Beware of Natural Testosterone Boosters

The Hidden Risks Behind Over-the-Counter Testosterone Boosters

Men with higher levels of testosterone usually have greater sexual activity. Older men need more testosterone for libido and erectile function. But it’s important to note that erectile dysfunction is often due to other conditions or medications rather than low testosterone levels. Then, the team reviewed published scientific literature on testosterone and the 109 components found in the supplements. Zinc, fenugreek extract and vitamin B6 were three of the most common components in the supplements. Researchers estimate that hypogonadism affects two to six million men in the United States.

While it may be tempting to consider taking a testosterone booster alongside TRT to enhance its effects, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional before doing so. Testosterone boosters can potentially interfere with TRT and may not be necessary for everyone. Your doctor can provide personalized advice based on your specific health condition and treatment plan.

There’s also evidence for a strong correlation between testosterone and thinking abilities such as verbal memory and faster processing speed. Testosterone treatment for men 34 to 70 years old has shown an improvement in spatial memory. In combination with estrogen, testosterone helps with repairing reproductive tissues, growth, and maintaining sexual behavior. Too much testosterone, however, can cause symptoms such as excess body hair or deepening of the voice. Additional research showed overeating, and yo-yo dieting disrupted hormone levels. This effect is most evident in athletes and people who are very active. Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients.

However, be cautious using testosterone booster supplements containing hormones and be sure to follow all directions and dosage recommendations on the package. Research shows that bone density increases with testosterone treatment as long as the dose is high enough. Clinical trials on the effect of testosterone on bone density found increases in spinal and hip bone density. Another study of females transitioning into males found that testosterone increased bone mineral density. But it’s unknown if testosterone can help with reducing fracture risk.

Over a 10-year period, the risk for developing abnormally low testosterone levels more than doubles in diabetic individuals. If you are concerned about your testosterone level, talk with a healthcare provider to have your levels confirmed through laboratory testing. Service Members should inform their military healthcare provider about any prescription medications that weren’t received from a Military Treatment Facility.

And then there’s the fact that the variation in test results from one lab to the next is enormous. That’s why I’m unconvinced that there is a blood test you can do to unequivocally label someone as biochemically hypogonadal. Or, if the patient had external beam radiation, not all of the tissue becomes fibrotic.

Over the years, many male consumers of OTC testosterone boosters have reported adverse testosterone booster side effects from using these products. Severe abdominal pain, kidney abnormalities, and acute liver failure are just some serious health problems that are documented and linked to OTC testosterone boosters. Even testosterone boosters that are obtained from trusted sources and used as directed are found to present serious health risks. To maintain healthy testosterone levels, the changes discussed above will trump any supplement, but the nutrients below have been found to inhibit aromatase and may be additive benefits. The belief that herbal supplements are safe because they are natural is a common misconception. The reality is that testosterone boosters can pose significant health risks.

“Per the guidelines, low testosterone is less than 300 ng/dL,” says Dubin. It’s important to measure testosterone first thing in the morning, when levels are the highest. And levels need to be measured on more than one occasion because they fluctuate wildly.

Staying active, getting plenty of sleep each night, and deca/test cycle practicing some stress-relieving techniques may be beneficial. What you eat can affect levels of testosterone as well as other hormones. Many supplements on the market merely contain vitamins and minerals, but don’t do anything to improve testosterone. Often, people can be vulnerable to the marketing component of these products, making it difficult to tease out what is myth and what is reality. If you have diabetes, check with your care team before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medication. Men aren’t the only ones who may benefit from testosterone boosters. Taking magnesium as a supplement has been shown to increase free and total testosterone values.

Research has shown that men who carry more weight have lower levels of testosterone, with obesity being an important factor in lowering testosterone, even over other factors such as age. Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements. Hypercalcemia (high calcium in the blood) may occur in patients taking this medicine.