Progesterone is a female hormone that balances the effects of estrogen in women. Progesterone levels can also have a significant effect of burning fat in women. Men also produce progesterone in very small amounts. Can progesterone build muscles?
There has been no evidence found to suggest that progesterone builds muscles. Actually progesterone could have quite the opposite effect on muscles. Progesterone is a catabolic hormone and its effect is to burn fat and muscle tissue. Most fat burning agents have a similar effect on muscle tissue. Other hormone supplements might prove more positive results than progesterone.
The human growth hormone (HGH) is widely popular for building muscle mass. HGH is produced by the pituitary gland and is released in its greatest amount during puberty, then slows down with age. HGH, unlike progesterone, builds muscles because that is it’s only purpose. The growth hormone stimulates the growth of bones and muscles during puberty to determine the adult physique. HGH has also been shown to reduce body fat while stimulating muscle mass and bone density. HGH supplements are one of the few products that can make that claim.
Testosterone, the male sex hormone, is used by both men and women to promote muscle growth. Testosterone is the hormone that is directly responsible for the way the male body looks. It determines muscle mass and hair growth. Testosterone is better known for producing the male sex drive. Women produce small amounts of testosterone from their ovaries, which also has an effect on a woman’s muscle mass and strength. Testosterone supplements are taken by men and women alike in body building to help build and sculpt the muscles. Be careful, though, testosterone can have some nasty side effects.
Both human growth hormone and testosterone are anabolic hormones. Anabolic hormones are the opposite of catabolic hormones in that they promote muscle growth. Both are used often as supplements in body building and with great success, but not without some risk. Your overall health should be considered before starting any hormone supplement or steroid. If you have any health issues at all it is imperative that you discuss the use of hormones with your doctor.
It is not yet known that progesterone builds muscles, but it is a fact that progesterone will burn fat. Because of this, progesterone is a hot commodity on the beauty and body market. The hormone supplement is sold in many forms, most recently as a topical cream that has less side effects and still offers results. If you want a hormone that works well for body builders, stick to an anabolic hormone. If you want something that will reduce bloating and water retention, relieve PMS, and assist in burning fat, progesterone is an option.
