In the last several years, and, more specifically, with the development of testosterone in a form that simplifies administration and dosage, our understanding of low testosterone in men has changed. Science has proven that raising testosterone helps promote muscle growth, enhance mood and increase libido. Recent estimates show that approximately 13 million men in the United States experience testosterone deficiency and less than 10% receive treatment for the condition. [1] How exactly do testosterone boosters work? Are they healthy? Are they even legal?
What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a powerful anabolic hormone that stimulates and controls the development of different organs such as muscle, bone, skin, sex organs, and other masculine physical features. Males produce testosterone in the testes through a group of cells known as the Leydig cells. They begin secreting high doses of testosterone during puberty to trigger the growth of lean muscle mass, sex organ development, bone formation and higher energy levels. Testosterone levels peak during a man's early- to mid-twenties.[2]
Testosterone: Effects On Humans
Prenatal effects:
- Genital virilization
- Development of prostate and seminal vesicles
Early postnatal effects:
- Adult-type body odor
- Increased oiliness of skin and hair, acne
- Axillary hair
- Accelerated bone maturation
Advanced postnatal effects:
- Increased libido and erection frequency
- Pubic hair extends toward umbilicus
- Facial hair
- Chest hair
- Subcutaneous fat in face decreases
- Increased muscle strength and mass
- Deepening of voice
- Growth of the Adam’s apple
- Growth of spermatogenesis tissue in testes, male fertility
- Shoulders widen, and rib cage expands
- Completion of bone maturation and termination of growth.[2]
As a man ages, the amount of testosterone produced by the Leydig cells decreases. Science has proven that by the age of 60, the average man will have lost nearly 50% of his testosterone supply.
Not only age interferes with testosterone production. Other factors such as stress, lack of sleep, physical inactivity, the use of prescription medication and drinking alcohol can also cause testosterone levels to decline significantly.
Symptoms of testosterone deficiency
Symptoms of testosterone deficiency include [3]:
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Low sex drive
- Irritability
- Loss of facial or body hair
- Thinning or wrinkling of skin
- Weight gain
- A weakening of both bone and muscle tissue
- Disrupted body's blood sugar metabolism
- Obesity
- Diabetes
Therapeutic Use Of Testosterone
Testosterone was first isolated from a bull in 1935, and since then it has been found in many pharmaceutical forms, and they include:
- Injectable (such as testosterone cypionate or testosterone enanthate in oil)
- Oral (Andriol)
- Buccal (Striant)
- Transdermal skin patches
- Transdermal creams or gels (Androgel and Testim)
The original and primary use of testosterone is for the treatment of males who have too little or no natural endogenous testosterone production, in other words, men with hypogonadism. Other medical conditions treated with testosterone are [4]:
- Infertility
- Lack of libido or erectile dysfunction
- Osteoporosis
- Penile enlargement
- Height growth
- Bone marrow stimulation and reversal of anemia
- And even appetite stimulation
Because one of testosterone's biggest impacts is its effect on sexuality, doctors often administer testosterone to female-to-male transgender people as part of hormone replacement therapy.
How Do Natural Testosterone Boosters Work?
Since the time testosterone supplements have been invented, the use of testosterone boosters has been a very controversial issue among the bodybuilding community. Although steroid boosters were illegal at the beginning, due to technology, there are many simulated testosterone boosters, which are now legal and do not have nasty side effects.
Many serious bodybuilders take such supplements so that they can increase their strength and size. Some people, however, don’t use them just for gaining muscle weight, but also because of the increased sex drive they experience while on them.
Many experts and doctors disagree with this type of testosterone boosters usage. They say that even though they are natural, they are not needed to boost your strength and that the same results can be achieved naturally with a little bit more effort.
Close Monitoring
If you decide to take testosterone boosters, you should first make sure that you visit a doctor before you begin taking anything. The doctor will give you a physical exam and tell you what supplement if any, you can use. The majority of testosterone boosters are potent, and your doctor will probably have to monitor you as you are taking them.
Just because they are legal, it does not mean they are completely safe.
How to naturally raise testosterone levels?
However, there are several ways to increase your testosterone levels naturally so that you can look and feel better.
Particular kinds of food
Several types of research on this subject have been conducted and the conclusion is that you can raise testosterone levels if you eat the right kinds of foods.
Proteins in eggs and whey allow the adrenal glands to keep the levels of testosterone in the body steady. Fruits and vegetables can also have a positive effect on the levels of testosterone in your body. If you are overweight, lose some weight: fat contains enzymes that convert testosterone to estrogen, which means that having a lot of fat in your body increases the chances of developing low testosterone levels. Eating meat can also help you raise your testosterone levels. The protein in nuts can also be very beneficial for elevating your testosterone levels. Studies have shown that nuts, especially peanuts, spike testosterone levels better than other foods. [5]
Weight bearing exercises
Most experts say that weight bearing exercises or strength exercises are an excellent way to increase the levels of testosterone in your body. Train large muscle groups like legs and back in combination with smaller muscle groups to get the maximum effect of these muscular activities on your testosterone levels, instead of training one or two small muscles. Instead of doing many repetitions with a weight that you easily lift, do five repetitions with a weight that's hard for you to lift. Warm up your muscles first, of course. [6]
Limit your alcohol intake
One proven method of increasing your testosterone levels is to limit the amount of alcohol you consume. Alcohol makes your body slow down its production of testosterone and also other hormones because it is busy processing the alcohol to clear it out of your system. The conclusion is straightforward: cut down on drinking, and you will probably seriously boost your testosterone levels. [7]
A lot of sleeping at night
Scientific research shows that people who get a good night’s sleep are able to maintain higher testosterone levels than those who are sleep-deprived. If your testosterone levels are low, try changing your sleeping habits to get a better night’s sleep. [8]
What about marijuana?
To claim that in a real life setting a single herb would be powerful enough (extracts were applied on rodents in studies) to significantly boost or stop muscle growth or have other serious consequences is beyond the scope of my understanding. [9]
Not So “Natural” Alternatives
Since the last couple of years, the so-called steroid "alternatives" are being heavily marketed in strength magazines for men. The ingredients of these supplements include "Glandulars”. What exactly are Glandulars? These are ground-up animal hearts, livers, spleens, brains, pituitary glands, adrenal tissue, and bull testicles. These substances, often mixed with who knows what, are said to boost testosterone. The majority of doctors are strongly against these supplements.
The most famous boosters are filled with bull testicle extracts, under the explanation that they are filled with testosterone which is wrong because testicles produce testosterone but do not store it.
Some of the most famous such products are BSN, T-bomb, Hot Stuff Super X, Alpha Male, Leukic, 6-OXO, Animal Stak 2 and many others, just to mention a few.