Testosterone boosters can help raise testosterone levels, but the timeframe for results depends on the underlying cause. The effectiveness of testosterone pills spikes a very common question: “Do testosterone boosters work?”
If you’re dealing with low testosterone levels, it can significantly impact your life, including energy, mood, and sexual drive.
Credible supplements like TestoPrime can yield noticeable results within three to eight weeks, while individuals with severe deficiencies may require several months to experience the full effects.
But to know if these supplements are any good, keep reading.
Do Testosterone Boosters Work?
First, it is important to note that testosterone supplements and testosterone replacement therapy are different. Testosterone therapy involves synthetic testosterone or plant-based “mimic” testosterone to return your testosterone levels to normal.
On the other hand, testosterone boosters can increase your testosterone levels naturally. They are safe and readily available online. However, you must buy from only reputable brands. Testosterone supplements are natural herbal supplements that can help men increase testosterone levels.
These supplements contain ingredients and formulas directly and indirectly linked to boosting testosterone levels.
For example, most of these testosterone supplements contain zinc and magnesium, which increase men’s health and testosterone levels. However, most testosterone booster brands may not raise your levels above the normal 400 ng/dL baseline.
Causes Of Low Testosterone In Men
Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, can occur due to various factors. Here are some common causes of low testosterone in men:
Age
Medical conditions
Medications
Lifestyle factors
Testicular injury or disease
Genetic conditions
Age
Testosterone levels naturally decline as men age. This is known as age-related testosterone decline or andropause.
Medical conditions
Certain conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, and hormonal disorders like hypothyroidism or pituitary gland problems, can contribute to low testosterone levels.
Medications
Some medications, including corticosteroids, opioids, and certain hormones used for cancer treatment, can lower testosterone levels.
Lifestyle factors
Unhealthy lifestyle habits like excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, poor diet lacking essential nutrients, lack of exercise, and chronic stress can affect testosterone production.
Testicular injury or disease
Trauma or diseases affecting the testicles, such as testicular cancer, orchitis, or undescended testicles, can lead to low testosterone.
Genetic conditions
Certain genetic disorders like Klinefelter syndrome, Kallmann syndrome, or hemochromatosis can cause low testosterone.
Symptoms Of Low Testosterone Levels
Testosterone is the main male sex hormone that controls several vital functions. A testosterone deficiency can cause several health complications. To be safe, it’s best to perform a testosterone test regularly.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, it’s time to have your testosterone levels checked. You can test your testosterone level using a home kit tester or go to your doctor to perform a physical examination. The symptoms of low testosterone levels include:
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- Reduced Sex Drive: Low testosterone can cause a significant decline in sexual appetite.
- Mood Swings: Men with low testosterone are prone to experiencing mood swings and irritability.
- Reduced Muscle Mass and Bone Mass: Testosterone deficiency results in muscle and bone mass loss.
- A Decrease in Energy Levels: Low testosterone levels often lead to fatigue and decreased energy.
- An Increase in Body Fat: Low testosterone can contribute to increased body fat and gynecomastia.
- Hair Loss: Testosterone deficiency may cause hair loss and baldness.
- Disrupted Sleeping Pattern: Low testosterone can cause sleep problems, including sleep apnea.
- Difficulty with Erection: Testosterone is essential for maintaining erectile function.
- Low Semen Volume: Testosterone plays a role in semen production, affecting volume.
- Smaller Penis and Testicle Size: Testosterone deficiency can result in smaller testicles and penis.
Benefits Of Testosterone Boosters
Testosterone boosters can benefit individuals with low testosterone levels or those seeking to enhance their well-being and body functions. Here are some key benefits of taking testosterone boosters:
Increased Muscle Mass
Testosterone plays a crucial role in muscle development. Testosterone boosters can help stimulate protein synthesis, increasing muscle mass and strength.
Enhanced Strength and Performance
Natural testosterone boosters can enhance physical performance and overall strength by promoting muscle growth and improving muscle strength, allowing individuals to push harder during workouts and achieve better athletic results.
Improved Bone Density
Testosterone is essential for maintaining healthy bones. Testosterone boosters can help increase bone mineral density, reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
Increased Libido and Sexual Performance
Low testosterone levels can decrease sex drive, show decreased libido signs and sexual performance issues. Testosterone boosters can help improve libido, enhance sexual desire, and address erectile dysfunction in some cases.
Boosted Energy and Stamina
Testosterone plays a role in energy production and overall vitality. Testosterone boosters can increase energy levels, combat fatigue, and improve stamina, making individuals feel more energized and productive throughout the day.
Enhanced Mood and Mental Well-being
Testosterone is linked to mood regulation, and low levels can contribute to mood swings, irritability, and even depression. Testosterone boosters may help improve mood, promote a sense of well-being, and reduce symptoms of depression.
Fat Loss and Body Composition
Testosterone boosters can aid in fat loss and body composition by increasing metabolism and promoting the breakdown of fat cells. This can lead to a decrease in body fat percentage and an improvement in overall body composition.
Improved Cognitive Function
Testosterone plays a role in cognitive function, including memory, focus, and mental clarity. Testosterone boosters may enhance cognitive abilities and support better brain function.
Cardiovascular Health
Testosterone is involved in maintaining cardiovascular health. Testosterone boosters may help improve blood circulation, reduce cholesterol levels, and decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Overall Well-being
Testosterone boosters can contribute to well-being, increased confidence, and improved quality of life.
It’s important to note that individual results may vary, and it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, as most dietary supplements are not approved by the FDA (food and drug administration) to determine the appropriate dosage and ensure compatibility with personal health conditions.
Side Effects Of Testosterone Supplements
Genuine testosterone boosters can raise your testosterone levels significantly, but only briefly. However, these boosters may have potential side effects that every male interested in using them should be aware of.
Different natural ways to boost your natural testosterone levels without using these supplements exist. Still, if you want something natural regarding supplements, you can try natural testosterone boosters.
Furthermore, most doctors will only recommend these testosterone supplement brands as a last resort because of their potential side effects. The potential side effects of using these supplements include:
Hypertension
Testosterone boosters can strain the heart, increasing the risk of hypertensive heart disease, stroke, and other vascular diseases. Also, studies show that testosterone boosters can cause chronic kidney diseases.
Hypogonadism
According to recent studies, men’s hypogonadism may be caused by the regular usage of over-the-counter anabolic steroids. Additionally, medical experts believe these natural supplements may contain substances that cause several health complications, including hypogonadism. While the effects are reversible, long-term use can cause permanent damage.
Enlarged Prostate
While using these boosters, your prostate may enlarge, making urinating more difficult and painful. If you already have prostate cancer, taking these boosters may worsen your condition. Most doctors request a prostate exam before recommending these natural supplements.
Higher Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count
Your hematocrit and hemoglobin levels will increase alongside your testosterone levels. According to studies, RBC and platelet counts in men who underwent TRT were higher than those of other men with testosterone deficiency. Additionally, an increase in RBC levels increases thromboembolic and cardiovascular disease risks.
Higher PSA Levels
The PSA test is a blood test that measures the blood’s prostate-specific antigen level. Plus, this test serves as a screening tool for prostate cancer. A healthy male’s PSA level should not exceed four nanograms per milliliter of blood. Testosterone boosters can increase the blood’s PSA level to higher than 4, increasing the risk of prostate cancer.
Acne
Acne mostly affects teenagers during adolescence, but some adults also suffer. Researchers believe that testosterone fluctuation may be the primary cause of acne in adults. According to studies, people with a higher testosterone level are more likely to suffer from acne than those with low levels.
Furthermore, testosterone enhances the production of sebum, a lubricating oil produced by the sebaceous gland. Boosting your testosterone levels also causes an increase in sebum production, which triggers acne outbreaks all over the skin.
Infertility
Although boosting your testosterone level may enhance your sexual function, it also causes an imbalance in hormonal equilibrium. As a result of the unnaturally high testosterone levels these boosters provide, some men may have infertility after using them.
Liver Damage
Testosterone boosters, especially when taken orally, can cause severe liver damage.
The Best Foods for Boosting Testosterone
Including certain nutrient-rich foods in your diet can help support healthy testosterone levels in men. Here are seven foods that you can incorporate into your meals:
- Oily fish, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines, are rich in zinc, vitamin D, and protein, crucial in maintaining testosterone levels.
- Ginger has shown the potential to boost testosterone levels. A study found that a daily ginger supplement increased testosterone levels by 17.7% in men with fertility issues.
- Eggs, specifically the yolk, contain cholesterol, a precursor for testosterone production.
- Dark, leafy greens like kale are excellent sources of magnesium, an essential mineral for optimal testosterone levels.
- In a study conducted over three weeks, extra virgin olive oil has been linked to increased testosterone levels.
- Berries, cherries, and pomegranates are rich in antioxidants that can potentially improve sexual health. Pomegranate juice, in particular, has shown benefits for men with impotence.
- Red meat, such as beef liver, is a good Vitamin D source; zinc is abundant in ground beef and chuck roast, essential nutrients for testosterone production.
Can You Increase Your Testosterone Naturally?
Testosterone boosters and even TRT may not be suitable for everybody. As a result, your doctor may recommend other natural alternatives. Low testosterone level is common in men with increased body fat. There are several ways you can boost your testosterone levels naturally. They include:
Exercise
Get Enough Sleep
Use Zinc Supplementation
Reduce Stress
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Exercise
One of the best ways to boost your testosterone levels is through exercise. Studies show that building strong muscles triggers the production of testosterone. Weightlifting is one of the best exercises for increasing testosterone levels.
Additionally, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been proven to raise men’s testosterone levels. Other exercises like running and cycling can also help boost testosterone levels.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep allows your body to perform at its best. Constantly depriving your body of adequate sleep can interfere with its ability to produce testosterone. Additionally, depriving your body of good-quality sleep can cause you to add weight, which also reduces your natural testosterone production.
Use Zinc Supplementation
A 2011 study shows that zinc regulates men’s serum testosterone levels. You can boost your testosterone levels by adding zinc to your diet. Shellfish and whole grains are some zinc-rich foods you can include in your diet. Additionally, you can get enough zinc through supplementation.
Reduce Stress
Studies show that stress causes an increase in the body’s cortisol level, and this hormone is known to interfere with testosterone production. Your testosterone levels will fall as your body’s cortisol level increases. Additionally, a high cortisol level can cause increased appetite, causing you to gain weight and lose more testosterone hormones. As a result, getting enough sleep and finding healthy stress management techniques can help boost testosterone levels.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Studies show that the majority of obese men suffer from testosterone deficiency. According to studies, obese men are four times more likely to benefit from TRT than non-obese men. Furthermore, studies show that obese men are 75% more likely to suffer from low testosterone levels.
Conclusion: Is It Healthy To Take Testosterone Booster?
Taking testosterone boosters for muscle gain can be part of a healthy lifestyle when done under the guidance of a healthcare professional and used as intended. Testosterone boosters can help individuals with low testosterone levels restore hormonal balance and improve their health and well-being.
However, it’s important to note that the safety and efficacy of testosterone boosters can vary depending on the specific product and individual circumstances.
Ultimately, the decision to take testosterone boosters should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional or by researching well on a product and solidifying whether it can work for you.
