10 replies to this topic

[Genecks]

I've recently pondered the question, "Why can men often get bigger than women in bodybuilding competitions?" Would this have to do with the Y chromosome?

[Double K]

The answer is quite simple...
Testosterone.
Testosterone increases muscle mass by increasing muscle protein synthesis, and is found in significantly higher concentrations (naturally) in males.

[iNow]

Don't forget evolution. There were (and are) selection pressures favoring bigger males.

[Double K]

Evolution would seem more a symptom, than a cause.
Males still had to have the ability to be big before being "naturally selected" as a succesful mutation, and therefore in the question of what came first the testosterone or the big guy - the answer is still testosterone.

When you're talking about physical training, it's important to remember that everyone is unique, and not necessarily every man will be ideal for getting huge with body building.
Anyone who's ever researched into steroids (and I'm by no means advocating their use) will know that human growth hormone is the best for bulk and size (it also has other benefits such as reversing ageing, and increased metabolism and many others) - It also has downsides that are wide and varied. Point being that this doesnt contain testosterone (but does improve muscle protein synthesis) also leads to very large - lean muscle mass.

Also racial (genetic) factors should be included, african americans are known to have higher bone density, and muscle mass (especially fast twitch fibres) which makes them excellent runners & sprinters (but also not so great at swimming) Caucasians are (on average) less muscle density and lower concentrations of fast twitch but higher numbers of slow twitch muscles. All of these factors will influence optimal size and muscle mass.

Having said all of that one of the things I was taught during my P.T. course and human movement studies for maximising training benefits was
SETS
Sleep
Eat
Train
Sleep
(or if youre a cheater)
Sleep
Eat
Train
Steroids

Anyone can improve muscle mass - and load bearing exercise will inevitably increase bone density, however genetics and biomechanics can & WILL limit you

[iNow]

I'm pretty sure you've got it backwards. Evolution is the cause, testosterone is the symptom... It doesn't really matter, though. Testosterone is hardly the only thing which leads to increased muscle size and mass in males.

[Double K]

Testosterone is the ONLY hormone which differs in levels between males and females. (Actually include estrogen for the contrary)

The OP asked the difference between males and females - testosterone is it (and estrogen)
Otherwise the entire system is identical.

As I said, other factors (genetics and biomechanics) will alter your levels of achievable size, but the answer to the OP remains.

Also, I disagree with you on the point of evolution driving the testosterone.
As with most evolutionary leaps first a mutation was required. The mutation proves successful, and the gene remains, the mutation is unsuccessful, either the species dies out, or the mutation is "bred" out.
Evolution is dependant on mutation, mutation is a part of the process of evolution but is not synonymous with evolution.

Edited by Double K, 5 May 2010 - 04:30 AM.

[HGHJorge]

Yeah i agree with you that... testosterone plays an important role throughout the body in both men and women. It affects the brain, bone and muscle mass, fat distribution, the vascular system, energy levels, genital tissues, and sexual functioning. It is the important part of HGH .....

[Marat]

Another factor to consider is that men have a normal hemoglobin level ranging from 140 to 180, while women have a normal hemoglobin value ranging from 120 to 160. The higher the hemoglobin the greater the energy and the strength, and the greater the energy and strength the easier it is to do extended exercises and increase muscle mass.

[Dante]

Another factor to consider is that men have a normal hemoglobin level ranging from 140 to 180, while women have a normal hemoglobin value ranging from 120 to 160. The higher the hemoglobin the greater the energy and the strength, and the greater the energy and strength the easier it is to do extended exercises and increase muscle mass.

Under what basis? there are many theories to this.

In response to the OP's question - the physiology between men & women... or metabolism/endocrine function differs significantly. It's a testosterone versus estrogen 'thing'. The androgenic effects of testosterone promote the secondary sex characteristics in men; including growth, facial hair, etc, etc... upon reception of T to the AR... or reduction of T to DHT via 5a-reductase to promote greater androgenic effects... while estradiol, a biologically active form of estrogen to promote the female secondary sex characteristics do not promote the similar changes in women as androgens/testosterone do in men.

In essence, it is an evolutionary basis, but it is a role played by the Hypothalamic-Pituitary Gonadal Axis..

[Marat]

A major problem in the endstage renal disease population is muscle-wasting, which is promoted by the accumulation of renal toxins disturbing the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which in turn causes a reduction of testosterone production.

[Nehemiah]

HGH type of testosterone boosters that a person takes. They are available in two types, viz. one which is legally prescribed and used and the other is that which is illegal. While testosterone boosters, like creatine, are safe for the health of a person, one must totally avoid the use of anabolic steroids, which may give immediate results, but may have many side effects...and this make the difference between men and women...