Testosterone boosters are popular supplements used by individuals on a daily basis. Some people use these boosters to naturally increase testosterone because of declining levels that can be caused by a variety of factors. Other users consume testosterone boosters for performance, strength and muscle building benefits that these products provide.
Trying to decipher a testosterone booster label can sometimes almost feel like trying to memorize or pronounce an entire book of herbal remedies and botanical names. Later in the blog you will find a list of herbal/plant extracts & ingredients that are commonly used in testosterone boosting products.
What are the signs of low testosterone levels?
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- Decreased muscle mass
- Increased body fat
- Decreased bone mass
- Mood changes
- Impaired memory
- Decreased libido
What can cause low testosterone levels?
There are a lot of factors that play a role in decreased testosterone levels. One of the current accepted causes of lower testosterone levels is aging. According to the information we have at the moment, it is natural for men to have decreased testosterone levels as they age. Obesity can also contribute to decreased testosterone levels as high body fat can affect hormone production and response. There are also medications that can cause decreased testosterone levels like opioid pain meds and steroids that can affect function of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Concurrent illness can play a role in lower testosterone levels. Severe emotional stress or physical stress from an illness or surgery can cause the reproductive system to temporarily shut down. Depression and stress also play a very big role in testosterone production effectiveness as well as some medications used to treat mental health problems.
What are the performance benefits of taking a testosterone booster?
- Can increase male performance.
- Assists in reducing abdominal fat.
- May increase muscle mass.
- Can increase strength & power.
- Better energy production and endurance enhancement.
Which ingredients are commonly found in testosterone boosters and what do they do?
- PrimaVie® (Shilajit extract): Can boost natural testosterone levels and improves physical performance abilities.
- Fenugreek seed extract: Can increase natural testosterone levels and reduces inflammation to speed up recovery.
- Boron (as Boron citrate): Amplifies natural free testosterone levels.
- ZMA (Zinc-magnesium aspartate): Increases sleep quality and helps to raise natural testosterone levels.
- Avena Sativa: Ability to possibly increase testosterone levels by enhancing LH (luteinizing hormone) release. It may have the effect of increasing free testosterone levels.
- Tribulus Terrestris: May increase natural testosterone levels & improve sleep quality.
How do testosterone levels impact sleep quality?
Men who have lower testosterone levels suffer from impaired sleep efficiency and have increased wake moments during sleep. They also experience less time in slow-wave sleep and experience more sleep time with oxygen saturation levels below 90%.[1]
Is testosterone level decline with age inevitable or can it be countered?
It was always believed that testosterone levels inevitably decline with age. Research from the Health in Men Study claims that “A decline in testosterone levels as men grow older is likely the result – not the cause – of deteriorating general health.” This could possibly change the way we perceive, treat and prevent low testosterone levels. They have also claimed, according to study information, that age was not a solitary defining factor of declining testosterone levels in older men, but rather other health problems caused by old age that has an influence on testosterone levels. More information on this study is available at its source, The Endocrine Society.[2]
The matter of fact
Healthy testosterone levels are crucial to male vitality, health and wellness. If you suspect that you may suffer from low testosterone levels, it is advised that you speak to a healthcare professional to determine the facts of your situation. Luckily, there are many solutions for men who do suffer from lower testosterone levels and such solutions can easily be applied to improve your quality of life.
References
[1] Barrett-Connor, E., Dam, T., Stone, K., Harrison, S., Redline, S. and Orwoll, E., 2008. The Association of Testosterone Levels with Overall Sleep Quality, Sleep Architecture, and Sleep-Disordered Breathing. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 93(7), pp.2602-2609.
[2] ScienceDaily. 2020. Older Age Does Not Cause Testosterone Levels To Decline In Healthy Men. [online] Available at: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110607121129.htm [Accessed 9 March 2020].