Increased Testosterone?

justdoit

Right, could be way off the mark, and apologies if this is something I should google for an answer, but I'm interested to hear other peoples thought/ experience:

I'm 26 and have been going to the gym for 18 months. My goals have always been to add a small bit of bulk, tone up and keep body fat down. I have cut out a lot of cardio, as I coach a rugby team, so run around a lot, and I cycle quite a lot, especially during summer.

So far, I've had pretty satifactory results- have added about twelve pounds of muscle (now weigh 154lbs- I'm 5'7") while also reducing body fat. I work hard in the gym 3-4 times a week, enjoy my work out etc etc.

Another change in my body, however, is slightly less pleasing. I have found that certain areas (especially upper arms/ tris) have grown hair that never existed before!! At 26, I would have thought I was past that, so is this a result of increased testosterone from lifting, a result of use of supplements like protein/ creatine, or just nature??

It doesn't massively bother me, but does interest me, so thought I'd throw it out there...

Degsy

They do say that lifting and eating better generally will increase your test levels.Personally i got to age 33 without ever having hairy arms and in the last year or so i've noticed a marked difference,in fact i'm much more hairy all over.One of the biggest natural influences on TEST levels is sleep or lack of it.Lack of proper sleep over a long enough period can,so i hear,lower the test levels to that of a castrated man!

t-ha

same boat - think it's just part of getting older tbh? My facial hair-line is also making it's way steadily towards my eyes!

slemons

isnt that better than your hairline making its way steadily away from your eyes?

I find when im full of zma and alpha male, that my beard grows thicker and faster. I havent found weights to have much of an affect. If anything the almost constant pressure/struggling with heavy weight, have aged me somewhat in terms of wrinkles etc...

Wibbs

It also depends on your free testosterone and how your body reacts to it. This can vary a lot between people. Male pattern baldness is an example. Some men are more prone to losing their hair, even with a low level of testosterone and its byproducts in their bodies. Just because a guy is bald doesn't mean he's more male. Not by a long shot.

To give an extreme example, myself. I have an endocrine issue that gives me a high testosterone result on blood tests. Around 12-1300. Am I large, strong, hairy and aggressive? Nope, hairy maybe, defo not large and strong, sadly . Weak as an undernourished kitten to be honest. Facial hair grows slowly enough too.

Not too good either as it makes you prone to prostrate problems etc. Yearly digital checks on one's prostrate since the age of 30 are no fun, I can tell you. The only advantage I can see is the lack of the old middle aged spread. I seem to be able to get leaner than my peers with minimal effort. That's about it.

Anyway, I think increased hairiness is a normal part of aging for any man. As an example, I was fairly hairless until I was in my mid 20's, even with my hi test levels. Now I got the amazon on my chest.:D Everyone is different and reacts differently. Even so maybe you should get some blood work done just to be sure.