How IGF-1 and Testosterone Work Together

How IGF-1 and Testosterone Work Together

For men, maintaining optimal hormone levels is crucial for your overall health and well-being, especially as you age. Two hormones that play a significant role in men's health are insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and testosterone. Below, we explore the relationship between IGF-1 and testosterone, why maintaining adequate levels of these hormones is important, and how IGF-1 supplements can help you combat low testosterone levels at any age.

Lowered and Declining Testosterone in Men

Low testosterone is a growing concern for many men. Research indicates that from 1999 to 2016, testosterone levels in adolescents and young adults in the United States dropped by an alarming 10-40%. This trend is expected to continue, highlighting a significant health issue.

Several factors contribute to this widespread decline in testosterone levels:

  • Sedentary Lifestyles: Modern lifestyles are increasingly sedentary, and physical inactivity can significantly lower testosterone levels. Additionally, poor diet choices, such as high consumption of processed and sugary foods, can negatively impact testosterone.
  • Higher Body Mass Index: There's a strong link between a higher body mass index and lower testosterone levels. Body fat, especially abdominal fat, contains enzymes that convert testosterone into estrogen, further reducing testosterone levels.
  • Stress and Mental Health: Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol levels, which can inhibit testosterone production. The rising prevalence of stress and mental health issues might also contribute to lower testosterone levels.
  • Health Conditions: Chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and hypertension are associated with lower testosterone levels. The increase in these health conditions could influence the overall decline in testosterone.

How Low Testosterone Effects Men

Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, is a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of testosterone. It can lead to various health issues, including:

  • Reduced muscle mass and strength: Decreased testosterone levels can reduce muscle protein synthesis, leading to muscle wasting.
  • Decreased bone density: This can increase the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
  • Increased body fat: Low testosterone is often associated with increased body fat, particularly in the abdominal area.
  • Mood swings and depression: Testosterone has a profound effect on mood and mental health.
  • Reduced libido and sexual dysfunction: Testosterone is crucial for libido and sexual health.

Luckily, there are ways to boost low testosterone. Lifestyle changes, including increased physical activity, a healthier diet, stress management, and supplements, can help mitigate the decline in testosterone levels so you can get back to feeling like the man you’ve always been. 

The Relationship Between Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1) and Testosterone

IGF-1 and testosterone are closely linked in the body's endocrine system, working together to regulate and support various physiological processes. Testosterone is a steroid hormone primarily responsible for male sexual characteristics and muscle mass. It also plays a role in mood regulation and cognitive function. IGF-1 is a protein similar to insulin that promotes growth in childhood and aids in continued skeletal development in adults.

These two hormones make it possible for muscle growth and repair to take place. Testosterone helps increase muscle mass and strength, while IGF-1 promotes muscle protein synthesis and facilitates the uptake of amino acids into cells. Together, they can significantly enhance physical performance and recovery.

What Does IGF-1 Do for Athletes?

IGF-1 increases the uptake of amino acids and glucose into muscle cells, providing them with essential nutrients needed for recovery and growth. This can lead to improved muscle endurance, reduced fatigue, and faster recovery times, all of which are vital for athletes who undergo rigorous training schedules.

Another significant aspect of IGF-1 for athletes and bodybuilders is its ability to stimulate the production of new muscle cells (muscle hyperplasia). This process can potentially increase the total number of muscle fibers, a distinct advantage for bodybuilders looking to increase muscle size beyond what is achievable through normal hypertrophy alone.

IGF-1 supports the building of muscle mass, promotes recovery, and improves overall athletic performance. Optimizing its levels through appropriate training, diet, and supplementation could be a game-changer for athletes aiming to maximize their physical potential.

How IGF-1 Increases Testosterone Levels

IGF-1 and testosterone are both important for muscle growth and overall health, but IGF-1 doesn't directly increase testosterone levels. Instead, they work well together and help support each other's functions in the body. Here's how IGF-1 can indirectly help boost testosterone:

  • Boosting Growth Hormone: IGF-1 is linked to growth hormone, which helps regulate testosterone production. When growth hormone levels are high, like after exercise, it can create a better environment for testosterone production.
  • Helping Testosterone Factories in the Body: IGF-1 can help the cells in the testes (called Leydig cells) that make testosterone work better. It makes them more responsive to signals that tell them to produce testosterone.
  • Making More Testosterone Available: IGF-1 might help reduce protein levels that bind to testosterone and make it unusable. With less of this protein, more testosterone is free to be used by the body.
  • Creating a Muscle-Building Environment: IGF-1 helps build muscle, and this muscle-friendly environment supports better hormone balance, including testosterone production.

While IGF-1 doesn't directly boost testosterone, it supports the body in ways that can lead to healthier testosterone levels, especially when combined with exercise and good nutrition.

The Benefits of IGF-1 Supplements 

Deer antler velvet, the tissue found in the inner layer of deer antlers, is a natural source of several growth factors, including IGF-1. Supplementing with deer antler velvet can provide several benefits for men experiencing low testosterone levels:

  • Natural hormone support: Deer antler velvet contains natural compounds that can support the body's production of testosterone and IGF-1, helping to maintain adequate hormone levels.
  • Enhanced muscle growth and recovery: With its natural IGF-1 content, deer antler velvet can help promote muscle growth and accelerate recovery from exercise.
  • Improved bone health: The growth factors in deer antler can help improve bone density, reducing the risk of bone-related injuries.
  • Boost in energy and mood: Many users of deer antler supplements report increased energy levels and improvements in mood and well-being.
  • Increased libido: By supporting testosterone levels, deer antler velvet can also help enhance sexual drive and performance.

Introducing Man’s Edge

Man's Edge from Nutronics Labs is specifically formulated to elevate testosterone levels to new heights, leveraging the transformative power of IGF-1 along with the natural efficacy of Fenugreek and Longjack. This dynamic trio works synergistically to stimulate the body’s natural testosterone production, enhancing not only physical strength and stamina but also contributing to significant improvements in energy and performance.


IGF-1, a natural growth factor, plays a critical role in muscle development and recovery, making it a cornerstone of this potent formula. Fenugreek, renowned for its ability to naturally increase testosterone and libido, also supports metabolism and overall vitality. Longjack, a traditional herbal remedy, complements this blend by further boosting testosterone levels, enhancing sexual health, and reducing fatigue. Together, these ingredients propel Man's Edge beyond typical supplements, offering men a powerful way to boost their hormonal health and achieve peak performance. Learn more about Man’s Edge here. 

Boost Your Testosterone Levels with Top-Quality IGF-1 Sprays From Nutronics Labs 

Understanding the dynamic relationship between IGF-1 and testosterone reveals the importance of maintaining balanced hormone levels for overall health. For men struggling with low testosterone, our IGF-1 sprays, including our ultra-powerful Man’s Edge, can be a natural and effective solution to boost their hormonal health, muscle strength, and quality of life.

At Nutronics Labs, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, scientifically backed supplements to support your health and wellness goals. To learn more about our deer antler velvet products or to start your journey to better health, visit our website or contact us today.

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Dr. Bruce Fong, D.O., H.M.D.

Medical Director at Nutronics Labs


"We are pioneers in Integrative Medicine, blending the best conventional medicine with the best alternative therapies. Nutronics Labs Deer antler spray is a vital component of our holistic approach to healing patients."

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