Supplements that are meant to naturally stimulate our testosterone production have been around for a while now. And they’ve gained a lot of popularity as a natural alternative to anabolic steroids. But many people don’t know the mechanics behind these products. So, how does a testosterone booster work?
A testosterone booster works by increasing the body’s own ability to release more testosterone.
This is achieved through specific, powerful, natural and evidence-based ingredients.
The ingredients used in this type of supplement are typically herbs, plants, amino acids and other natural compounds.
Moreover, T boosters don’t work like anabolic steroids in the sense of adding the synthetic lab-made form of the hormone testosterone to the body.
This is also one of the main advantages to using a supplement i.e. a T booster instead of replacing your hormones with their artificial counterparts.
What is a Testosterone Booster?
A testosterone booster is a type of herbal dietary supplement designed to stimulate testosterone production in the body.
These products do this by utilizing 100%-natural ingredients and compounds ranging from different herbs and plants to amino acids.
They come in various forms, although the most common ones used are:
- Pills (tablets)
- Capsules
- Powder
- Liquid (drops)
Despite all the variations, you’ll find that most of the popular and proven T boosters come in capsule form.
- Also read: What is a testosterone booster?
Capsules are also arguably the most stable, convenient and easiest to consume.
What do Testosterone Boosters Contain?
Testosterone boosters contain different natural ingredients meant to work in synergy (to complement each other) for maximum effectiveness.
The most common ingredients contained in quality T boosters include:
- D-Aspartic Acid – An alpha amino acid that’s produced by the body in small quantities. Research data shows that DAA boosts T levels through the Leydig cells (1).
- Fenugreek – This is a plant that’s mainly found in India. Relevant studies reveal that this potent plant can not only increase T but also lead to more frequent morning erections (2).
- ZMA – This is a combination of 2 minerals and 1 vitamin: Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin B6. Studies suggest that ZMA has a positive impact on testosterone production (3).
- Ashwagandha – An ayurvedic herb that’s commonly referred to as Indian Ginseng. Research claims that this herb can boost T by almost 15% after 16 weeks (4).
- Vitamin D – A fat-soluble vitamin that our bodies make when the skin is directly exposed to sunlight. Scientific data reveals that supplementing with Vit D for 1 year increases T levels by 25% (5).
Overall, as you can see these supplements contain only natural things.
There’s no synthetic T or anything related to steroids since testosterone boosters are labeled as supplements, not banned substances.
What are the Benefits of Taking Testosterone Boosters?
The primary benefits generally associated with these supplements include:
- Improved libido and sex drive
- Increased sperm count
- Elevated mood and more energy
- Harder erections
- Increase muscle strength and mass
- Reduced body fat levels
All of these pros are directly connected to having higher levels of T circulating throughout your body.
After all, the primary male hormone plays a vital role in crucial aspects such as muscle and bone mass, sex drive and mood among others
You should expect better results from popular and high-quality testosterone boosting supplements.
Despite this, you still can’t expect anything extraordinary from these dietary supplements.
Natural compounds like herbs and plants can only do so much, although research-based ones do work.
What is the Best Testosterone Booster on the Market?
Our current top recommendation as the best testosterone booster on the market is TestoGen.
I’ve personally tried this product and it made me feel like an alpha male with all the added benefits like better erections, more energy etc. I do believe that it’s better than the other top supplements in this segment.
This is a testosterone triple-action product that’s made of 11 science-backed natural ingredients that are both safe and effective.
These ingredients are meant to all work together to provide many amazing benefits associated with higher T levels, such as:
- Improved sex drive, libido and harder erections
- Increased muscle mass and strength
- Elevated mood and energy levels
- Decreased body fat
You can expect to start seeing results around 2 weeks after starting to take this supplement, although, as you might imagine, this can vary from person to person.
For me, the results kicked in shortly after I started taking the capsules and I didn’t encounter any side effects apart from having more aggression.
But keep in mind that having higher T levels makes you feel and act more dominant so that’s generally to be expected.
And last but not least, make sure to follow the official directions for use:
- 4 capsules daily, taken 20 mins before breakfast
Testosterone Boosters Side Effects – Are There Any?
Testosterone boosters are typically very safe and shouldn’t lead to any adverse reactions.
However, specific research data on the safety aspect of these supplements is scarce.
There’s a 2018 case report that focuses on T boosters and how they affect body functions in which the authors suggest that further research on the subject is needed (6).
Nonetheless, the same study still mentions that even supplements acquired from trusted sources may still carry certain side effects.
But that’s more the exception than the rule when it comes to modern, high-quality supplements.
I’ve personally had my fair share of testosterone boosters and I didn’t encounter any particular side effects apart from maybe increased aggression at times.
Just make sure you stick to the recommended dose and that you’re using a proven, quality booster and you should be just fine!
FAQs
1. What is a testosterone booster?
A testosterone booster is a supplement that is used to increase the level of testosterone in the body.
Testosterone is a hormone that is primarily produced by the testicles in men, but is also produced in smaller amounts in women’s ovaries and adrenal glands.
Testosterone is responsible for the development of male characteristics such as muscle mass, strength, bone density, and sex drive.
2. Do testosterone boosters make your balls smaller?
No, testosterone boosters are a type of dietary supplement that are completely natural.
They don’t contain any synthetic hormones like anabolic steroids.
This makes them safe to use as T boosters will not replace your body’s own testosterone with its artificial version.
Anabolic steroids use leads to testicular atrophy i.e. your balls shrink.
The reason for this phenomenon is quite simple – your own T production is shut down once you introduce abnormal quantities of this hormone through injections or other means.
And since T boosters don’t actually shut your own production down, they don’t cause the dreaded testicular atrophy.
3. What is a good age to take testosterone boosters?
A good age to begin using a T-boosting supplement would be 30 and beyond.
That’s because we men may see a decline in testosterone levels of roughly 1% yearly after we reach the age of 30.
However, we’re all different and some guys may have lower levels even in their 20s, while other men could have very high levels even in their 50s.
- Also read: Normal testosterone levels for men
Regardless, you should be above 18 years of age by all means before you think about using any supplements, in my opinion.
The human body is still developing during puberty and there’s no need to stimulate your hormones any further as they’re most likely already sky-high.
4. How to increase testosterone without supplements?
These are the best tested and proven methods for naturally boosting testosterone levels without steroids, supplements etc.:
- Engage in strength training
- Try lowering your stress levels
- Get some direct exposure to sunlight for more Vit D
- Avoid junk, processed foods and alcohol
- Get enough restful sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours
Clearly, your lifestyle plays a major role in your hormones and testosterone is no exception.
5. What are the benefits of taking a testosterone booster?
The benefits of taking a testosterone booster may include increased muscle mass and strength, improved bone density, enhanced sex drive and sexual performance, and increased energy and stamina.
Testosterone boosters may also help to reduce body fat, improve mood and cognitive function, and promote overall health and well-being.
6. Are there any risks associated with taking testosterone boosters?
While testosterone boosters are generally safe when used as directed, there are some potential risks associated with their use.
These risks may include acne, hair loss, prostate enlargement, and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking any testosterone booster to determine if it is safe for you.
7. Who can benefit from taking a testosterone booster?
Men who have low testosterone levels or who are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, such as decreased sex drive or erectile dysfunction, may benefit from taking a testosterone booster.
Additionally, athletes and bodybuilders may use testosterone boosters to enhance muscle mass and performance.
However, it is important to note that testosterone boosters are not a magic solution and should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program.
Conclusion
Hooray, now you know how a testosterone booster works and how it can help you.
Testosterone-boosting supplements work by making your body produce more of the primary male hormone – testosterone.
There’s no doubt that this class of dietary supplements has improved quite a lot in the last few years.
These products are now more effective, safer and more available than they’ve ever been.
And they can be a great alternative to their synthetic and more harmful counterparts (steroids), although T boosters will also never be as effective.
Now – have you ever used a T booster and if you did, how was it?
But if you haven’t, are you considering trying one?
Don’t be shy and leave your answers in the comment section below!
I’ve been fascinated by natural male hormone optimization since 2016. And ever since I’ve been going through boatloads of different meta-analyses and scientific data associated with increasing testosterone levels naturally. I hold a PhD degree in public health and have 10+ scientific publications on Google Scholar. Thus, in my collective work here you’ll find helpful tricks, natural remedies, detailed product reviews (including stuff I’ve personally tried)… and more!