In the muscle-building community and among men looking to boost libido, a testosterone booster is considered some sort of magic pill, which will cure all problems. In this case, reality is far from expectations. Not only are most testosterone boosters useless, but the important question to ask is whether testosterone boosters are safe. How do we know they are safe and effective? We did the extensive research, and this article presents all the facts that you should be aware of before ordering any testosterone booster.
What are testosterone boosters?
Testosterone boosters, as the name suggests, are a group of supplements designed to boost testosterone levels. They claim to help in building muscles, reducing recovery time, improving strength, and giving a strong boost to libido.
Testosterone boosters are divided into two categories. First is the natural or herbal testosterone boosters, which claim to have only herbal extracts, vitamins, and minerals. Second is the synthetic testosterone booster. Synthetic testosterone boosters are available only with a prescription. If you use them without a prescription, you will suffer the severe long-term side effects.
Who needs testosterone boosters?
Most men don’t need a testosterone booster. To know if you are experiencing low testosterone levels, you have to do a blood test that accurately measures your testosterone levels. The most common symptoms of low testosterone levels in men are:
- Fatigue
- Sudden weight gain
- Low libido
- Difficulty building muscles even after a strict workout
- Low energy, poor mood, lack of motivation
- Difficulty focusing on one task
Is testosterone booster safe for men?
Now, to answer this question, we will handle the natural and synthetic testosterone boosters in separate categories.
Natural testosterone Boosters: Natural testosterone boosters are plant-based supplements designed to boost T levels. It has a wide range of vitamins and minerals. So, if you are experiencing low T because of nutrient deficiency, then this might help.
A study published in 2024 showed that only 24% natural testosterone boosters have the right ingredients. Most of them are just multivitamins.
Natural testosterone boosters have very little risk of side effects. Most common side effects are:
- Digestive issues like bloating
- Nausea
- Allergy (in rare cases)
- Sleeplessness
- Oily skin, acne
Synthetic testosterone Boosters: These testosterone boosters are synthetic imitations of testosterone. These are known as anabolic–androgenic steroids. They do not help the body produce more testosterone. You cannot buy them over the counter; you need a prescription. Illegal use of synthetic testosterone boosters is rampant in the muscle-building community.
The long-term side effects of synthetic testosterone are:
- Shrunken Testicles
- Reduced Sperm Count
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Gynecomastia
- High Blood pressure
- Liver stress damage
- Aggression and violence
Now, when you compare the two types of testosterone boosters, you can see that natural testosterone boosters are far less likely to cause severe side effects. However, the results are definitely not as good as with a synthetic testosterone booster. In the end, the side effects outweigh the benefits of synthetic testosterone boosters.
What is the scientific evidence on testosterone boosters?
A study published on ResearchGate titled “Testosterone Boosters Intake in athletes: Current Evidence and Further direction” showed the positive effect of Tongkat Ali, fenugreek extract, and Ashwagandha. Further RCT (randomized control trial) needs to be performed to ascertain the benefits of individual ingredients.
Another report published on examine.com shows the positive effect of testosterone boosters. As per the study, men who are experiencing low T due to poor diet and lifestyle may benefit from the testosterone boosters with multivitamins and minerals. For a healthy individual, these supplements will do nothing.
An independent test published on Consumer Reports suggests that the majority of plant-based testosterone boosters do live up to expectations. Only 24% have the right ingredients, and only 10% give tangible results. So, it is important to pick a natural testosterone booster from a reputable brand with good ratings.
Benefits of Testosterone Boosters
- Promotes muscle building and may reduce recovery time
- Help manage hormone imbalance
- May improve energy level by boosting metabolism
- May reduce mental fog and improve concentration
- Few people reported reduced stress and improved motivation
- Can assist with erectile dysfunction
- Promotes libido without causing side effects
Expert opinion on testosterone boosters
Healthline expert Rachel Ajmera says, “It is okay to use a plant-based testosterone booster. Look for the ingredients like ashwagandha, fenugreek, and tongkat ali. Be cautious. Eat healthy and start working out. Supplements, when coupled with a workout routine, work best.”
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing, suggests a cautious approach. Instead of completely relying on supplements, add fruits, vegetables, and nuts to your diet that are known to boost natural testosterone production. Keep expectations realistic with testosterone boosters and take them in moderation.
Conclusion
Low testosterone can cause a wide range of problems. The tricky part is to know if you are experiencing low T. When confirmed with expert diagnosis, you can try the natural testosterone boosters. They are effective for some people, they cause zero side effects, and most of them are pocket-friendly. Avoid synthetic testosterone at all costs. Synthetic testosterone can cause severe damage to health. When using a testosterone booster, have realistic expectations and do proper research on ingredients before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is testosterone booster safe for daily use?
Natural testosterone boosters are good for daily use because most of them are just multivitamins. Synthetic testosterone boosters are not good for daily use.
Is testosterone booster safe for muscle building?
Yes, a plant-based testosterone booster may assist in muscle building and strength training. It may help with recovery time as well.
Who should avoid testosterone boosters?
Teenagers should avoid testosterone boosters at all costs. If you take prescription medication, you should consult with a healthcare expert before taking the supplement. Women, too, should avoid testosterone boosters.
Are natural testosterone boosters safer than synthetic testosterone boosters?
Yes, natural testosterone boosters are less likely to cause any health complications. Even if it causes any adverse effects, it will be manageable. Synthetic testosterone boosters are not good for your body; they have negative short-term effects in every way. Never take a synthetic testosterone booster without a prescription.
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