Testosterone production can be increased with dietary supplements known as testosterone boosters. They are a safe, natural and effective way to increase the levels of testosterone in the blood stream. The normal production of testosterone is highest between the mid-teen years and the age of 25 years. Each year after the age of 25 the normal levels of testosterone decrease rapidly.
Low testosterone levels may be more noticeable in some men than others, and in some cases the symptoms of low testosterone may go unnoticed for years. The most obvious symptoms of low testosterone are decreases in sex drive, energy level, muscle mass, and physical strength, as well as weight gain and sexual dysfunction. Natural testosterone boosters are an easy way to combat some of these symptoms.
The main active ingredient in most of the commercially available natural testosterone boosters is Tribulus. Tribulus is derived from a plant, and when it is taken for extended periods, it is known to enhance testosterone production. The amino acid D-Aspartic Acid is gaining popularity as a testosterone booster because it has been shown to enhance testosterone production. Some people may confuse natural testosterone boosters with prohormones or steroids, and most of the disparaging media coverage of supplements is linked to prohormones. Unlike natural testosterone boosters, prohormones are metabolized into anabolic steroids inside the body. The FDA is the process of reviewing the supplements that are currently on the market and they have begun to ban those that are considered prohormones.
Testosterone Booster Products
Table: popular natural testosterone boosters.
| Product | Support Goal | Main Ingredient | Directions |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tribulus Terrestris |
Build muscle |
Tribulus |
Take 2 pills per day with food. |
|
Hyper FX |
Improve workout |
Beta-Alanine |
Dissolve 1 scoop in 3 to 6 oz. of water and drink on an empty stomach at least 30-45 minutes before exercising. Do not exceed 2 scoops per day that are at least 4 hours apart. |
|
Bullet Proof |
Build muscle |
GABA |
Dissolve 1/2-1 scoop in 8-12 oz. of water and drink at least 30-45 minutes before bed. Take for 5 days. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep. |
|
APE |
Build muscle |
Fenugreek |
Take 2 pills in the morning for 5 days. |
|
Men's Virility Power |
Men's health |
Tribulus |
Take 1 pill with water at least 1 to 2 hours prior to bed. |
|
Pro Tribulus |
Build muscle |
Tribulus |
Take 1-2 pills daily with food or as directed by your doctor. |
Testosterone boosters are available for purchase at a variety of online suppliers, including:
- http://www.bodybuilding.com/
- http://www.gnc.com/home/index.jsp
- http://www.sixstarpronutrition.com/products/
Side Effects of Testosterone Boosters
When used correctly, testosterone boosters are relatively safe and they have only been linked to a few adverse side effects:
- Oily skin and acne.
- The retention of a small amount of fluid.
- Stimulation of prostate tissue, which leads to a decrease in the stream and frequency if urination.
- Enlargement of the breast.
- Exacerbation of sleep apnea
- Reduction in the size of the testes.
- More aggressive behaviors and waves of changes in mood.
Below are some of the physiological side effects that are only detectable using laboratory testing:
- Dysregulation of cholesterol levels and lipid levels.
- Elevated red blood cell count.
- Infertility due to decreased sperm count. (This is more common in younger men).
- Elevated PSA levels