Testosterone-boosting supplements are a popular option among men who have concerns about their testosterone levels. However, many men aren’t sure they actually work. If you think you may benefit from a testosterone booster, it’s a good idea to research the supplements and see if they offer the health benefits you’re looking for. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the effectiveness of testosterone-boosting supplements.
What Are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone?
Wondering if your testosterone level isn’t where it should be? The most common symptoms of decreased testosterone levels include the following:
- A loss of facial or body hair
- Increase in breast tissue (also called gynecomastia)
- Problems gaining muscle mass
- Low sperm count
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction or other sexual dysfunction
- Weight gain or trouble losing weight
- Male hypogonadism
The best way to find out if you have low testosterone levels is to have a blood test done to check. Other factors may be causing the symptoms you’re experiencing, so it’s a good idea to investigate the cause before trying treatments.
What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone for males. It helps develop muscle mass, facial and body hair growth, libido (sex drive), and sperm production. For most men, the body naturally produces testosterone at the proper level. It’s an essential hormone for men and can aid in sexual health, maintaining a healthy weight, improving physical strength, and many other body functions.
What Are Testosterone Boosters?
Once men are over 30, their bodies produce less testosterone naturally. Low testosterone is common as men age but can also be due to health conditions that affect the pituitary gland, testicles, or thyroid.
Testosterone boosters help raise testosterone levels in the user’s body to make up for the lower testosterone production. Many testosterone supplements include ingredients like ashwagandha or fenugreek. Testosterone booster supplements claim to increase testosterone levels and alleviate the symptoms of low testosterone.
Common Testosterone Booster Ingredients
What ingredients can affect testosterone levels? Many natural supplements include a variety of ingredients that have shown benefits when used as testosterone treatment.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek has been shown to increase both total and free testosterone levels in healthy, non-exercising men. Numerous studies have shown that men who use fenugreek see a significant change in their testosterone level compared to their baseline reading.
Ashwagandha
Evidence has shown that ashwagandha may increase testosterone levels, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone after 90 days of supplementing. These results have proven most effective in those who have struggled with infertility or low sperm count.
Other Testosterone Boosters
Depending on which testosterone booster you choose, you may find other ingredients that claim to be testosterone-boosting. Some of these include the following:
- D-aspartic acid: Increases natural testosterone production in healthy men in as little as three days.
- Stinging nettle root: Increases total testosterone levels and limits the adverse effects on the prostate.
- Forskolin: Increases testosterone levels in men of all ages and lowers body weight in those who are overweight or obese.
- Zinc supplementation: Increases levels of free testosterone.
Are Testosterone Supplements Legal?
Testosterone-boosting supplements are legal in most cases. If you’re a man looking to boost testosterone naturally, these supplements are a legal option for you. However, competitive athletes can’t use any testosterone boosters because it is against the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency’s rules.
Natural Testosterone Boosters vs. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
Many healthcare providers will recommend TRT for men who are looking to improve sexual function, strength, energy, or mood. However, TRT has a variety of potential side effects, including the following:
- Affecting male fertility
- Increased risk of cardiovascular events for those who are overweight
- Irreversible suppression of natural testosterone production
- Estrogen reduction
Natural testosterone boosters have little to no side effects, depending on the brand you purchase. Testosterone therapy is also something that has to be prescribed and done by your doctor or a healthcare professional. Testosterone boosters can be purchased over the counter.
Benefits of Testosterone Boosters
Using a supplement to boost testosterone levels is a great option for men who are worried about low testosterone. Some of the benefits of using these boosters include the following:
- Significant increase in natural testosterone production
- Increased feeling of well-being and energy
- Improved sexual function and desire
- Increasing muscle mass and strength long-term
- Visible improvements in body composition
- Improved bone health
Previous claims have said that testosterone therapy can cause prostate cancer. However, recent studies have shown there is no link between testosterone treatment and any cancer.
Other Ways to Boost Testosterone Levels Naturally
Testosterone levels affect many areas of a man’s health, so it’s important to support healthy testosterone levels. In addition to a testosterone booster, consider these tips that can help increase testosterone levels:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Increased body weight can cause low testosterone levels.
- Eating a healthy diet: Proper nutrients can help reduce the risk of diabetes; diabetes can lower your testosterone levels.
- Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can increase testosterone levels and provide other health benefits like lowering the risk of cancer and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Quit smoking: Among the other health risks of smoking, tobacco is shown to reduce testosterone levels.
- Moderate alcohol intake: Too much alcohol can cause testosterone to convert to estrogen.
- Vitamin D supplementation: Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to lower testosterone levels, and supplementing can boost testosterone concentration in healthy men.
When to Seek Medical Treatment
If you’ve tried increasing your testosterone levels but are still dealing with low testosterone symptoms, it’s time to consider medical therapy. Supplements boost testosterone in healthy men of various ages, but if the problem is more complex, a medical professional will guide you through TRT. As always, check with your medical provider before starting any treatment, even over the counter.
Maximize Testosterone Booster Skin Patch
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Sources
Client website
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/testosterone-booster#summary
https://sciencenews.dk/en/vitamin-d-increases-testosterone-production
