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Are testosterone boosters a good idea?

Over-the-counter “T boosters” are a popular choice for men looking to raise their testosterone levels. However, new research points toward these supplements as having little or no known effect.

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Over-the-counter “T boosters” are a popular choice for men looking to raise their testosterone levels. However, new research points toward these supplements as having little or no known effect. Men who want to improve their libido or build body mass may want to think twice before using testosterone-boosting supplements — also known as “T boosters” — as research shows these alternatives to traditional testosterone replacement therapy may not have ingredients to support their claims, according to Mary K. Samplaski, MD, assistant professor of clinical urology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. “Many supplements on the market merely contain vitamins and minerals, but don’t do anything to improve testosterone,” says Samplaski. “Often, people can be vulnerable to the marketing component of these products, making it difficult to tease out what is myth and what is reality.” Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and the reason why men produce sperm and have Adam’s apples. It’s also why men develop more “masculine” features like bulging muscles, a deep voice, broad shoulders and a hairy chest. After age 30, most men experience a gradual decline in testosterone, sometimes causing these features to diminish or new symptoms to occur, like erectile dysfunction. In an attempt to turn back the hands of time, some men will turn to T boosters. Using a structured review approach, Samplaski and a team of researchers explored the active ingredients and advertised claims of 50 testosterone-boosting supplements. Their findings were published as an original article in The World Journal of Men’s Health. Researchers performed a Google search with the term “testosterone booster,” thus mimicking a typical internet search for someone looking to increase testosterone levels, and then selected the first 50 products that came up in their search. Then, the team reviewed published scientific literature on testosterone and the 109 components found in the supplements. Zinc, fenugreek extract and vitamin B6 were three of the most common components in the supplements. Of the 150 supplements, researchers came across 16 general claims to benefit patients, including claims to “boost T or free T”, “build body lean mass or muscle mass”, or “increase sex drive or libido.” While 90% of the T booster supplements claimed to boost testosterone, researchers found that less than 25% of the supplements had data to support their claims. Many also contained high doses of vitamins and minerals, occasionally more than the tolerable limit. Unlike medications, supplements are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure diseases, according to the FDA. As such, Samplaski would like to see more regulation around testosterone-boosting supplements to protect consumers. She also would like to explore disseminating handouts to her patients with more accurate information in the hopes that it encourages patients to seek a medical professional for low testosterone issues. While no one can escape the effects of aging, Samplaski says there is something men can do to address their concerns. “The safest and most effective way for men to boost low testosterone levels is to talk with a medical professional or a nutritionist.”

by Wendy Wolfson

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What are testosterone pills called?

Official answer. Brand names of testosterone include Androderm, AndroGel, Fortesta, Testim, Depo-Testosterone, Testopel, Aveed, Natesto, Vogelxo, Xyosted, Jatenzo, Tlando, and Kyzatrex. Testosterone is an androgen indicated for testosterone replacement therapy in males.

Brand names of testosterone include Androderm, AndroGel, Fortesta, Testim, Depo-Testosterone, Testopel, Aveed, Natesto, Vogelxo, Xyosted, Jatenzo, Tlando, and Kyzatrex. Testosterone is an androgen indicated for testosterone replacement therapy in males. It is used to treat male hypogonadism, a condition in which the body doesn't produce enough testosterone. Male hypogonadism may be congenital (present from birth), or acquired (from injury or infection). Testosterone is a Schedule III controlled substance in the Controlled Substances Act. Testosterone should always be stored in a safe place to prevent misuse. Testosterone is available in a number of dosage forms. Some branded products may also be available as a generic.

FDA Approved Testosterone Products

Brand Dosage Form Company Approved Androderm (testosterone) transdermal system (patch) Allergan plc September 29, 1995 AndroGel

(testosterone) transdermal gel AbbVie Inc. February 28, 2000 Aveed

(testosterone undecanoate) intramuscular injection Endo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. March 5, 2014 Depo-Testosterone (testosterone cypionate) intramuscular injection Pharmacia and Upjohn Company LLC July 25, 1979 Fortesta

(testosterone) transdermal gel Endo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. December 29, 2010 Jatenzo

(testosterone undecanoate) capsules Clarus Therapeutics, Inc. March 27, 2019 Kyzatrex

(testosterone undecanoate) capsules Marius Pharmaceuticals July 27, 2022 Natesto

(testosterone) nasal gel Aytu BioScience, Inc. May 28, 2014 Testim

(testosterone) transdermal gel Endo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. October 31, 2002 Testopel

(testosterone) pellet (implant) Endo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. July 13, 1972 Tlando

(testosterone) capsules Antares Pharma, Inc. March 28, 2022 Vogelxo

(testosterone) transdermal gel Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC June 4, 2014 Xyosted

(testosterone enanthate) subcutaneous injection (autoinjector) Antares Pharma, Inc. September 28, 2018

Discontinued Brands

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