What Are Testosterone Boosters For Men And Do They Work? – Introduction
It’s a hugely beneficial hormone for forming and maintaining male traits, controlling muscle mass, bone density, hair growth and libido, as well as sperm counts. Adult men’s testosterone levels naturally drop with age, which can result in low energy, muscle loss and decreased sexual vigour (as well as testosterone boosters). We will discuss what testosterone boosters are, how they function, and whether or not they actually reverse these side effects.
What are Testosterone Boosters?
Testosterone boosters are drugs which are intended to help you increase your testosterone levels. They typically consist of a combination of natural compounds like herbs, vitamins and minerals that have been said to boost testosterone production in the body. Some of the most popular testosterone booster ingredients are D-aspartic acid, fenugreek, and tribulus terrestris.
How Do They Work?
Testosterone boosters vary based on their composition. Some may act by inducing the pituitary gland to release more luteinizing hormone, which in turn causes the testes to produce more testosterone. Others prevent testosterone from being converted to estrogen and increase the body’s total testosterone levels. Some testosterone boosters also work by inhibiting sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that attaches to testosterone, rendering it unavailable to the body.
Do They Work?
The effectiveness of testosterone boosters is much debated. Though some studies have reported a slight boost in testosterone levels for men who take these supplements, not all studies are the same. What’s more, the majority of research has been on small samples of men, so it’s hard to know for sure. Moreover, the long-term side effects of testosterone supplements are also not fully understood because the vast majority of trials have only been for a short amount of time.
In addition, the effectiveness of testosterone boosters can also depend on the individual’s testosterone levels. For example, men who have low testosterone might be more likely to increase testosterone than men who have normal or high testosterone. In addition, testosterone supplements may not work in men who suffer from a medical issue that’s leading to their low testosterone levels.
Potential Side Effects
Although testosterone boosters are generally safe, some people may develop adverse effects.
1. Acne and oily skin
Most likely, the most frequent side effect to emerge from the use of testosterone enhancers is acne and greasy skin. High testosterone is accompanied by increased and hyperactive production of sebum, an natural body oil produced by the sebaceous glands that keep the skin hydrated. But too much of this sebum can clog pores and produce acne vulgaris. Testosterone enhancers can exacerbate acne or otherwise oily skin in people who have it. With proper skin care and surveillance of skin changes, those side effects can be expected with these supplements.
2. Prostate Problems
Prostate Health is another major problem associated with taking testosterone boosters. Specifically, testosterone is not responsible for prostate cancer, but excessive testosterone levels may encourage the expansion of prostate cancerous tumours. Higher levels of the hormone lead to BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition characterised by a larger prostate gland. BPH has life-changing symptoms that can cause you to strain when you urinate, produce weak urine, or urinate on a regular basis, including noturia. For men who are over 50 years old or who have a family history of prostate cancer, it is recommended to seek advice from a medical doctor before starting testosterone supplements.
3. Testicular Atrophy
A further dangerous side-effect of increased testosterone is testicular atrophy, or testicular senescence. Every time the body gets a boost of testosterone from outside, in feedback loops, it tells the testicles to shut down. In time, this drop in production can lead to a shrinkage of the testicles that is frightening for those experiencing it. Beyond its aesthetic implications, the condition can influence fertility and hormone levels. So the benefits should be balanced with possible risks that testosterone boosters can pose.
4. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is another of the biggest risks of testosterone boosters. Sleep apnea is a chronic disorder characterised by repeated, sleep-threatening breathing stops; the snorer may complain of noisy snoring, and may feel tired throughout the day and lack of alertness. Research has shown that testosterone therapy can put you at higher risk of sleep apnea, especially if you are overweight or have family medical conditions. The risk of this side-effect is something you must keep in mind if you’re taking testosterone boosters and pay careful attention to how you sleep.
5. Liver Toxicity
Liver is a crucial organ and many boosters, particularly anabolic steroids, can damage the liver. It’s your liver that converts and flushes testosterone and other water- and fat-soluble nutrients. The excess testosterone that comes from external testosterone overloads the liver, which can cause liver toxicity, such as inflammation, scarring or, if severe enough, liver failure. But liver toxicity is also normal when you’re using a synthetic version of anabolic steroids – not natural testosterone boosters.
Conclusion: What Are Testosterone Boosters For Men And Do They Work?
In essence, testosterone boosters are drugs that claim to raise men’s testosterone levels. Although there are studies with modest increases in testosterone, the effectiveness of the testosterone supplements is a matter of controversy. Most importantly, the long-term effects and potential side-effects of such supplements are poorly understood. Any healthy individual should always consult with a doctor before beginning to take any testosterone booster supplement of any kind to make sure it’s okay to take and track potential side effects. Moreover, a healthy lifestyle, including exercise, diet, and adequate sleep can actually enhance testosterone levels naturally in men.
