Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep are all usually enough for a healthy individual to keep their blood testosterone levels appropriately high for their age.
But, as I’ve seen time and again in my fitness training practice, many people still need testosterone boosters to keep their T-levels in check and preserve muscle building and various other health benefits that come with it.
There are countless products on the T-boosting supplement landscape, but I found that many of my clients came short after several months of use, and they regularly complain to me and often come for advice.
I spent months researching this subject so I can help my clients make better and more informed decisions, and in this article, I lay down the results of my research and an answer to the question: do any testosterone boosters really work?
Quick Summary
- Testosterone boosters work by increasing an individual's testosterone levels and come as injectables, oral capsules, or medicated patches.
- Most testosterone-boosting supplements contain the following ingredients; Vitamin D, D-aspartic acid, and Dehydroepiandrosterone.
- Factors leading to low testosterone levels include high blood pressure, alcohol abuse, obesity, injury, and chronic illnesses.
What Are Testosterone Boosters and How Do They Work?
Testosterone boosters are any synthetic or natural substance that increases testosterone levels. There are several options to consider when looking to raise your testosterone level, including:
Testosterone replacement therapy in the form of:
- Injectable testosterone
- Medicated patches
- Oral capsules
Testosterone boosting supplements containing:
- D-aspartic acid
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
- Vitamin D supplements
Factors That Affect Testosterone Levels
First, let’s look at what is considered normal testosterone levels. Generally accepted “normal” levels are in the range of 300-100 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Anything less than 300 ng/dL is considered low testosterone or male hypogonadism [3].
In a healthy aging male, it is natural for the testosterone level in his body to decrease, usually at a rate of 1-2% per year [4].
Other factors that can lead to testosterone deficiency are:
- Injury
- Acute and Chronic Illnesses
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Alcohol abuse
- HIV/AIDS
Effects of Low Testosterone
These are some of the symptoms of low testosterone levels; they can be age-dependent and vary in severity:
- Decrease in body hair
- Low luteinizing hormone (LH)
- Depression
- Loss of muscle mass
- Decreased sexual function
- Irritability
- Decreased bone density
- Lack of muscle growth
- Fatigue
As you can see from the list, the effects of low testosterone are not simply limited to a man’s sexuality but encompass his entire well-being, physically and emotionally [5].
“If you have confirmed low levels, and your sexual symptoms are bothersome enough to need treatment, it's reasonable to start testosterone.”
- Dr. Victor Adlin, Endocrinologist
Pros and Cons of Testosterone Boosters
You cannot underestimate the importance of natural ways of increasing testosterone like reducing stress, getting plenty of rest, exercising, specifically high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and eating healthy. When these aren’t working, you have a couple of options to boost testosterone.
Seeking a doctor’s advice, diagnosis, or treatment is essential before taking any course of action. Usually, a doctor will order a blood test to determine your T levels and use this information to advise you on the next steps.
To make an informed decision, it's recommended to consult reputable online TRT clinics. These clinics specialize in testosterone optimization and can provide expert guidance, personalized treatment options, and ongoing monitoring to ensure your health and well-being are prioritized.
Testosterone Treatment
There are a few options for testosterone therapy, and all seem viable to treat hypogonadism [6].
Choices for treatment include at-home methods and others that require administration by a healthcare professional:
- Injections into the muscle - administered every 10-14 days
- Pellets implanted under the skin every two months
- Testosterone gel - rubbed on the skin daily, and take care not to transfer the hormone to another person
- Testosterone patches - applied daily
As with any treatment, there are benefits and risks. The following are some adverse side effects:
- Skin acne and irritation
- Fluid retention
- Smaller testicles
- Sleep Apnea
- Decreased sperm count
Testosterone Supplements
Supplements increase testosterone levels naturally. Boosters that contain the following ingredients work best to augment the testosterone the body produces:
- D-aspartic acid - a natural amino acid that helps release hormones [7]
- DHEA - a steroid hormone made in the adrenal glands [8]
- Vitamin D - an essential nutrient that affects blood testosterone levels [9]
Related Article: Best Vitamin D Supplements
It is worth noting using anabolic steroid prescriptions has a purpose when the testosterone level the body naturally produces is deficient [10]. The increased risk for serious side effects or death makes this an inferior option for young, healthy men.
Whether you opt to elevate your testosterone levels with therapy or a supplement, the benefits are the same:
- Improved erectile function
- Increased muscle mass
- Loss of body fat
- Improved sex drive
- Improved cognitive ability
- Increased bone density
- Improved mood
Read More: Andrew Huberman's Testosterone Supplements List and Diet Plan
FAQs
Which Testosterone Booster Is Best?
The best testosterone booster contains ingredients like D-aspartic acid and vitamin D that work naturally with what your body produces.
Are Testosterone Boosters Worth It?
Some people have found testosterone boosters worth it when evaluating benefits versus risks. Age, weight, lifestyle, symptoms, and blood testosterone levels are necessary to consider when determining if the good outweighs the bad for you.
Final Verdict: Do Testosterone Boosters Really Work?
If you are looking for more testosterone to treat low libido, improve body composition, or improve sexual function, it is worth considering a testosterone booster.
The research continues, but so far, there have been many positive correlations pointing to the significant benefits of taking a testosterone supplement.
The advantages of high-quality men's testosterone boosters include increased energy levels, improved muscle strength, and increased sex drive, and in my opinion, they seem to vastly outweigh any potential risks.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5870326/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC1508369/
- https://www.webmd.com/men/features/keep-testosterone-in-balance
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC2544367/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15603-low-testosterone-male-hypogonadism
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-hypogonadism/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354886
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/d-aspartic-acid-and-testosterone
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/can-dhea-increase-mens-testosterone-levels-89137
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21154195/
- https://www.webmd.com/men/anabolic-steroids
About The Author
You May Also Like
