What is EndoAmp?
EndoAmp is a natural phospholipid complex, designed to amplify testosterone production and muscle growth by reducing the primary stress hormone cortisol. EndoAmp is a brown “nutty” tasting powder which can be taken by itself, or mixed with your favorite protein shake. Each 1600mg dose includes 800mg of pure phosphatidylserine. At the average dose, EndoAmp will last 30 days.
Think of EndoAmp as the protector of your manhood -- It protects your muscles, and it protects your balls. Right now, you’re probably under enough unconscious stress to be limiting your muscle gains, and testosterone producing potential. By utilizing EndoAmp to protect your muscle tissue and testes from the damaging effects of cortisol, you can take one step closer to a harder physique and more masculine hormone profile.
What is Cortisol?
Cortisol is classified as a catabolic hormone, because of its ability to breakdown muscle tissue and convert it to glucose. (12) Aside from breaking down your muscle, cortisol can also breakdown your testicular cells (the leydigs) and reduce their ability to produce testosterone. (2-10) This means that when you’re stressed, cortisol is breaking down your muscle tissue, and reducing your testosterone! As you may already know, high cortisol and low testosterone is highly undesirable for any athlete or bodybuilder trying to improve his body composition or performance.
This is how your body releases cortisol -
1. When your body is stressed, your brain releases corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH).
2. CRH causes your pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
3. ACTH travels to the adrenal glands (above the kidneys) to stimulate the release of cortisol. (12)
How does EndoAmp work?
EndoAmp works by reducing the amount of stress hormones in your body, thus improving cellular function. The main ingredient in EndoAmp that accomplishes this is Phosphatidylserine (PS). PS is an essential component in all cellular membranes in the body. Research shows that PS readily passes the brain-blood barrier and alters the CRH response, which helps reduce the consequent increase in cortisol from a stress response. (17,25,36)
This is why EndoAmp is known as an “Endocrine Amplifier”. EndoAmp can improve the function of the male endocrine organs, such as the testes, by reducing cortisol. (19-26) More specifically, EndoAmp increases the testes sensitivity to luteinizing hormone (LH) by protecting the leydig cell, (2-11) and increasing the steroidogenic enzyme concentration in the testes, such as 3b HSD. (1) Research also shows us that PS has important functions in testicular steroidogenesis – aka the creation of testosterone. Take this quote from Cooke et al (1989) about the important role of PS in the testes –
“The requirement for specific phospholipid configurations for optimal steroidogenic activity suggests a regulatory role for these membrane components. It is possible that certain phospholipids [phosphatidylserine] may possess the most suitable configuration and charge distribution to optimize the binding of the steroid substrate to the active site of the enzyme. Alternatively, they may assist the catalysis by providing a more suitable microenvironment or electrochemical gradient for proton transfer between enzyme and steroid.”
In other words, PS can create a more desirable environment for testosterone biosynthesis in the testes. This means, EndoAmp can enhance the effectiveness of other testosterone boosting products by amplifying the testes ability to produce testosterone. This makes EndoAmp an important addition to a Testosterone boosting supplement stack, such as with Sustain Alpha. It also makes EndoAmp a vital part of post cycle therapy (PCT) for preserving muscle mass while also restoring natural testosterone production.
What if I don’t feel stressed? Will EndoAmp still benefit me?
The tricky thing with stress is that it’s not always associated with immediately noticeable physiological signs such as rapid heartbeat or clammy skin. Often times, you may not feel stressed, but you still may have unconscious stress. For example, undesirable circumstances that may not seem to be causing stress can still be raising your cortisol levels, and causing damage to your body.
Remember, stress can be stimulated by either physical or mental factors, and both can stimulate cortisol release.
Problematic relationships, careers, or the anxiety for who will be the next American Idol can bring upon mental stress and cortisol release. Even the feeling of not making enough money to simply live the way you desire, or having a high debt-to-income ratio will increase cortisol levels. (29) Being a “perfectionist” makes you more prone to becoming stressed and having higher cortisol levels too. (29) (Yes, this includes you men trying to “perfect” your hormone levels)
Cortisol can also be stimulated by physical stress, which can be caused by overtraining, not eating enough, and not getting enough rest. (30-32,35) Prescription anti-inflammatory drugs such a prednisone or hydrocortisone (which are synthetic analogs of cortisol) also have the same negative effects on your body as cortisol, and can contribute to muscle loss, and reduced testosterone levels. (2,3)
As you can see, there are many ways for cortisol to be stimulated, and whether the cause of the excessive cortisol is physical or mental, the result is the same – damage to your body. The catabolic effects of cortisol will make your muscles weaker, slow your recovery, reduce your sex drive, and ruin your sense of well being.
What are some signs that my cortisol is too high?
Almost all men could benefit from reducing their diurnal (daytime) cortisol levels. Here are the main symptoms of having excessively high diurnal cortisol levels -
- Increased fat distribution around the face and/or abdominal area (16)
- Low Libido (33,34)
- Low Testosterone* (2,3,10)
- Low GH (Growth Hormone) (12-14)
- Decreased insulin sensitivity (15)
- Suppressed immune system (12, 15)
- Mental depression (34)
- Easily fatigue or exhausted (34,35)
- Prolonged recovery from exercise (35)
*Cortisol dominance is a primary, if not the leading cause of hypogonadism and male impotence.
Keep in mind, it is normal and healthy to have elevated cortisol prior to waking from a night’s rest, which is part of the body’s natural regeneration process. However, it is not healthy to maintain elevated cortisol levels throughout the day.
What sort of results should I expect from EndoAmp?
Human research shows that subjects supplemented with EndoAmp (Phosphatidylserine) notice an improved testosterone-to-cortisol ratio, (11,21) increased exercise capacity, (22) reduced muscle soreness from exercise, (23,24) and increased feelings of well being. (19,23) In one human study, hormone levels where examined during 2 weeks of intense weight training. The group receiving the 800mg of PS had higher testosterone levels and lower cortisol levels, compared to the group receiving the placebo. (11) Another study showed that 800mg of PS reduced cortisol levels 30%, compared to the placebo group, after intense cycling exercise. (21) A study with trained runners showed the group receiving 600mg of PS had 60% lower CK (creatine kinase) levels 24 hrs after intense exercise, therefore showing significantly less muscle fiber damage. (24)
In a study with cyclists, the group supplemented with 750mg of PS for 10 days had 30% higher exercise capacity compared to the placebo group! (22) Similar results were seen in a study with 16 male athletes who completed exhaustive sprints after receiving PS supplementation, or a placebo for 10 days. The group receiving 750mg of PS had a significantly increased exercise capacity and sprint performance. (26)
A recent study with golfers showed that six week supplementation with only 200mg/day of PS significantly improved “ball flight during tee off which might result in improved golf scores”. Apparently the PS is able to reduce the stress levels during teeing-off, thus resulting in improved focus, and better performance. (27)
Unless you’re consuming mammalian brain on daily basis, you’re probably getting less than 100mg/day of PS through your Western diet. (17,18) Therefore, EndoAmp will likely provide you with a significant ergonomic benefit that should become evident in the gym, workplace, and bedroom.
Why should I choose Primordial’s EndoAmp, over a competitor?
Take a look at the Supplement Facts for other Phosphatidylserine products for the actual PS content per serving. Odds are, you will find our Phosphatidylserine is 3-4x more cost effective than a competitor’s product. Our product is more affordable because it’s purchased directly from the manufacturer, bottled in our in-house facility, and sold directly to you as pure PS powder.
Besides, who wants to take another handful of capsules or tablets? Get down to earth. Get Primordial. Get EndoAmp.
References -
1. Identification and mechanism of action of phospholipids capable of modulating rat testicular microsomal 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-isomerase activity in vitro
GM Cooke
Biol Reprod, Sep 1989; 41: 438 - 445.
2. Testosterone levels during systemic and inhaled corticosteroid therapy.
D Morrison, et al.
Respir Med, October 1, 1994; 88(9): 659-63.
3. Testicular function during prolonged corticotherapy
JM Kuhn, et al.
Presse Med, March 22, 1986; 15(12): 559-62.
4. Glucocorticoid Induces Apoptosis in Rat Leydig Cells
Hui-Bao Gao, et al.
Endocrinology, Jan 2002; 143: 130.
5. Role of glucocorticoid in the stress-induced suppression of testicular steroidogenesis in adult male rats.
Orr TE, Mann DR 1992
Horm Behav 26:350–363
6. Suppression of endogenous corticosterone levels in vivo increases the steroidogenic capacity of purified rat Leydig cells in vitro.
Gao HB, Shan LX, Monder C, Hardy MP 1996
Endocrinology 137:1714–1718
7. Mutually independent effects of adrenocorticotropin on luteinizing hormone and testosterone secretion
DR Mann, et al.
Endocrinology, Apr 1987; 120: 1542.
8. Reciprocal changes in plasma corticosterone and testosterone in stressed male rats maintained in a visible burrow system: evidence for a mediating role of testicular 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.
Monder C, et al.
Endocrinology 134:1193–1198
9. The effect of stress-induced ligands on testosterone formation in Leydig cells.
Cooke BA, et al. 1992
West AP, eds. Stress and reproduction. New York: Raven Press; 135–144
10. Acute suppression of circulating testosterone levels by cortisol in men.
Cumming D, Quigley ME, Yen SSC 1983
J Clin Endocrinol Metab 57:671–673
11. HORMONAL EFFECTS OF PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE DURING 2-WKS OF INTENSE WEIGHT TRAINING
[Annual Meeting Abstracts]
Fahey, T. D.; Pearl, M.
California State University, Chico
12. Association of 24-Hour Cortisol Production Rates, Cortisol-Binding Globulin, and Plasma-Free Cortisol Levels with Body Composition, Leptin Levels, and Aging in Adult Men and Women
Jonathan Q. et al.
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., Jan 2004; 89: 281 - 287.
13. Cortisol inhibition of growth hormone-releasing hormone-stimulated growth hormone release from cultured sheep pituitary cells
JL Sartin, et al.
J. Endocrinol., Jun 1994; 141: 517 - 525.
14. Lowering cortisol enhances growth hormone response to growth hormone releasing hormone in healthy subjects.
TG Dinan, J Thakore, and V O'Keane
Acta Physiol Scand, July 1, 1994; 151(3): 413-6.
15. Stress-Related Cortisol Secretion in Men: Relationships with Abdominal Obesity and Endocrine, Metabolic and Hemodynamic Abnormalities
Roland Rosmond, et al.
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., Jun 1998; 83: 1853 - 1859.
16. Visceral obesity: a "civilization syndrome".
Bjorntorp P
Obes Res. 1993 May;1(3):206-22.
17. Brain caphalin, a mixture of phosphatides. Separation from it of phosphatidyl serine, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, and a fraction containing an inositol phophatide.
Folch J et al.
J Biol Chem 1942 146(1):35-44
18. Food composition and nutritional tables.
Souci et al.
Medpharm Scientific Publishers; 200
19. The influence of phosphatidylserine supplementation on mood and heart rate when faced with an acute stressor.
Benton D et al.
Nutr Neurosci 2001, 4(3):169-178
20. Effects of phosphatidylserine on the neuroendocrine response to physical stress in humans.
Monteleone et al.
Neuroendocrinology 1990, 52(3):243-248
21. Blunting by chronic phosphatidylserine administration of the stress-induced activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis in healthy men.
Monteleone et al.
Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1992, 42(4):385-388
22. Effects of phosphatidylserine on exercise capacity during cycling in active males.
Kingsley et al.
Med Sci Sports Exerc 2006, 38(I):64-71
23. The hormonal and perceptive effects of phosphatidylserine administration during two weeks of weight training-induced over-training.
Fayey TD, et al.
Biol Sport 1998, 15(2): 135-144
24. The effects of phosphatidyl serine on markers of muscular stress in endurance runners.
Fernholz et al.
Med Sci Sports Exerc 2000, 32(5):S321
25. Phospholipids and sports performance.
R Jager, et al.
J Int Soc Sports Nutr, Jan 2007; 4: 5
26. Effects of Phosphatidylserine on oxidative stress following intermittent running.
Kingsley M et al.
Med Sci Sports Exerc 2005 37(8):1300-1306
27. The effect of phosphatidylserine on golf performance.
Ralf Jager et al.
J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2007; 4:23
28. Changes in Financial Strain Over Three Years, Ambulatory Blood Pressure, and Cortisol Responses to Awakening
Andrew Steptoe, Lena Brydon, and Sabine Kunz-Ebrecht
Psychosom Med, Mar 2005; 67: 281 - 287.
29. Perfectionism and the Cortisol Response to Psychosocial Stress in Men
Petra H. Wirtz, et al.
Psychosom Med, Apr 2007; 69: 249 - 255.
30. Influence of dietary protein, energy and corticosteroids on protein turnover, proteoglycan sulphation and growth of long bone and skeletal muscle in the rat.
ZA Yahya, et al
Clin Sci (Lond), Nov 1994; 87(5): 607-18.
31. Cortisol, testosterone, and free testosterone in athletes performing a marathon at 4,000 m altitude.
Marinelli et al.
Horm Res., 41(5-6), 225-229, 1994
32. Usefullness of free testosterone/cortisol ratio during a season of elite speed skating athletes.
Banfi et al.
Int J Sports Med., 14(7), 373-379, 1993.
33. Corticosterone Can Act at the Posterior Paraventricular Thalamus to Inhibit Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Activity in Animals that Habituate to Repeated Stress
Azra Jaferi and Seema Bhatnagar
Endocrinology, Oct 2006; 147: 4917 – 4930
34. Steroids and depression
Alexander Mitchell and Veronica O'Keane
BMJ, Jan 1998; 316: 244
35. Biological Markers of overtraining
Fahey et al.
Biol Sport 1997, 14:1-19
36. Amino acids and proteins for the athlete.
Di Pasquale
CRC Press, 2007, Pg 309
|
