Turkesterone Vs. Testosterone: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Anabolic steroids have dominated the billion-dollar fitness supplements market for decades. However, due to their overwhelming negative side effects, fitness enthusiasts and other athletes looking to improve their physique and sports performance have had to look for less harmful alternatives that offer the same benefits as anabolic steroids.

That’s where turkesterone and testosterone come in. These two natural hormones are the go-to fitness supplements for many fitness enthusiasts who prefer not to use anabolic steroids. Unfortunately, people don’t know much about them. So, in this article, we’ll take a closer look at both hormones in a head-to-head comparison, evaluating everything from how they work to their benefits and potential side effects.

Turkesterone Vs. Testosterone: What Is the Difference?

Turkesterone

Turkesterone is a plant-based steroid found in a variety of plants and insects. In its natural form, turkesterone comes in the form of an ecdysteroid, which is extracted and concentrated to produce turkesterone.

Ecdysteroids have adaptogenic and anabolic effects. These effects make them a perfect substitute for anabolic steroids due to their impact on muscle growth and performance enhancement.

Turkesterone can be found in common foods, such as quinoa, spinach, and yams. However, these foods produce only trace amounts of the compound. Therefore, manufacturers extract it from thistle-like plants like Ajuga turkestanica, Rhaponticum carthamoides, and Cyanotis vaga, which grow in Central Asia. That said, it can also be found in insects, especially molting insects.

The compound is thought to work by increasing protein synthesis and nitrogen retention, which produce physiological effects in the body, such as increased lean muscle mass and strength.

Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone found in humans and other animals. Men and women produce testosterone, but it’s more abundant in men. Testosterone is primarily produced in the male testicles, while the female body produces it in the ovaries.

The hormone is responsible for the development and maintenance of male characteristics, such as body hair, deep voice, and muscle mass. It also has a significant effect on bone density and overall physical health.

In women, testosterone plays a major role in the development of the female reproductive system, maintaining bone density, and muscle mass.

Testosterone production typically peaks during adolescence, then gradually declines as people get older. In most cases, this happens after you reach the age of 30.

This gradual decline can lead to a wide variety of health and physiological issues, such as decreased muscle mass, decreased bone density, and decreased libido. To avert this issue, many men turn to testosterone replacement therapy, which can present a few side effects like acne, hair loss, and an increased risk of prostate cancer.

Pros and Cons of Using Turkesterone

The Pros:

1. Improved Physical Performance

Turkesterone has the potential to increase physical performance. It can potentially increase muscle mass and strength, as well as improve endurance and aerobic capacity.

2. Fatigue Resistance

Fatigue is mainly caused by a buildup of lactic acid in the muscles. By reducing this buildup, turkesterone may delay the onset of fatigue during exercise, leading to longer exercise sessions and reduced recovery time.

3. Reduced Stress and Improved Cognitive Function

Various animal studies with turkesterone have demonstrated its ability to improve stress response. It achieves this by reducing the levels of the stress hormone cortisol and improving the function of the adrenal glands. Other studies have also demonstrated its potential to improve learning and memory retention.

4. Smaller Probability of Side Effects

Unlike anabolic steroids, turkesterone doesn’t bind to androgen receptors, thereby not increasing your level of hormones above natural levels.

The Cons:

Turkesterone is a relatively new addition to the fitness supplements market. As such, more research is needed to fully understand its potential side effects. Based on anecdotal evidence, here are some of the most notable side effects of turkesterone:

1. Gastrointestinal Issues

Some individuals experience mild gastrointestinal issues like nausea, bloating, and stomach pain after taking turkesterone supplements. However, this side effect only affects a small portion of users, and the effects are mainly mild and don’t last long. One possible way to prevent this is never to take turkesterone on an empty stomach.

2. Negative Interactions With Medications

Turkesterone may cause adverse reactions when taken with certain medications, such as blood thinners and diabetes medications. Therefore, always consult a medical professional before using the supplement.

Pros and Cons of Using Testosterone

The Pros:

1. Increased Bone Density and Muscle Mass

Testosterone plays a significant role in the development and maintenance of bone density and muscle mass. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, men with low testosterone levels are more likely to have reduced bone density and muscle mass, which can lead to osteoporosis and fractures.

2. Improved Sex Drive

Testosterone is the primary hormone responsible for regulating sexual functions in men. It promotes the development of male sexual organs and also aids in the production of sperm. Testosterone also regulates sexual desire in both men and women. As such, low testosterone levels can lead to reduced sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, and infertility.

3. Improved Cognitive Function

Testosterone has a direct impact on your cognitive functions. A study conducted on older men with low testosterone levels found that testosterone therapy can improve cognitive function, including memory, spatial ability, and verbal fluency.

4. Improved Cardiovascular Health

Low testosterone levels pose a significant risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes. A recent study evaluating the relationship between testosterone replacement therapy and the risk of cardiovascular diseases found that older men with low testosterone levels had a lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases after the therapy.

The Cons:

Taking testosterone supplements can result in heightened testosterone levels in the body, which has the following potential side effects:

• Skin irritation
• Sleep apnea
• Acne
• Breast enlargement in men
• Mood changes

Similarities Between Testosterone and Turkesterone

Testosterone and turkesterone are both naturally-occurring hormones. And despite having different origins, they have a few similar effects on the body. Here are some of the most notable similarities when comparing turkesterone vs. testosterone:

1. Both testosterone and turkesterone are steroid hormones.

Both hormones are classified as steroid hormones. This means that they’re derived from cholesterol molecules and have similar chemical structures. They also have anabolic effects. Testosterone promotes protein synthesis and the growth of muscle cells, leading to increased muscle mass and strength. Similarly, turkesterone promotes growth in plants and has been found to improve endurance and reduce muscle damage in mammals.

2. They can both enhance athletic performance and aid in recovery from exercise.

One of the biggest contributors to the hormones’ popularity is their ability to improve physical performance and recovery from exercise. Besides increasing muscle mass, testosterone can improve strength and endurance, which results in increased exercise capacity and reduced recovery time from strenuous exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is turkesterone natural?

Yes. Turkesterone occurs naturally in plants and some insects. So it’s considered a natural supplement.

Is turkesterone illegal?

No. You can buy turkesterone over the counter since it’s considered a natural supplement, but some researchers suggest that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) should include it in the list of prohibited substances due to the massive muscle gains users get from using it.

Can you stack turkesterone with other supplements?

Yes. You can stack turkesterone with other compounds to help build muscle, reduce stress, and improve athletic performance.

Is it good to take testosterone boosters before the age of 20?

You can take testosterone supplements at any age, but males under the age of 20 shouldn’t take them.

Are testosterone boosters safe?

Yes. They are safe to take since they are made from natural ingredients. You should, however, consult your doctor before getting started on testosterone supplementation.

Are testosterone boosters legal?

Yes. You can buy testosterone online or at a brick-and-mortar store, as long as the vendor you’re buying from follows DEA guidelines.

The Bottom Line

If you want to improve your physique and athletic performance, considering turkesterone vs. testosterone may help you get started towards achieving your fitness goals. They may also present other benefits like mood and cognitive enhancement. That said, both supplements can present adverse side effects, especially if taken without caution. There’s also limited research supporting their safety and efficacy.

Still, considering their benefits and potential side effects, turkesterone seems to be the better choice between the two. It presents similar benefits to testosterone, with a limited possibility of adverse side effects.