A variety of pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements are available to help raise testosterone levels in males. Symptoms of low testosterone may be rather varied, however there are negative side effects associated with artificially elevating testosterone levels.
So, what exactly is testosterone?
The androgen hormone testosterone is responsible for the maturation of traits often associated with masculinity. These traits include beard growth, deep voice, and increased muscular mass.
Although testosterone is more prevalent in men than in women, women do have some of this sex hormone.
There are several facets of human biology that are affected by testosterone.
- Lean Muscle
- increased density of bone tissue
- Distribution and patterning of Hair Growth
- sexual desire, or libido
- Female reproductive tissue health
- male genital development
There are a number of variables, including age, that influence what constitutes a “normal” level of testosterone in humans. Reduced testosterone is defined as 300 ng/dL or less by the American Urological Association.
Total testosterone levels between 264 to 916 ng/dL were found to be within the normal range in a 2017 study of men aged 19 to 39. According to the data, anything above this is considered to be very high.
Hypogonadism, or low testosterone levels, may be the result of illness, medicine, or trauma to the testes. High testosterone levels may also be caused by medical conditions or the use of anabolic steroids that target the adrenal glands
Increase in testosterone levels is defined as
In this context, “testosterone booster” or “testosterone supplement” may refer to either a naturally occurring or synthetically created chemical that increases testosterone levels. Potential examples of this are:
Replacement of Testosterone (TRT)
Androgen replacement therapy, or TRT for short, is a medical solution for low testosterone levels. It helps since it contains testosterone that the body would normally produce but isn’t. Possible Trusted Sources for TRT
Testosterone injections
Testosterone esters are found in injectable testosterone preparations including testosterone cypionate (Depo-Testosterone) and testosterone undecanoate (Aveed). Esters are organic compounds found in living organisms.
This type of testosterone is suitable for injection into the buttocks. These injections are given at intervals of two weeks to four weeks, depending on the advice of the treating physician.
Androgens applied topically
Medicated patches (Androderm) and gels (AndroGel) are two examples of transdermal testosterone delivery systems.
The testosterone concentration of Androderm patches ranges from 2 mg to 5 mg. One 4 mg patch once every 24 hours is the initial dosage. Clean, dry skin on the back, thighs, belly, or upper arms is ideal for this.
Both 1% and 1.62% concentrations of testosterone gel are commercially marketed. Initiating the 1% formulation calls for a single morning application of 50 mg. Their hormone levels will determine the optimal dose.
Injectable or pill form of testosterone
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized JatenzoTrusted Source, an oral testosterone tablet, for treating hypogonadism caused by underlying medical problems. Due to an elevated risk of cardiovascular events, the FDA does not endorse Jatenzo for treating age-related low testosterone.
Jatenzo comes in three dosage strengths: 158 mg, 198 mg, and 237 mg. The suggested starting dose is 237 mg, taken twice a day for 7 days. Clinical research showed that after receiving therapy, 87% of males had testosterone levels within the normal range.
Once blood testosterone levels have been monitored for a week, a physician may make dose adjustments accordingly. The possibility that Jatenzo raises blood pressure is another concern.
Supplements that increase testosterone levels
In theory, taking a testosterone supplement may boost a man’s natural production of the hormone. Potential examples of this are:
The D-aspartic acid
D-aspartic acid (DAA) is an amino acid involved in the production and secretion of a variety of hormones.
Increased production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone is the result of DAATrusted Source’s action on the hypothalamus (GnRH). The presence of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) triggers the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland, which in turn stimulates testosterone synthesis.
Dehydroepiandrosterone
DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is an adrenal-secreted steroid hormone. Until it is converted into other hormones like estrogen or testosterone, it has no noticeable effects.
DHEA is a common component of pills used to increase testosterone levels.
Reasons why someone could utilize them
A person may decide to utilize testosterone supplements for a variety of reasons. Among them are:
- primary hypogonadism treatment
- Gaining muscular mass; lifting weights
- enhanced sexual desire
- Raising a person’s sexual potential
- experiencing the rejuvenating effects of time
- increases vigor
- elevating spirits
Testosterone-Affecting Factors
Testosterone levels may be affected by many different things. A decrease in the hormone’s production is a normal consequence of becoming older. Two hundred and seventy-one healthy guys, aged 40 to 70, were tested for testosterone and DHEA in a 2016 study (Reliable Source).
Over the course of the study’s duration, the participants’ testosterone levels reduced by 1.28% each year, while DHEA levels dropped by 3.52%.
Causes of low testosterone levels may include:
- issues with the pituitary gland
- hypothyroidism
- a second-generation form of diabetes
- meaning you’re overweight or obese
- Genetic diseases such as Klinefelter syndrome
- Undescending testicles
- drugs including morphine and heroin, chemotherapy, and other medicines
Effectiveness
Even while TRT is beneficial in treating low testosterone, it may not always go to the root of the problem. When hypogonadism is brought on by obesity, metabolic issues, or the thyroid, a doctor may prescribe dietary adjustments and additional medication.
Seven randomized controlled studies including 788 aging men with low testosterone levels were coordinated in a 2018 report (Reliable Source). Over the course of a year, the subjects were given either 1% AndroGel or a placebo.
It seems that modest increases in sexual function, bone density, and red blood cell count were achieved by testosterone therapy. Mild enhancements in walking distance, mood, and depressive symptoms were seen in the testosterone therapy group.
In a 2017 publication, researchers analyzed the results of 27 animal and human trials on the effectiveness of d-aspartic acid (DAA).
Testosterone levels were shown to be elevated in DAA-treated animals. The outcomes from human studies, however, were inconsistent. Possible explanations include individual variations in age, degree of physical fitness, and baseline testosterone, as well as the study’s inherent limitations.
Depending on the dose, a 2015 studyTrusted Source found that DAA supplementation had either no impact on testosterone levels in 24 guys who had engaged in weight training for at least two years.
In 2013, researchers summarized their data from 25 RCTs on the impact of DHEA supplementation on 1,353 males. The scientists conclude that it caused slight decreases in body fat without affecting testosterone levels.
Reflections on 2018
There is some evidence that DHEA supplementation raises testosterone levels, according to a reputable source.
Benefits
Individuals suffering from low testosterone levels may get the following advantages from using testosterone boosters:
- improve sexual desire
- revitalize sex life
- Improve Your Muscle Power and Endurance
- stronger, denser skeleton
Although testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been shown to ameliorate the symptoms of hypogonadism, it is unclear whether or not it will have the same impact in men whose testosterone levels are decreasing naturally.
Risks
Side effects associated with TRT include:
- acne
- disordered breathing during sleep or apnea
- Holding hold to fluids
- hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Enlargement of the Prostate and Breasts
- Sperm count decline
- increasing numbers of erythrocytes
Pain, swelling, and bruising at the injection site are possible reactions to testosterone injections. The application site may also respond negatively to testosterone gels and patches.
Treatment with TRT is only recommended by the American Urological Association in cases when low testosterone (below 300 ng/dL) is accompanied with symptoms of hypogonadism. Unfortunately, TRT’s potential advantages may not be worth the hazards involved.
Since testosterone supplements are not regulated by the FDA, there is a broad range in terms of quality, purity, and dose.
Some drugs promoted as testosterone substitutes or used in bodybuilding have been linked to the following side effects, as reported by the FDATrusted Source.
- acne
- Thin Hair
- fluctuating emotions
- more fighting
- depression symptoms
- Damage to the kidneys
- liver disease
- a higher probability of developing cardiovascular disease
Alternatives
In order to boost testosterone levels naturally, you might try the following:
- participating in more physical pursuits
- weightlifting
- by consuming an appropriate amount of complex carbs, healthy fats, and lean protein
- sleep quantity and quality
- Taking up more vitamin D