Do Testosterone Boosters Really Work?

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 1 year ago · 4 min read

Many men today are looking for ways to boost testosterone, build muscle, and increase endurance. Because of this, many men turn to testosterone boosters. Testosterone boosters make many claims, promising increased muscle mass, increased bone density, and a higher sex drive. However, there’s just one question: Do testosterone boosters really work?

Experts say testosterone boosters are essentially “dietary supplements” that are made from natural herbs. Although many believe they are safe, the effectiveness and safety of testosterone boosters remain questionable. 

According to the Keck School of Medicine of USC, testosterone boosters might not have the ingredients necessary to increase testosterone and produce the results men desire. These findings are the result of a new study that found testosterone boosters to have minimal or no effect on boosting testosterone. 

Of course, it is important to first understand the importance of testosterone. Testosterone is the male hormone responsible for the development of male characteristics, such as facial hair and the Adam’s apple. It is responsible for a man’s strength and endurance and plays a vital role in sexual performance and libido. Despite a lack of evidence, many experts tout the benefits of testosterone boosters. 

These experts say that men who take testosterone boosters see increased energy levels, stronger and larger muscles, and a reduction in sexual anxiety. Despite these claims, testosterone boosters produce a number of negative side effects. These include acne, hair loss, infertility, and aggression. Loss of libido is another side effect of testosterone boosters. This in itself defeats the purpose of taking supplements that are believed to boost testosterone.

Testosterone boosters have enjoyed increased sales over the last 15 years. These supplements have grown in popularity, most likely because testosterone levels naturally decline with age. Testosterone levels drop by one percent every year starting at age 30.

Some medical professionals prefer to prescribe testosterone boosters for men aged 50 and above, because testosterone boosters can cause problems in younger men. These supplements can also cause testicular atrophy and breast enlargement in males. Even more dangerous side effects exist. These include:

• Increased red blood cell count. Taking testosterone can cause the body to produce too many red blood cells. This can raise your risk of developing heart disease, which can increase your risk of stroke and heart attack. 

• Hypertension. Hypertension burdens the heart and can cause a number of conditions, including coronary artery disease and hypertensive heart disease. This increases your risk of peripheral artery disease, aneurysm, and kidney disease. 

• An enlarged prostate. Testosterone boosters can cause the prostate to enlarge. This is quite painful and can make urination painful. Testosterone boosters can speed up the growth of prostate cancer tumors, if you have prostate cancer. If you want to take testosterone boosters, you may first need to get a prostate exam. Your doctor may even advise against you taking testosterone boosters.

• Liver problems. Consuming large amounts of testosterone can lead to liver damage and can cause serious problems when taken orally. 

These facts are troubling, especially when testosterone boosters are supposed to produce phenomenal results, boosting energy and increasing muscle mass. If you want to avoid these problems, you may want to think twice about taking testosterone boosters. They cause more harm than good.

If you are considering taking one of these supplements, it is important to be aware of the potential for side effects. If you are worried, but still want to boost testosterone, your doctor may suggest an alternative therapy. According to PubMed, testosterone boosters pose a number of dangers, despite being prescribed by a physician. Hepatic functions are often impaired by taking these supplements.

But the ultimate question remains: Are testosterone boosters all they’re cracked up to be? There are differing opinions on this issue. These supplements are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which may raise questions in the minds of many men. 

Because of this lack of approval, experts don’t know if they have a positive effect on physical endurance, appearance, or athletic ability. In fact, the American Urological Association says that testosterone boosters do not effectively treat erectile dysfunction, like many people believe. Men with low testosterone do not benefit if their only symptom is erectile dysfunction (ED). 

If you believe you may be suffering from ED, your best bet is to discuss it with your doctor. Testosterone is believed to be responsible for mental health, in addition to a man’s physical health. It is responsible for the development of a male’s testes and penis. Testosterone is also needed for fertility, as sperm is made in the testes. 

Of course, it is important to know what testosterone boosters are made of. According to experts, testosterone boosters come in herbal capsules and pills. Many claim that their ingredients raise testosterone levels. Experts say that these pills contain ingredients, such as zinc, Vitamin B6, boron, and magnesium. Some say that these supplements stop testosterone from breaking down.

According to experts, one study looked at the effectiveness of testosterone boosters and found that only a small percentage saw any positive change in male testosterone. This further proves that these supplements do not work in the way that manufacturers claim they do. 

 Some individuals experience edema or swelling of the feet as a result of taking testosterone boosters. Excess levels of testosterone can make the body hold onto extra fluid. Hypogonadism is another potential consequence of taking testosterone boosters. Anabolic steroids that can be obtained over-the-counter often result in serious side effects like hypogonadism. This is of particular concern, because hypogonadism is an ongoing problem, which can cause permanent health damage.

Another study looked at the effects of testosterone boosters and found that despite claims, testosterone boosters have no positive impact on erection quality. Male bodybuilders often turn to testosterone boosters. 

If you browse store shelves, you will find that these supplements come under a number of names. They come under names, such as tribulus terrestris, D-aspartic acid (D-AA), fenugreek, and ZMA. Ecdysterone is another brand of testosterone booster. At one time, a number of illegal muscle gain products were on the market. These supplements contained dangerous components, including steroids, hormones, and stimulants.

While many say that one’s sexual experience is tied to testosterone, this isn’t necessarily true. Research has found that sexual pleasure in both men and women stems from a number of other factors. Because of this, increasing testosterone levels may not be effective in enhancing libido and other sexual functions.

While many people may believe false promises about testosterone boosters, the proof is in the pudding. Many men experience serious side effects that remain with them for life. Although many of these side effects are not common, you should be aware of the possibility of developing them. Experts assert that those who take testosterone boosters are at an increased risk of injury, sleep apnea, and Polycythemia. 

Polycythemia is a condition in which red blood cells increase and cause the blood to become thicker. Be aware that testosterone boosters do not contain testosterone in themselves, but instead contain vitamins, herbs, and minerals that may not affect a man’s physical characteristics, sperm count, or muscle mass. 

Research has found that 90 percent of testosterone supplements claim to boost testosterone levels. However, studies have found that just over 10 percent of testosterone boosters consist of ingredients known to have a negative impact on testosterone production. Some testosterone boosters even contain ingredients that can hurt one’s health. 

These particular supplements contain more minerals and vitamins than guidelines deem healthy. As a result, taking these daily can cause more harm than good. So no, testosterone boosters don’t produce the benefits most people desire. 

While brands of testosterone boosters tout many benefits, it’s important to know the effects of each brand of booster. Zinc, a popular ingredient in these supplements, can lead to stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Vitamin B6 can cause heartburn if you take too much of it. Although Fenugreek is tolerated well by many people, it can cause nausea and diarrhea in some individuals.

Tribulus terrestris has been associated with reflux and stomach cramps. According to WebMD, tribulus terrestris may also lead to difficulties sleeping and irregular menstrual periods. This mineral is also associated with problems in fetal development. Some foods contain tribulus terrestris, and experts caution you not to eat too much of these foods. 

Magnesium comes with side effects as well. Although it is usually considered safe, magnesium can lead to muscle weakness, nausea, and low blood pressure if taken in large amounts.  

Since the effectiveness of these supplements is debatable, it is worth looking into the safety of these products. If you are not fazed by the potential side effects, try testosterone boosters.

However, if you value your health, taking them may be unwise. Testosterone boosters come with a number of other hidden dangers. These include an increased risk of chronic kidney disease and an increased risk of stroke or heart attack. 

However, many men, especially those over the age of 30 are lured in by the promise of higher testosterone, increased sperm quality, and increased muscle mass.   

16 Sources

Nu Image Medical has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.

https://www.sacbee.com/health-wellness/article261379487.html

https://keck.usc.edu/are-testosterone-boosting-supplements-effective-not-likely-says-new-study/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5870326/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535438/

https://www.choosingwisely.org/patient-resources/testosterone-for-erection-problems/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20355776

https://www.healthymale.org.au/news/do-testosterone-boosting-supplements-work

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5870326/

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https://onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com/uk/mens-health-advice/testosterone-boosters-erectile-dysfunction

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/testosterone-boosters-uses-and-effectiveness

https://www.newsobserver.com/health-wellness/article265483121.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycythemia

https://www.healthline.com/health/low-testosterone/do-testosterone-supplements-work#do-they-work

https://www.healthline.com/health/low-testosterone/do-testosterone-supplements-work#side-effects

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/tribulus-terrestris-uses-and-risks

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.