We are always looking for an edge in the gym, something to give us that extra bit of size and strength. And while there are many different factors that go into building muscle, two of the most important are cortisol and testosterone.
Cortisol and testosterone are two hormones that have a huge impact on muscle growth. They work together to help regulate protein synthesis, which is essential for muscle growth. While cortisol is best known for its catabolic effects (breaking down muscle tissue), testosterone is best known for its anabolic effects (building muscle tissue). And when there is an imbalance between these two hormones, it can have a negative impact on muscle growth.
If cortisol is high and testosterone is low, then the body will have a hard time building muscle. This is because cortisol breaks down muscle tissue, while testosterone builds it up. Additionally, high levels of cortisol can lead to weight gain, especially around the midsection. If testosterone is high and cortisol is low, then the body may experience difficulty losing weight. This is because testosterone promotes fat storage, while cortisol promotes fat breakdown. Additionally, high levels of testosterone can lead to hair loss, acne, and mood swings.
So, what causes this imbalance? There are many different things that can contribute, such as stress, diet, and age, but one of the biggest contributors is exercise. When we exercise, our body produces cortisol, which causes the testosterone-cortisol ratio to shift in favour of cortisol. This can have a negative impact on muscle growth, especially if we're working out intensely.
So how can we prevent this from happening? One way is to make sure that we're taking care of our adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce cortisol, and if they're overworked it can cause the testosterone-cortisol ratio to become imbalanced. So, make sure you're getting enough rest and eating a healthy diet. First, make sure you're getting enough protein and carbohydrate in your diet. Both of these nutrients play a role in regulating cortisol and testosterone levels. Second, make sure you're getting enough rest. When you're sleep-deprived, cortisol levels tend to be high and testosterone levels tend to be low. Finally, make sure you're lifting weights regularly. Strength training helps to increase testosterone levels and decrease cortisol levels.
Another way to keep the testosterone-cortisol ratio in balance is by taking supplements that help boost testosterone levels. Some good examples of primary ingredients to look out for include shilajit and tongkat ali. These ingredients can help increase testosterone production, which will help keep cortisol levels in check and promote muscle growth.
To optimise your testosterone-cortisol ratio, we recommend the below stacks for males and females.
For a limited time, use code CORTTEST at checkout to receive Cort RX FREE when purchased with Inception Labs Transcend or Elysium!
Make sure to add Cort RX to your cart before using the discount code to redeem.
Males
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| Inception Labs Transcend | ATP Science Cort RX |
Females
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| Inception Labs Elysium | ATP Science Cort RX |
