When you hit a certain age, t-booster commercials keep popping up, but is it just a coincidence or something else?
If you have been wondering when is the right time for you to start using this kind of supplement, keep on reading to find out the recommended timing.
Our team had spent days gathering information from different scientific articles before coming up with this guide to help you make the right (and safe!) choice.
Quick Summary
- Anyone above 20 years can take testosterone boosters if the hormone levels are lower than the recommended levels.
- Testosterone hormones improve the sexual health of an individual, aid in the production of red blood cells, and help in the distribution of body fat.
- Some signs of low testosterone levels include fatigue, hair loss, reduction in lean muscle mass, and irritability.
Testosterone and Age
This important chemical substance that our bodies produce is referred to as male sex hormone for a good reason.
It belongs to a group of steroid hormones and plays a key role in:
- Red blood cells and sperm production
- Strength and muscle mass gain
- Distribution of body fat
- Bone density
- Sexual and physical health
A couple of animal studies also show its connection to mood swings and changes in behavior.
When you hit puberty, your T-levels skyrocket, leaving you with more than enough sex drive, loads of strength to spend in the gym, and sometimes less than attractive skin issues like acne or excess facial hair.
In early adulthood, natural testosterone production is at its peak. After your 30th B-day, the levels drop - usually at a rate of about 1% a year, increasing to 2% per year after 40.[1]
But all of this hugely depends on a person's genetics, physical activity, diet, and lifestyle.
For example, in some guys, natural testosterone levels remain high throughout life, while in others, they can start dropping before they turn 40.
"When you think of a decrease in natural testosterone levels, you might think of middle-aged or older men. But men under 30 can also have low levels",
- Graham Rogers, M.D., healthline.com
For guys above 50, it's important to determine if the reduction in testosterone level is due to normal aging or other possible health problems before they start taking a testosterone booster.
We have an article on the best methods to increase testosterone in older men.
When Should You Start Taking Testosterone Boosters?
It all depends on the symptoms, but generally, in most healthy people, it doesn't make much sense to take them as long as your body is producing hormones naturally, which is usually until your late 20s.
If you are a 40-plus guy with an early onset of erectile dysfunction, experts suggest a thorough medical check-up before getting on with supplementation.
Related: When Is the Best Time to Take Testosterone Boosters?
How Do Testosterone Boosters Work?
''Testosterone booster'' is an umbrella term for a range of products containing ingredients that promise to stimulate the release of the male hormone.
Unlike testosterone therapy (TT), which can only be prescribed by your M.D, a T-booster is usually sold in the form of powder, and it's easy to get over-the-counter.
These products don't actually contain hormones. Instead, they are based on a combination of herb-derived extract and other ingredients that are supposed to help your body produce it naturally.
Testosterone-boosting products are popular among men involved in competitive sports, fitness, bodybuilding, or guys whose levels are insufficient for optimal performance in the gym.
Testosterone-boosting products are popular among men involved in competitive sports, fitness, bodybuilding, or guys whose levels are insufficient for optimal performance in the gym.
Although muscle-building supplements are not recommended for teenagers younger than 18, a new study found that teens may have easy access to them.
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend t-boosters in young teens unless there is a medical reason.
As for older guys, research suggests that testosterone replacement is unnecessary in many cases.
According to the American College of Physicians, older men whose t levels have dropped over the years should only be given testosterone replacement to treat sexual dysfunction. [2]
While there are some excellent formulas out there, not all brands are transparent about the content, so it's important to get as much information on the ingredients before you start taking them.
See our article on the best testosterone boosters out there.
What Are the Signs of Low Testosterone Levels?
Aside from your age, low testosterone levels can sometimes be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle that you can easily fix, while in other cases, this is triggered by underlying health problems that your doctor needs to examine.
People with low-T may experience the following:
- Fatigue
- Reduced lean muscle mass
- Hair loss
- Irritability
- Increase in body weight
- Depression and low energy
- Decrease in appetite for sex (libido)
There are tons of other possible reasons for these symptoms, including opioid use, injury to the testicles, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and obesity that can occur at any age.
Monitoring your testosterone levels and discussing any concerning symptoms with your healthcare provider is essential in determining the underlying cause and exploring appropriate treatment options to improve your overall well-being.
Related Article: Best Testosterone Booster for Men Over 50
What Are the Risks of Taking a Testosterone Supplement?
According to research, the risks linked to testosterone supplementation include:
- Increased chance of developing heart disease.
- Prostate growth.
- High red blood cell count that could increase the risk of clotting
- Acne
- Ankle swelling
It's important to note that testosterone supplements should be approached with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
They can evaluate your circumstances, assess the potential risks and benefits, and help you decide about testosterone supplementation as part of your overall health management.
If you're considering testosterone supplementation, seeking guidance from a trusted online TRT clinic can provide expert advice and convenient access to the care you need.
A T-supplement can also interact with certain medications, so make sure to talk to your doctor before you dive right into your new supplement routine.
Related Articles:
Natural Testosterone Boosters - Alternative Ways to Boost Sex Drive
Although a good-quality testosterone booster is hard to resist, whether you're a fitness-crazy teenager or a middle-aged man, you should remember that supplementation it's not always necessary.
There are natural ways to boost this hormone and get the same results - minus the potential health risks. You can try:
- Whey protein - latest research suggests that this is a better option for building muscle, shedding fat, and consequently boosting your T-level.
- Vitamin D and Zinc - a daily dose of vitamin D and minerals like zinc can nudge your body into producing more natural testosterone.
- More Exercise - numerous studies have shown that your training sessions can be one of the most effective natural testosterone boosters.
- Different Diet - foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants and protein-rich diet can help maintain a healthy hormonal balance in your body.
See more: The Best Testosterone Boosting Diet Plan
Final Thoughts
If you are a healthy male in your 20s who trains hard, your body will do the work and produce more than enough masculine hormones to help you build muscles.
The only time you should be taking a testosterone boosting supplement is if your hormone level is below the natural threshold.
If you are under 18, consider finding other ways to stimulate glands in your body or try out natural testosterone boosters before reaching for supplementation.
What's your take on the topic? Do you think it's time for you to start T-supplementation? Share your thoughts and experience in the comments below.
References:
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/testosterone_aging_and_the_mind
- https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-testosterone-idUKKBN1Z525S
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