The supplement market is fast becoming the efficient dispensary we've all been waiting for, with accessible treatment options that are effective and easy on our pockets. Over the years, I've seen many supplement options hit their rise and fall, but one option that stayed on a constant rise is testosterone boosters. Boosters are the go-to solution to testosterone decline, some even prefer its use over synthetic testosterone replacement. In fact, statistics show that Americans spend $12.8 Billion on "natural products," and testosterone boosters form part of that natural product category, but are they really effective?
Let's find out below:
The Issue with Low Testosterone Levels
Low testosterone is a condition that occurs when the testicles don't produce enough testosterone. It can be caused by several issues, like aging, health issues, and injuries affecting the testicles, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus. Once testosterone levels fall below normal levels, you may experience symptoms such as:
These symptoms can start out mild at first and worsen as time goes and the decline is not corrected. This will negatively affect both the body and mind, pose increased health risks, and affect your overall quality of life, so seeking a solution to the decline is important.
What are Testosterone Boosters
Testosterone boosters are dietary supplements that can be accessed without a prescription. They are often used as the first line of treatment for mild testosterone decline and are quite effective in their function. There are several brands of testosterone boosters on the market, all of which use a different blend of natural ingredients to increase testosterone production—they do not contain actual testosterone. The increase in testosterone production naturally brings testosterone levels to their peak restoring proper levels of the hormone and reversing the symptoms the decline came with. Testosterone boosters are considered a safer option due to their lower risk profile.
What are the Main Benefits of taking a T-Booster
The main benefit of a testosterone booster is, of course, a boost in testosterone. But is that all testosterone boosters do? After examining manufacturer claims, I found that testosterone boosters do far more than just restore testosterone levels to their former glory. In fact, some men use them primarily for their extra benefits rather than their ability to boost testosterone levels.
Let's look at some of these benefits below:
Boosts sex drives
Studies showed that men with ideal testosterone levels were more interested in sex and engaged in more sex than those with lower levels of the hormone. This leads to positive health benefits like improved moods, self-esteem, heart health, immune system, blood pressure, and more.
Decreased body fat percentage
Regulated testosterone levels increase calorie burns, decreasing body fat percentages. This positively affects physical functionality and lowers health risks. This benefit also lowers blood vessel strain and improves blood flow, leading to better cognition.
Improves bone density, muscle growth, and strength
Studies show that testosterone increases muscle mass by increasing muscle protein synthesis. It also increases muscle strength and functionality. This allows the body to take on more physically—higher intensity exercise and weight lifting, which leads back to sustaining this benefit and keeping testosterone levels at their peak.
The boosts can also be used to maintain ideal testosterone levels if you are threading over 30 and can be taken to improve energy and moods as well. This has a domino effect on individuals' well-being and overall health.
The Ingredients are the Game Changers
Testosterone boosters are made with a blend of natural ingredients that support each other in testosterone elevation. But that's not all they do. Almost all the ingredients in testosterone-boosting supplements have several uses, expanding the booster's benefit list and opening up use to those looking for a testosterone elevation paired with other positive physical and mental changes.
Below I list the most common ingredients used in testosterone boosters:
D-aspartic acid
D-aspartic acid stimulates hormones to release high amounts of testosterone and growth hormones which improves testosterone levels and muscle growth. Studies have shown that D-aspartic acid supplementation can lead to significant increases in testosterone levels in both athletes and sedentary men. Due to its strong ability to enhance testosterone levels, D-aspartic acid has become one of the most popular ingredients used in testosterone boosters.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is another popular ingredient in testosterone boosters. This herb promotes free serum testosterone levels and enhances strength. It may also help lower body-fat ratios and increase muscular endurance. Overall, fenugreek is considered a safe and natural supplement for boosting T levels and improving athletic performance. You can find out more about the beneficial effects of the ingredient here.
Zinc
Zinc improves immune system function and helps enzymes build proteins beneficial for muscle growth and functionality. It also helps the body maintain peak testosterone levels long-term.
DHEA
DHEA increases free testosterone levels while improving energy, physical abilities, sex drives, and focus.
Boron
Testosterone levels can reach their peak with just a week of boron supplementation. The ingredient's positive influence on testosterone levels and the body also affects muscle development and strength.
These ingredients and thousands of others in nature are the turning page for testosterone elevation. In the right doses, they are completely effective, safe for short- or continuous long-term use, and pose no threat to the users.
Pros and Cons of Testosterone Boosters
Pros
Cons
Possible Side Effects
I found that the risk of side effects with testosterone boosters is actually quite low, and none of them came with a list of severe side effects or risks. However, the possibility of side effects is low. It's not impossible. Some mild, fleeting side effects can occur while the body is becoming familiar with the effects of the testosterone booster. These side effects include gas, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and digestive issues. These side effects are typically not cause for concern, but if they become unbearable, I suggest discontinuing use.
TRT vs. Testosterone Boosters
TRT with testosterone boosters are both used to correct testosterone decline, so I can completely understand why these treatment options are confused at times, but there are definitely marked differences between them, and they aren't the same. One of the first differences lies with access—TRT requires a doctor's approval and prescription, while testosterone boosters can be bought over the counter and require no consult. TRT is also FDA-approved, while testosterone boosters aren't.
Let's look at some other notable differences below:
Testosterone Boosters | TRT |
|---|---|
Used by anyone who has symptoms of testosterone decline or desires the effects/benefits of the booster | Only used by those diagnosed with testosterone decline |
Contains natural ingredients | It contains synthetic components made in a lab |
Available in capsule and tablet form | Available in several forms |
Low side effect rate | High side effect rate |
Works by boosting the production of testosterone | Works by replacing testosterone with synthetic compounds that mimic testosterone function |
In my opinion, testosterone boosters and TRT are both in a league of their own and cannot be put up against each other simply because they are aimed at two different user groups.
Final Thoughts
Whether you have testosterone decline or have been experiencing some symptoms linked to it, testosterone boosters are a great choice to get your testosterone levels back to their peak. Boosters are available in several different blends with additional effects that can help boost energy, improve sex drives, grow muscles, and more, opening up use to everyone seeking their benefits. I recently posted an article about the Best Testosterone Boosters, which you can find here, to help you choose a brand and formula that best suits your needs.