Radio, TV, and social media are rife with ads about “testosterone boosters”. These over-the-counter products usually make bold claims about their ability to boost a man’s testosterone levels.
It’s easy to understand why men find these products appealing:
- They’re easy to obtain online or in stores that sell supplements.
- They don’t require a prescription or a doctor’s visit.
- They entice men with big promises relative to muscle gains, sexual performance, etc.
But are these boosters too good to be true? And, more importantly, are they safe?
When it comes to these products, a little knowledge is a good thing…because it can keep you from making a potentially dangerous mistake.
So, what are the facts about testosterone boosters?
First: Why Testosterone is Important for Men
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It’s responsible for many important processes within the male body, including:
- Sex drive
- Sperm production
- Facial and body hair growth
- Muscle development
It also influences energy production, fat distribution, sleep, mood, and more. How much testosterone do men need? Unfortunately, just a little will not do. Men need plenty of testosterone to feel good and be healthy.
Meanwhile, testosterone production typically begins to decline during a man’s late 20s to early 30s…usually at a rate of about 1-3% per year.
By the time men are 40 or older, the effects of low testosterone become noticeable. They are likely to gain weight and lose energy. They may become irritable and could have trouble sleeping. And sex life can suffer in terms of libido, erectile function, or both.
No wonder those ads for testosterone boosters are so compelling.
OTC Testosterone Boosters…Hype vs. Fact
We’ve all seen the ads. A famous athlete tells a man how a “natural” testosterone booster will help him to lose weight, while gaining muscle, energy, and improved sexual performance. These ads often end with something like, “And she’ll like the results, too.”
The reality?
Research shows that these OTC testosterone boosters can sometimes raise your free testosterone level…but only by nominal amounts. In other words, this increase isn’t likely to be enough to effect how you look or feel. And those minimal effects don’t last very long.
And…men who take these testosterone boosters may risk their long-term health.
Because the FDA doesn’t regulate OTC products like testosterone boosters the same way they regulate prescription medications, what the label says is in the bottle may not be what’s really in the bottle.
And what’s actually in the bottle could be harmful. Men who have taken these products have reported health problems ranging from abdominal pain to liver and kidney damage.
To make matters worse, your body can become tolerant to OTC testosterone boosters over time, potentially lowering your natural testosterone production even further.
So…if OTC testosterone boosters don’t really work…and they are potentially unsafe…are there better ways to maintain healthy testosterone levels?
The Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone replacement offers several advantages over OTC testosterone boosters:
- Blood tests are used to confirm your testosterone levels before therapy begins. Periodic testing during therapy ensures that your testosterone levels stay within optimal ranges.
- Testing and therapy are medically supervised to avoid side effects and ensure your body gets the right amount of testosterone for you specifically.
- Testosterone by prescription is identical to the testosterone your body produces naturally on its own, making it as safe as your own testosterone, provided it is prescribed and administered correctly.
Men need healthy amounts of testosterone to feel good and to be healthy. Don’t let low testosterone slow you down. Find out if testosterone replacement is right for you. Call Renew Youth at 800-859-7511 or use our contact form to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.