Testosterone is one of the most important hormones in the male body. There are quite a few important processes that testosterone is crucial for, and a lack of testosterone causes some very unpleasant side effects.
Testosterone booster supplements are very popular due to the fact that they can help resolve mild to light testosterone deficiency. Still, with supplements that impact such an important chemical in our body, we need to ask the question about age limits on these supplements.
The relationship between testosterone and age
Both men and women become testosterone deficient as a consequence of age. They do so at different ages, though. Women start losing a bulk of their testosterone production capabilities after menopause as their ovaries are responsible for the production of the hormone.
Men, on the other hand, produce a lot more testosterone but start losing 1% of their total testosterone per year after they hit 35. This isn’t a precise number, as lifestyle choices and other factors may increase the loss or reduce it, but the fall is inevitable.
While females can also experience testosterone deficiency, their symptoms are a bit different than those in men. Male symptoms are a bit more intense and diverse as testosterone has more functions in the male body. A deficiency in men can lead to all kinds of problems, including erectile dysfunction, depression, issues with concentration, issues with energy and prolonged fatigue, fall of muscle mass, and even osteoporosis.
Why teenagers should avoid these supplements
In puberty, males experience the largest boost in testosterone in their life as the body gets signals it is maturing and that it’s ready to develop male features. Testosterone is directly responsible for the start of sperm production, the development of pubic hair, the changing of the voice, and so on.
Now, putting testosterone supplements into this already testosterone-heavy state of the body may mess up a lot of things. Boosting testosterone beyond the safe limits has its negative effects, but it may also signal to the body that it is time to produce less of it, which is catastrophic for a teenager as it may stunt their development.
If, for some reason, a teenager doesn’t get the changes in their body that lead to further development and a spike in testosterone, visit a pediatrician. Don’t attempt to resolve the issue by giving them testosterone boosters or other supplements. These are serious situations that require proper medical attention, not homebrew and improvised solutions.
When should I start?
This question has a very open-ended answer as it depends on when you start experiencing a deficiency. People getting a deficiency in their 20s is a rarity, but it is not unheard of as there are some conditions and lifestyle choices that can lead to that. More commonly, testosterone deficiency happens to people who are 35 and above, with an emphasis on the above. Experts claim that after the age of 35, men tend to lose around 1% of their total testosterone per year, which can be aggravated to start earlier or go down at bigger percentages.
Either way, you should be aware of what symptoms come with testosterone deficiency and see if you have any symptoms. In most cases, more than one symptom manifests, and if you determine you have one, some go see a doctor and get tested. The reason why we suggest this is because many of the symptoms associated with testosterone deficiency are also common in other health issues, so there might be some confusion there.
Why should I start?
There are several issues that can be resolved by using testosterone boosters. They are supplements with many active ingredients, all of which have secondary benefits for our bodies besides boosting testosterone. These are the three most common issues that can be resolved by using testosterone boosters:
1. Low testosterone
Of course, low testosterone levels are the first thing that we need to mention. We’re not going to discuss it in detail as we already mentioned some of the more important things related to testosterone. We’re just going to point out that testosterone boosters can help with light to mild testosterone deficiency. Severe cases may require TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) or some other medication, so rely on your physician for these cases.
2. Exercise boost
Elevated levels of testosterone help with exercise and muscle development. When exposed to the stress of exercise, our bodies raise testosterone levels on their own. Testosterone is a big part of protein synthesis which is crucial for muscle building. Testosterone is also great for motivation and energy, both of which contribute to exercise consistency and success.
3. Low libido
A common issue with a lack of testosterone is decreased sexual desire and an unstable libido. More serious cases can even lead to erectile dysfunction even. While the ingredients of testosterone boosters are there to help produce the hormone, many of them are also known for helping improve libido in men (Ginseng, Ashwagandha, etc.). The rise of T levels will also boost sexual performance and libido.
Other effects may depend on the symptoms of T deficiency you are experiencing. If you are feeling depressed, that might go away; if you are low on energy, you might get some pep in your step; if you lack focus, that might improve, and so on.
Are there any risks associated with them?
Testosterone boosters are categorized as supplements. This means that all ingredients used to make them are approved by the FDA. Testosterone boosters are marketed as natural, and rightfully so, as they are made from natural ingredients like plants, extracts, and concentrated substances drawn from natural sources.
Using these supplements may lead to some light side effects that include some digestive discomfort, nausea, and some other mild discomforts. The specific side effects may vary depending on the specific formula of your favorite brand.
Can women use them?
Testosterone has its roles in the female body, and some pretty significant ones at that. It contributes to a healthy female libido while also regulating bone renewal and the repair of the female reproductive organs.
Not all testosterone boosters are suitable for women despite these facts. Still, there are brands that are well-balanced and can be used by the ladies as well. Just make sure you get confirmation that their formula is suitable for women before you buy.
Alternatives to testosterone boosters
Well, you can go for taking separate supplements you like instead of a specialized mix of ingredients. TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) is another option, but this is reserved for more extreme cases of testosterone deficiency.
We have to specify that there are some lifestyle changes that can really have a big impact on testosterone levels.
Exercise
For example, if you start doing resistance training or HIIT (high-intensity interval training), you are going to get significant spikes in your testosterone.
Weight Loss
If you are overweight, you are going to get a boost in testosterone levels if you lose that weight. Fat tissue is known to release enzymes that convert testosterone to estrogen, which contributes to the deficiency.
Dieting
A proper diet can also help a person establish a hormonal equilibrium.
Sleeping
Getting your sleep schedule in order is also a big deal, as lack of sleep negatively impacts your testosterone levels.
Still, when it comes to lifestyle changes, even testosterone booster manufacturers will recommend you make those adjustments to achieve better results. Realistically, testosterone boosters are there to help you, but a supplement will do little to alleviate destructive lifestyle choices.
Conclusion
The recommended age for taking testosterone boosters is 20+, just to be safe. In practice, though, they are more commonly taken by people who are older than 35 and have a deficiency of the specific hormone. Even athletes use them quite often to boost their testosterone levels to the upper ranges of normal so as to get improved results from their training.
These supplements are used in particular situations and by people with specific needs — age has less to do with it. The only important thing is not to take testosterone boosters if you are under 20 years of age and are still developing without explicit permission from your doctor.