol to be the most catabolic of all hormones.
Generally speaking, your body releases this compound under two circumstances — when you’re experiencing stress, and when blood glucose levels fall too low.
In both cases, cortisol begins to convert amino acids into glucose for energy. This means they cannot be utilized for muscle protein synthesis — preventing mass increases.
Adrenaline (Epinephrine)
The adrenal glands and the medulla oblongata (in the brain) release this compound.
Known as the “fight or flight” hormone — the body produces adrenaline when the body is under stress. It has the effect of boosting the amount of blood flow to muscles, increasing heart rate, raising oxygen uptake, and elevating blood sugar levels.
Hence, during exercise, high levels of adrenaline are theoretically desirable. The improvements in pulmonary and cardiovascular action will increase stamina and endurance — promoting more rewarding workouts and elevating fat loss.
Furthermore, exercise itself can be considered a precursor to adrenaline — the more you train, the higher your adrenaline levels.
However, it’s not all good news.
Adrenaline is essentially catabolic. In the search for plentiful and rapid energy sources (to help you either fight or run away) — this hormone breaks down both glucose and energy stores in the muscles. Thus depriving them of the building blocks for mass gains.
Glucagon
This hormone, secreted by the pancreas, stimulates the production of glucose in the liver when current blood sugar levels are too low.
While research shows that this has a positive effect on lipolysis (fat loss), it can have damaging consequences for the weightlifter.
It inhibits protein synthesis — negating the hard work put in during resistance training sessions and preventing size increases.
Can you boost your growth hormone and testosterone naturally?
As both growth hormone and testosterone possess potent anabolic powers — it’s no surprise that some guys have followed the dubious route of steroid use. However, it’s possible to elevate your body’s production of these potent compounds naturally — and without adverse health issues.
Studies explain that men with high levels of body fat exhibit signs of impaired growth hormone production. So — exercise. Not only will this help to drop excess pounds, but also research shows it stimulates growth hormone secretion.
For additional information and to apply for a free consultation feel free to get in touch with our experts.