The letters a, b, and c following the author and publication year denote different intervention methods employed within the same study. INT, intervene; CON, control group; M, male; F, female; 1-RM, one-repetition maximum; VO2max, maximal oxygen consumption; NA, not available. The inclusion criteria comprised (1) a RCT design, (2) the presence of both an intervention and a control group, and (3) the measurement of testosterone as an end variable, (3) indexed in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR). Evidence indicates that a single session of high-intensity exercise causes immediate increases in serum total and free testosterone levels in male individuals, with peaks generally observed right after exercise and reverting to baseline or lower levels within 30 min (Copeland, Consitt & Tremblay, 2002; Kraemer et al., 1998; Lane & Hackney, 2015; Ronsen et al., 2001; Schumm et al., 2008; Willoughby & Taylor, 2004). Meta-analytic evidence indicates that moderate- and high-intensity exercise significantly elevate testosterone levels in men (D’Andrea et al., 2020), while low-intensity exercise necessitates an extended duration to induce a notable increase in testosterone (Galbo et al., 1977), highlighting the crucial modulation of hormonal response by the interaction of intensity and duration. Moderate to high-intensity exercise can elevate peak blood testosterone at the conclusion of exercise by stimulating the HPG axis (Kumagai et al., 2018; Lane & Hackney, 2015), whereas excessive intensity may lead to a substantial decrease in recovery testosterone levels due to over-activation of the HPA axis (Hackney, Premo & McMurray, 1995; Shariat et al., 2014). Post-exercise, particularly during high-intensity training, there is typically a temporary increase in testosterone levels, succeeded by a gradual reversion to baseline levels (Zitzmann & Nieschlag, 2001). Variations in testosterone levels have garnered significant focus in research concerning male health and reproductive function, particularly in relation to acute aerobic and resistance training. The intensity of exercise influences the temporal dynamics of testosterone metabolism by variably regulating the neuroendocrine system. Aerobic exercise influences the dynamic equilibrium of testosterone secretion via multifaceted mechanisms, while acute exercise can directly enhance the steroidogenic potential of testicular mesenchymal stromal cells through augmented blood supply (Moir et al., 2024) and sympathetic stimulation (Watt & Spriet, 2004). Testosterone, the principal male sex hormone, participates in numerous physiological processes, including muscle development and recuperation. However, existing research highlights the significant impact of exercise-based interventions on improving quality of life27,39,40,41,42,43. This integrated exercise plan is a relatively new concept in the literature, with limited direct evidence supporting its effectiveness. The experimental group was subjected to an integrated exercise protocol (within the physiotherapy department) of 50 min on alternative days, totaling three weekly sessions for 16 weeks under the close supervision of the principal investigator. The participants were asked to report at the Aadil Hospital, where they underwent initial screening and blood profiling by a gynecologist. Of the total 120 potential participants, each was given an equal chance of being chosen as study participants using random table generators. By highlighting the role of testosterone in female exercise physiology, this study underscores its significance in women’s health and performance. This study determines that testosterone levels in physically active women rise immediately after integrated exercise but decline significantly within 24 h, with fluctuations influenced by menstrual cycle phases, peaking at mid-cycle. For instance, low-dose testosterone replacement combined with resistance exercise has been found to increase lean mass, reduce visceral fat, and improve metabolic risk factors in individuals with SCI, though these studies are largely male-focused69. Clinical evidence suggests that low testosterone levels can impact body composition and metabolic health in women, although the effects may differ from those observed in men. Given testosterone’s importance in female physiology, our study provides practical implications for designing exercise regimens that optimize hormonal balance and musculoskeletal health. Additionally, Baydil57 reported that exhausting exercise affects the total testosterone profile in females, further supporting the observed fluctuations in our study. Whether it’s training, nutrition, or recovery, the key is to sustain your habits rather than chasing quick fixes or extreme routines. Deep sleep, in particular, supports the release of growth hormone, which is crucial for recovery and tissue repair. Progressive overload—gradually increasing the weight, reps, or sets you perform and mastering exercise form—remains the cornerstone of building muscle. No significant association between hormone responses and leg press strength gains.2. Testosterone is an androgen hormone that is primarily produced in the testes in men and in smaller amounts in the ovaries in women. This article will clarify the myths surrounding testosterone, explore its actual role in hypertrophy, and highlight proven strategies for building muscle. Lutenizing hormone is responsible for testosterone production. Aim for sufficient weekly training volume (total sets per muscle group) while training close to failure, while balancing intensity to avoid overtraining. No differences in hormonal responses were observed between high and low responders to resistance training. Testosterone levels are much higher in men than in women (Healthy eugonadal women have about 10 times less testosterone in their bodies than men do). Testosterone is often regarded as the primary hormone for muscle growth, with many associating its levels directly with how effectively someone can build muscle. The link between diet, training and the hormonal cascade that results in muscle growth remains elusive. This theory is supported by studies that show a decline in circulating testosterone in response to meal consumption after a workout is not linked to a decrease in lutenizing hormone production. The important presence of protein and carbs in the blood stream triggers an insulin response that is thought to facilitate the uptake of testosterone by muscle tissue..
