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Do any testosterone boosters work?

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.

keck.usc.edu - Are testosterone-boosting supplements effective?

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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.”

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What causes low testosterone in 30s?

Underactive testes, injury, illness, certain medical treatments, alcoholism, and obesity can all cause low testosterone. Low testosterone can also be caused by an underactive thyroid gland.

evexias.com - Developing Low Testosterone in Your 30s Can Happen: What You Can Do

Ken was 35 and he had a schedule. Five days a week, he went to the gym. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, he lifted weights. On Tuesdays and Sundays, he ran on the treadmill. This had been his system for years, and it kept him looking and feeling the way he wanted. Until it didn’t. Suddenly, Ken began struggling to get through his workouts and he was no longer reaching his fitness goals. At first he thought he was just under the weather, but fatigue and lack of energy were becoming persistent. After a few weeks of no improvement, he knew it was time to talk to his doctor and get to the root of the problem. That root turned out to be low testosterone (low T). Like most men his age, Ken would never have guessed he had low testosterone in his 30s. But low testosterone is common in younger men, leaving them with symptoms that make them feel much older than their years. Learning about the warning signs of testosterone deficiency in younger men can help you to recognize this very treatable condition.

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