Many people exercise with discipline and eat well at every meal, but feel like they are “not gaining muscle” or “tired more easily than expected.” In fact, the answer may not lie solely in the fitness program or diet, but in: Balance of “Testosterone” and Anabolic Hormones Behind your body's power and recovery
Starting from the basics, balancing two hormones that must be arranged before getting fit
Before you can build muscle effectively, your body needs to have a good “basic hormonal balance,” especially these two.
- Cortisol : Adrenal stress hormones, when too high or too low, cause the body to shift from muscle building to muscle breaking, causing fatigue, irritability, and slow recovery.
- Insulin : Hormones control blood sugar. If insulin resistance occurs, the body will store more fat and not be able to use energy to its full potential.
When these two hormones are in balance, your metabolism and energy production are at peak performance, the foundation for effective exercise.
What is testosterone and how does it affect muscle building?
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone (but also occurs in women). It plays a key role in muscle building, protein synthesis, energy, and exercise motivation.
Human research (Pasiakos et al., 2020) found that in states of energy deficiency, testosterone administration can stimulate the process. mixed-muscle protein synthesis (Protein synthesis process in muscles) and balance of muscle proteome dynamics Which is an important mechanism for building new muscles (Read the full research here.)
While previous research (Griggs et al., 1989) confirmed that testosterone has anabolic effects, significantly increasing the rate of muscle protein synthesis (PubMed link)
However, the effect on fat mass reduction needs more evidence, as each study has different conditions, such as energy levels, age groups, and gender of the participants. When testosterone levels are maintained at an appropriate level, the body responds better to exercise, showing more energy and efficient recovery, without the need for hormone supplements.
What about women?
Although testosterone is called the “male hormone,” women also have it (albeit in lower levels) and it has similar effects on energy, muscle mass, and mood. When a woman's testosterone levels drop too low, it can cause fatigue, a lower metabolism, or a decreased motivation to exercise.
4 Anabolic Hormones that work together
- Testosterone (Testosterone) : Stimulates protein synthesis in muscles, increases strength and endurance during training.
- DHEA : A hormone from the adrenal glands, it is a precursor of testosterone. It helps increase energy and reduce fatigue, and it helps muscles recover faster.
- Growth Hormone : Repair hormones released during deep sleep help restore tissues damaged by exercise and stimulate the breakdown of excess fat.
- Insulin : Transports amino acids and glucose into muscles for repair and energy production.
What is the difference between Anabolic and Catabolic Hormones?
- Anabolic = “Created” hormones such as Testosterone, Growth Hormone, DHEA
- Catabolic = “Breaking” hormones such as Cortisol, Glucagon, Adrenaline
Maintaining a balance between these two groups is the heart of a healthy body.
Signs that may indicate “low testosterone”
You may not be aware that your hormones are imbalanced. If you experience several of these symptoms together, it's a good idea to get your hormone levels tested by a specialist.
- Muscles are difficult to build, even with regular exercise.
- Weakness, fatigue, or difficulty sleeping
- Easy weight gain, especially around the waist
- Decreased concentration, stress, or mood swings
- decreased sexual desire
Knowing these “warning signs” can help you take preventative care of your body sooner rather than later, before your hormones become too imbalanced.
Using hormone supplements does not equal strength.
Some people mistakenly believe that “testosterone injections” or “GH stimulants” will help them gain muscle quickly, but in fact, The use of hormone supplements without medical indication is considered risky and illegal for athletes.
Hormone therapy should only be used in people with low hormone levels and always under close medical supervision to carefully weigh the individual benefits and risks.
Restoring hormone balance is not about increasing the amount, but about restoring balance so the body can function naturally.
How to naturally increase testosterone and muscle-building hormones
- Get 6–8 hours of deep sleep per night. :Deep sleep is the time when the body releases the most growth hormone and DHEA, which play an important role in repairing and building muscles.
- Do weight training or HIIT 3–4 times/week. : Resistance training stimulates natural testosterone release and helps increase muscle mass while reducing fat.
- Eat foods that contain protein and good fats. : Such as salmon, avocado, nuts and olive oil, which are important ingredients that the body uses to create balanced sex hormones.
- Reduce chronic stress : Because when cortisol (stress hormone) is continuously high, it will inhibit the secretion of testosterone. You should practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation (Mindfulness), or choose an emotional balancing therapy such as Bach Flower and Acupuncture It helps balance the nervous system, reduce cortisol levels and promotes natural hormone function.
When the body's hormonal balance changes, the results change.
A 38-year-old patient exercises regularly but has not gained muscle mass and feels more tired than usual after undergoing the examination. Complete Hormone His testosterone levels were found to be lower than normal for his age, so his medical team recommended a hormone restoration program, along with personalized nutritional adjustments. Within three months, he felt more energetic, slept better, and was once again motivated to exercise to his full potential.
This is the heart of W9 Wellness, taking care of your hormones and cells to help you revitalize your best self.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I know if my testosterone is low?
A: Blood tests can be done to measure hormone levels, and your doctor will assess your symptoms and overall health.
Q: Does staying up late affect testosterone?
A: It's very effective: Sleeping less than 6 hours per night can lower testosterone levels by 10–15% in a week.
Q: Do testosterone-boosting supplements help?
A: There is no clear clinical evidence for most of the time. It is recommended to focus on eating real food and getting enough rest.
Q: Do women need to get their testosterone tested?
A: If you experience fatigue, a decreased metabolism, or muscle weakness, a hormone test may help you better understand the cause.
Safe Hormone Care with W9 Wellness Center
at W9 Wellness Center We emphasize a holistic and preventive approach to health care, using in-depth testing to analyze hormone, vitamin and metabolic levels to plan individualized care.
Related services
- Complete Hormone (15 items) : Complete examination of sex hormones, stress hormones, metabolic hormones, and growth hormones.
- W9 Signature Vital Check-up (68 items) : A holistic cellular health screening program covering hormones, vitamins, and heavy metals to analyze the root cause of fatigue, muscle loss, or ineffective exercise.
- Mitochondria Booster / Personalized Vitamin IV : Helps boost cellular energy and supports balanced energy production processes.
Praram 9 Hospital (3rd floor, Building A)
- Phone number: 092-9936922
- Line: @w9wellness
- Opening-closing hours: 08.00 – 17.00 hrs.
Anti-aging and preventative medicine physician
W9 Wellness Center
References
- Pasiakos SM et al. (2020). Effects of Testosterone on Mixed Muscle Protein Synthesis and Proteome Dynamics During Energy Deficit in Men. PMC7258271
- Griggs RC et al. (1989). Effect of Testosterone on Muscle Protein Synthesis in Men. PubMed 2917954
- Bassil N et al. (2009). Testosterone therapy benefits and risks in men: a review. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 5:427–448.
- Mayo Clinic (2023). Testosterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks.
- Cleveland Clinic (2024). Understanding Cortisol and Its Role in Stress.



