What Are Testosterone Boosters?

Have you ever heard of testosterone boosters? What are they? Are they safe to use? Keep reading to find out all the answers.

What Are Testosterone Boosters?

Testosterone boosters are dietary supplements that contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, or any synthetic or natural substances that help stimulate the production of testosterone and increase its levels in the body.

While they are legally available in pharmacies and can be sold without a prescription, there is no strong evidence of their effectiveness. Some athletes may misuse them to enhance muscle growth and physical performance.

It's important to note that these boosters are different from testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which is a medical treatment prescribed by a doctor when blood tests show extremely low testosterone levels.

Who Needs These Supplements?

Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in males, playing a crucial role in muscle mass and strength, facial and body hair growth, bone development and strength, libido, and sperm production.

However, as men age, their bodies produce less testosterone. After the age of 30, testosterone levels decrease by 1-2% annually, and over 33% of men over the age of 45 may have levels below the normal range. Additionally, certain health conditions affecting the testicles, pituitary gland, or thyroid may lead to decreased testosterone levels in men.

In such cases, men may experience very unpleasant symptoms, including loss of muscle mass, increased breast size, difficulty concentrating, hot flashes, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, lower sperm count, smaller testicles, depression, and many other symptoms.

In these instances, these supplements may help increase testosterone levels and reduce the troublesome symptoms.

What Are the Benefits of These Supplements?

Testosterone boosters offer the following benefits for men with low testosterone levels:

• Increased sex drive.
• Improved sexual function.
• Increased bone density.
• Enhanced muscle strength and physical endurance.

What Are the Common Ingredients in These Supplements?

The following ingredients may help increase testosterone levels, so testosterone boosters usually contain one or more of them:

• Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng)

Three clinical studies found that men who took specific formulations of Ashwagandha supplements significantly increased their testosterone levels in the blood. Other studies and research have shown that these supplements also raised levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone after 90 days of use. 

However, more studies are needed to assess Ashwagandha’s effectiveness in larger groups of participants with different health conditions.

• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

Numerous studies have shown that dietary supplements containing DHEA, a hormone produced by the adrenal gland that is used to make both testosterone and estrogen, increase testosterone levels in the blood in both men and women.

• Zinc

Most testosterone boosters contain about 272% of the recommended daily intake of zinc. Low zinc levels have been linked to lower testosterone levels, so zinc supplements may enhance the long-term production of this hormone in the testicles, though there is no conclusive evidence yet.

• D-Aspartic Acid

This natural amino acid has been found in some studies to increase the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, which stimulate the body to release more testosterone.

• Magnesium

Taking magnesium as a dietary supplement has been shown to increase both free and total testosterone levels, although overall values might be higher in athletes.

• Fenugreek

The studies on the effectiveness of fenugreek in raising testosterone levels have yielded mixed results. In some studies, testosterone levels increased in 34% of men who took fenugreek supplements compared to those who took a placebo, but in other studies, no difference was observed.

• Maca

Most testosterone boosters contain maca, but so far, there is no evidence that it can increase testosterone levels. Additionally, scientists have yet to determine its standard and toxic dosage and evaluate its short- and long-term safety.

Side Effects of Testosterone Boosters

These dietary supplements are not governed by the same regulations issued by food and drug organizations as medications, so there is no guarantee of their effectiveness or the potency of the active ingredients. Additionally, some ingredients may interact with medications and cause undesirable side effects.

Here are some of the common side effects associated with ingredients found in testosterone boosters:

• Zinc: Can cause stomach problems, headaches, and dizziness. Taking it in high doses for long periods can affect copper and iron levels, leading to anemia and immune problems.
• Fenugreek: Affects white blood cells, leading to a decrease in their levels, which in turn affects immune function.
• Ashwagandha: Large amounts can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.
• Maca: May cause high blood pressure.
• DHEA: Increases blood pressure, lowers good cholesterol levels, and worsens hormone-related conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Natural Tips to Boost Testosterone Levels

Making lifestyle changes and adopting healthy habits can also enhance testosterone levels. Here are some tips:

• Engage in more physical activity, especially aerobic and anaerobic exercises, and weight lifting.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Follow a balanced diet of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
• Get enough sleep.
• Ensure adequate vitamin D intake.
• Quit smoking and avoid alcohol consumption.

Blazma offers tests to measure total testosterone and free testosterone levels, which may require fasting before taking either test.