Testosterone boosters may seem appealing for men who have lower levels of testosterone or those who are just researching methods to improve muscle gains.
Testosterone boosters work in particular ways with the body, so it is essential to understand how they work and how you may use them.
Read on this guide to see if testosterone boosters are ideal for your body and your goals.
Table of Contents
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a steroid hormone that is primarily found in men. It is produced mainly through Leydig cells in the adrenal cortex.Testosterone is an essential hormone that plays a role in developing reproductive organs in men and the sexual characteristics or features in males.
Testosterone is a critical factor in developing secondary sexual characteristics, such as body hair and voice changes. Testosterone is what helps men grow facial hair and allows the male voice to become deeper.
While testosterone is found in women, the levels of testosterone that can be found in women are significantly smaller compared to the levels in men.
In women, testosterone is most often found in the ovaries, and it helps the female body regulate menstruation and ovulation.
Testosterone can play a significant role in muscle mass, muscle strength, and sexual drive.
Low Testosterone in Men
Testosterone levels can be checked in several different ways by doctors. Doctors can measure testosterone levels through urine, saliva, and blood. Doctors prefer to measure testosterone in the morning because that is when levels are the highest.
The average (typical) range for men is between 270 and 1070 ng/dL. The testosterone levels of the average man rest near 679 ng/dL. However, testosterone levels naturally begin to decline after the age of 30.
Testosterone levels can vary between different men. The average truly depends on a man’s diet, age, health, weight, and genetics.
Those with testosterone levels that drop below this range are considered to have low testosterone. Lower testosterone levels can have significant side effects.
Boys that retain lowered testosterone levels before puberty can experience side effects that are detrimental to sexual development. This is because testosterone is such a significant factor in male development.
Boys who have low testosterone before puberty may not experience the development of secondary male sexual characteristics. This includes masculine features like facial hair or vocal changes.
Boys with low testosterone may have abnormal bone growth since testosterone also affects bones and bone structures’ growth rate and development.
Boys may become tall, but the reduction of bone mass development and muscle mass may cause the boy to be slenderer and more effeminate in build and stature than boys with average testosterone.
In men, low testosterone can also cause adverse side effects. Low testosterone in men can cause a reduction in sexual drive. It can also prompt men to lose fat or redistribute the fat to different parts of the body. Low testosterone may also cause men to become infertile.
Psychologically, low testosterone can cause men to have significant mood swings and reduce levels of confidence and identity.
What are Testosterone Boosters?
Testosterone boosters specifically refer to supplements that help raise testosterone levels in men.
These are significantly different from hormone replacement therapy, a prescribed treatment using medication that increases clinically low testosterone levels in men.
Testosterone boosters or supplements aim to raise your testosterone through an over-the-counter method. They attempt to help raise T-levels, which will help increase muscle gains, muscle strength, and libido.
Unlike other methods that can boost testosterone at significantly high levels, T-boosters increase testosterone up to 50 percent.
Athletes take testosterone boosters to prevent muscle damage, improve recovery times, and increase workout or athletic performance. At the same time, these boosters can build bone strength.
There are several different options in the market for testosterone boosters. Both herbal and natural blends provide a subtle increase in testosterone levels.
There are prescription boosters that are more intense and are nearly one step away from hormone replacement therapy.
However, most boosters fall under the umbrella of herbal blends that aim to increase T-levels that are significant but not too extreme.
There are two primary forms of testosterone boosters—tablets and powder. Power is more common than tablets, but both can be found over the counter.
They can be found in many venues. They can be found in many supplement stores, drug stores, and you can even purchase testosterone boosters on Amazon.
Why Do You Need Testosterone Boosters?
Testosterone boosters can help you with your goals, such as muscle gains and strength. If you find that your body needs help trying to produce testosterone naturally, the boosters are a good option.
If you want to boost your testosterone slowly, then boosters are good choices. If you find you need help maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and muscle gain, then testosterone boosters may be helpful to you.
Keep in mind that these are herbal, so they are more natural ways to promote hormone production in the body. A more natural route may seem more appealing than more intense, prescription hormone production methods.
What Do Testosterone Boosters Do to Your Body?
Since testosterone boosters are a combination of herbal supplements, they often contain micronutrients that may be low in the male body. For instance, lowered levels of zinc are often connected to lower levels of testosterone.
Testosterone boosters aim to fill nutrient deficiencies and naturally boost testosterone levels.
They may also include adaptogens, which can help the body handle stress and improve sleep. Deficiencies in sleep and nutrients can contribute to lower testosterone.
By addressing these deficiencies, testosterone boosters help the body naturally increase T-levels by better balancing the body.
The primary function of testosterone boosters is to indirectly support hormone production by convincing the body to produce more.
What are the Best Natural Testosterone-Boosting Ingredients?
Testosterone boosters are known to be a blend of herbs and natural ingredients. While all boosters aim to promote the body’s ability to produce hormones, some ingredients may promote testosterone production in different ways.
1. DHEA
DHEA is a hormone in the body produced by the adrenal glands. Scientists have shown that DHEA plays a role in the production and levels of testosterone and estrogen in the body.
DHEA benefits are slowing changes in the body that occur with aging, building bones, and building muscles.
Studies have shown that increased DHEA in men’s bodies improved muscle strength, especially in the knees and back. There was also redistribution and changes in body fat.
For men, in particular, DHEA can be a crucial ingredient in a testosterone booster that works for you.
2. Creatine
Creatine is a chemical mostly found in the body’s muscles, and there are traces in the brain. Creatine is often used to build muscle mass, improve exercise performance, and increase energy conversion.
Creatine is often used to help with diseases regarding muscles and muscle loss. It can usually be found in boosters to promote the building and redistribution of muscle.
3. L-arginine
This is an amino acid that helps to treat and prevent heart diseases. It can be found in eggs, soy, peanuts, milk, and some meats.
As a supplement, L-arginine is often used to promote vascular health, body growth, muscle growth, and erectile dysfunction.
L-arginine helps to improve blood flow and muscle gains. This is another natural ingredient that makes testosterone boosters effective.
4. Fenugreek
This is a herb that is somewhat similar to clover. The seeds are used in cooking and herbal remedies. Fenugreek is often used for digestive problems and inflammation.
Studies show it also helps kidney function and reduces high blood pressure, male infertility, and baldness.
This is a common ingredient in boosters. It both promotes hormone production and weight loss. At the same time, it can help counteract eczema, constipation, and upset stomach.
Are Testosterone Boosters Safe?
Like all supplements, you must do your research and know what is in your booster. Additionally, you should never take more than the recommended dosage, keep track of how your body responds, and talk to a medical professional.
If you follow these golden rules, then the risks of boosters are significantly reduced.
It would help if you kept in mind that hormone boosters are primarily herbal blends and natural ingredients, unlike hormone replacement and prescription hormones.
Since they derive from natural ingredients and aim to improve testosterone levels naturally, these testosterone boosters are safer than other methods.
What are the Benefits of Testosterone Boosters?
Testosterone boosters aim to counteract lowered testosterone levels and the side effects that come with low testosterone.
These supplements can improve sexual drive, prevent fat gain and fat redistribution, prevent muscle loss, maintain bone strength and bone density, and enhance hair growth and texture.
Testosterone boosters can help with secondary sexual characteristics affected by lower testosterone. Boosters can promote the production of facial and body hair.
Testosterone boosters can also improve or stabilize mood and improve feelings of confidence and identity.
Athletes use boosters to improve muscle gains, increase muscle strength, and reduce muscle recovery time.
What are the Side Effects of Testosterone Boosters?
Like other supplements, especially ones that deal with the maintenance and regulation of hormones, testosterone boosters have potential risks.
There are several risks and side-effects of testosterone boosters. These risks tend to increase with long-term usage.
Perhaps the most significant side effect of increasing testosterone through boosters is that the size and function of the testicles may reduce.
If there are excessive amounts of testosterone in the body, the body may convert these excess hormones into estrogen.
Other side effects may include acne (either severe or mild), mood swings, increased aggressive behavior, hair falling out, and baldness.
What are Other Factors to Look Out For with Testosterone Boosters?
As you research and look for testosterone boosters, you should always research the brand, the reviews, and the ingredients. These four factors are essential to finding the right testosterone booster for you.
Look for ingredients like L-arginine, DHEA, Ginseng, D-Aspartic acid, and vitamin D3. These ingredients have been shown better to promote testosterone and hormone production in the body.
It would help if you also looked for ingredients that are not natural and how they have been shown to affect the body. Some ingredients are not FDA approved.
Also, be aware of proprietary blends that do not disclose the ingredients. Undisclosed may either be unsafe or merely inactive ingredients that serve as a “filler.”
Be sure to research the brand or company of the testosterone booster. Some companies are more legitimate than others and have been known to produce quality products. Be sure you understand who the company or brand is and its reputation.
It is ideal for checking reviews. Reviews can help stay away from boosters with significantly large amounts of negative feedback about either the product or the company.
Finally, check the seller. Boosters can be bought from a variety of venues, including the Amazon marketplace. Not all of these sellers may be legitimate.
Be sure that you are purchasing supplements from a genuine seller. Buying from an illegitimate seller can be dangerous, as they may send you a different blend of ingredients that are unsafe or ineffective.
FAQs
What are natural testosterone boosters?
There are several ways to boost testosterone naturally. One is to exercise and lift weights. Studies show that active lifestyles promote testosterone production.
Particular food and ingredients can also promote testosterone production. These can include Vitamin D, Zinc, ginger, and ashwagandha.
Be sure to get enough potassium. Potassium is not only essential for heart health, but it is vital for hormone production and synthesis.
Additionally, getting enough rest can help balance the body and promote hormone production.
How long does it take for testosterone boosters to work?
The effects of testosterone boosters vary by person and by the kind of booster being taken.
On average, most users notice improvements and significant changes within 4 to 6 weeks. Some men note that they see small changes in the second week, but this is less common.
What are the dangers of low testosterone?
There are several significant dangers of low testosterone. Low testosterone can lead to mood changes, weak bones, changes in libido, redistribution of body fat, muscle weakness.
In extreme instances, it can lead to osteoporosis, increased injury, and muscle weakness.
Does testosterone help you build muscle?
Yes. The hormone testosterone helps increase muscle mass and control weight, increasing energy and muscle growth.
Do you need to cycle testosterone boosters?
Most testosterone boosters recommend cycling your boosters. Taking your boosters for long periods can result in damage to the body and adverse side effects.
Different sources and brands offer various recommendations.
Some sources recommend that you take boosters five days of the week and rest for two days. After one month, you then take one week off the booster to allow your body to reset.
Some brands recommend taking the booster for 48 days and then taking two weeks off.
A standard cycle is to take them for eight weeks and then cycle off for three to four weeks.
When should you take testosterone boosters?
Many brands recommend taking testosterone boosters in the morning. This is when testosterone levels and production is at their peak. This means that you are indirectly trying to convince your body to produce more.
You can also take your testosterone booster 30-45 minutes before a workout. It would be best if you gave your body time to digest the booster before your workout. Ideally, the booster will help your energy levels and gains during your workout.
Another option is taking the testosterone booster 30-45 minutes after a meal. Boosters may not work as well on a full stomach, so you should at least wait 30-45 minutes after a meal to take your T-boosters.
Takeaway: Time to Try Testosterone Boosters?
Testosterone boosters aim to help men promote the production of testosterone in their bodies. In doing so, they may see better muscle gains, improved muscle strength, and better recovery time.
However, boosters may help with the side effects of low testosterone, like changes in bone density and libido. It can also help with mood swings and confidence issues.
Since these are herbal, they offer a better alternative to more extreme methods like hormone therapy replacement. Always keep in mind your body’s needs and your goals. Testosterone boosters may be one way to help your body’s needs and goals intersect.
References:
Department of Reproduction Medicine, University of California San Diego. (1998). The effect of six months treatment with a 100 mg daily dose of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on circulating sex steroids, body composition, and muscle strength in age-advanced men and women. Clinical Endocrinology, 49(4). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9876338
Miner, M., Barking, J., & Rosenberg, M. (2014). “Testosterone deficiency: Myth, facts, and controversy.” Canadian Journal of Urology, 21(2), 39-54.
Nagulapalli, V., et al. (2017). A small plant with big benefits: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn.) for disease prevention and health promotion. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, 61(6). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28266134
Vaamonde, D., et al. (2012). Physically active men show better semen parameters and hormone values than sedentary men — European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology, 112(9).