Testosterone supplements are products that boost this hormone in the body. Testosterone, an androgen hormone, promotes masculine characteristics in the human body, including muscle growth, deep voice, and facial hair. Although it’s the principal sex hormone in males, it’s also present in females but at lower levels. Healthy levels vary due to several factors, including age. However, experts describe low testosterone levels as below 300 nanograms per deciliter.
Understanding Testosterone and Its Role
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in men. Although everybody produces this hormone, males have it in higher quantities. Its role includes promoting the development of reproductive tissues in makes, including the prostate and testicles. It also promotes secondary sexual characteristics, including increased bone mass and muscle. Other roles of this hormone include promoting:
- Hair growth
- Hair distribution
- Libido or sex drive
- Reproductive tissue health
The body has varying testosterone levels throughout the day. Usually, it’s at its peak in the early mornings. Moreover, its levels fluctuate during a person’s life span, declining as a person ages. Thus, most people have low libido later in life, softer muscle tone, and fewer firm erections.
Learn more: What is Testosterone? Uses ,Benefits and Side Effects
Factors Affecting Testosterone
Several factors may affect this hormone’s level, leading to the need for a testosterone booster supplement. Researchers have established that its levels decrease by 1.28% every year. Here are the primary factors affecting testosterone levels.
- Hypothyroidism
- Obesity or being overweight
- Disorders affecting the pituitary gland
- Type 2 diabetes
- Undescended testicles
- Genetic disorders like Klinefelter syndrome
- Some medications, including chemotherapy and opioid pain relievers
Testes injuries, underlying medical conditions, and some medications are the primary reasons for low testosterone. Also, adrenal gland tumors, medical conditions, and the use of anabolic steroids can cause high testosterone levels.
Uses of Testosterone Supplements
Some people fix the low level of this hormone by increasing their intake of testosterone boosting foods such as fatty fish, eggs, avocados, berries, and dark, leafy vegetables. However, some turn to over-the-counter supplements. These are artificial or natural substances that increase testosterone levels. They include the following:
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
TRT is a conventional treatment for people with low testosterone. It replaces the testosterone the body fails to produce. Some of the TRTs on the current market include injectable testosterone, transdermal testosterone, and oral testosterone capsules.
Testosterone Boosting Supplements
The current market has supplements that may increase testosterone levels in the body. They include D-aspartic acid and dehydroepiandrosterone. D-aspartic acid, an amino acid, creates and releases several hormones, including testosterone. Dehydroepiandrosterone is a steroid hormone that the adrenal glands produce. It’s a precursor hormone with minimal effects until the body converts it into hormones like testosterone and estrogen.
Some people may increase testosterone supplements intake to treat primary hypogonadism. Primary hypogonadism is a condition where a person has underactive testicles. Also, these supplements can help with secondary hypogonadism, a condition where a person has a low testosterone level due to a damaged hypothalamus or pituitary gland.
Also, some people take these supplements to increase sex drive, build muscles, improve sexual performance, feel younger, enhance mood, or increase energy levels. Some active ingredients in these supplements include zinc, vitamin B6, fenugreek, magnesium, diindolylmethane, and boron. Most people consider supplements with such ingredients safe.
However, discussing the supplements you want to take with your haircare provider is always a good idea. Also, it’s crucial to adhere to the dosing guidelines to avoid an overdose. Remember, authorities like the Food and Drug Administration don’t regulate or evaluate supplements like medications. Hence, determining the safety and effectiveness of some supplements may need further research. Reading reviews and ensuring a product has undergone third-party testing can help you choose a quality, safe product.
Side Effects
Some supplements that purport to boost testosterone levels can have the following side effects, depending on the dosage.
- Fenugreek: It may cause diarrhea and nausea for some users.
- Zinc: It may cause vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
- Boron: Excess amounts can cause kidney problems, headaches, diarrhea, and vomiting.
- Magnesium: Excess magnesium can cause vomiting, low blood pressure, nausea, and muscle weakness.
- Tribulus terrestris: It has minimal adverse effects but may cause reflux and stomach cramps.
- Vitamin B6: Too much of it can lead to heartburn and nausea.
- DIM: It can cause headaches and gas.
Taking the appropriate dosage without exceeding the RDA can prevent these side effects.
Conclusion
Men’s testosterone supplements can increase this sex hormone’s level in the body. However, their effectiveness and side effects depend on the ingredients, dosage, and the reasons for using them. Consulting with a doctor is always crucial before using any supplement, especially when undergoing any treatment with other drugs. It helps determine whether testosterone supplements are ideal for you. Moreover, your healthcare provider will guide your usage to ensure they help you without causing any side effects.
