Testosterone has become a real buzzword in the health community, with men (and women) all over the world concerned with maintaining healthy levels of the hormone well into their later years. There are countless techniques that people cite for naturally increasing testosterone, along with Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) being a medicinal approach to combatting hypogonadism.
But do testosterone supplements work?
Low testosterone supplements are marketed as a solution for subtly, naturally increasing hormone levels in the body to help with muscle development, erectile dysfunction and general mental wellbeing, amongst other things. These dietary supplements might make fairly impressive claims, but how much can you trust them to change your life? This article will explore the efficacy of supplements to increase testosterone.
How do supplements for testosterone “work”?
It’s important to recognise that over-the-counter (OTC) supplements for testosterone do not actually contain any testosterone. Rather, these solutions use vitamins, minerals and herbal ingredients that are chosen to increase the body’s natural testosterone production processes.
Some examples of OTC testosterone supplements include:
- Vitamin D3, which is meant to better stimulate the body’s natural hormone production
- Zinc, known as a core element of male reproductive health, protein synthesis and testosterone production
- Magnesium, essential to countless of hundreds of bodily reactions, allowing for more free testosterone to be bioavailable in the body
- Ashwagandha, known for its capacity to reduce stress and cortisol levels, both of which are known as testosterone suppressors
All of these minerals and compounds can enhance the body’s natural testosterone levels, however, that doesn’t mean that dietary supplements are necessarily going to be effective. In some cases, using an estrogen blocker for men may be suggested to support hormonal balance and ensure that elevated testosterone levels don’t convert excessively into estrogen.
Why you shouldn’t trust supplements that “boost” testosterone
Supplements, whether focused on testosterone or not, are generally not considered scientifically proven in terms of efficacy. That’s why you’ll notice that most supplements will be marketed with phrases like “could”, “shown to” and “in some cases”, rather than offering conclusive statements about efficacy. Yes, these products are generally backed by some degree of scientific study, but they’re not treated with the same sort of oversight as medicinal treatments and drugs.
Taking something like zinc, if it absorbs properly, could help to normalise your testosterone production levels, however, it’s not going to boost them to a life-changing, or even necessarily noticeable degree. Either way, the results are not consistent across all studies with dietary supplements, meaning nothing is “proven”.
Lack of regulation in supplements
The fact that testosterone supplements are generally not regulated under the MRHA, rather being classified under food law, is very telling. This means you can’t be certain of the ingredients’ potency, purity or effects like you should be able to with drugs or medical treatment.
Essentially, you shouldn’t take supplements to increase testosterone if:
- You have normal testosterone levels, as the supplements will basically offer no benefits – you’ll just be wasting money and time
- You’ve been diagnosed with Hypogonadism, as these supplements will not offer real medical relief for your deficiency
If you have a palpable deficiency, it’s important to take a more medicinal route in terms of testosterone hormone supplements.
Consider TRT
If you’re properly concerned about your testosterone levels, make sure to consult your doctor about it. If you’re diagnosed with hypogonadism, you may well be directed towards testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). This is the process of using proper drugs, such as:
- Gels
- Tablets
- Injections
- Patches
- Implants
These can medically enhance your body’s testosterone levels, helping to support more natural male sex hormone function. This is the pathway you should take if you’re looking for a genuine life-changing shift. If you’re concerned about testosterone, talk with your doctor and see what the right next steps are.
Some images courtesy of unsplash.com and pexels.com.
