What is a Testosterone Boosters? [Uses, Sid Effects + More]

So, what is a testosterone booster exactly? It is something you eat, is it something you drink, is it something you inject yourself with? Hey, perhaps you simply… INHALE it? These are real-world questions from real people, who happen to have absolutely no clue about what these supplements do and what purpose they serve.

Testosterone boosters are a specific category of dietary/sports supplements that are designed to enhance one’s own testosterone production naturally.

Also, there’s lots of confusion regarding natural products for increasing T levels and banned substances (e.g. steroids).

So let me clear something up  – testosterone boosters are NOT illegal and above all, they’re NOT anabolic steroids!

These products are perfectly legal to buy, natural and since all T boosters are supplements.

They’re regulated by the FDA (US food and drug administration) too and they are not considered drugs.

What Forms Do T Boosters Come In?

Well, some boosters come in tablet form, while others in the form of capsules and some come in powder form.

Even more interesting is the fact that there are even T-enhancing supplements that are sold in liquid form.

However, one aspect is shared among ALL of them though – they are all taken per orally (through the mouth)!

There are exceptions to the rule of course – let me give you a prime example.

EFX’s Test Charge is one of those extravagant T boosters since it comes in liquid, capsule and tablet form! Talk about being different.

Perhaps they should’ve added something to inhale in the formula.

These so-called boosters are a natural solution to a primal craving for many men – a way to up their testosterone production without resorting to harmful, synthetic substances.

We just don’t want to dance with the devil and join the dark side by introducing anabolic steroids or prohormones into our mortal bodies, right?

Testosterone boosting products are completely legal, and they are available without a prescription, which means that these supplements practically fall under the OTC (over the counter) category.

So you’re probably thinking that our manhood enhancing supplements are in fact as easy to get as your daily multivitamins? Boom, spot on!

What Do Testosterone Boosters Contain?

Here are 4 key ingredients that are part of many top-rated T-boosting supplements:

1. D-Aspartic Acid (D-AA)

It’s an acid (oh, really?), an alpha acid – in fact, it’s an alpha-amino acid.

Our bodies are producing D-AA on their own, and this is why it falls under the “nonessential” amino acids category.

Also, It can be primarily found in the testes.

Don’t let words like “nonessential” discourage you though.

This has to be a favorite of mine when it comes down to test boosters because It still has a major role In the synthesis of T in men.

The trick behind this acid is that It acts as a neurotransmitter that catches the signals from your pituitary gland.

Then it gives them a fast ride all the way to the Leydig cells located in your grapes which lead to the conversion of cholesterol into big old’ testosterone.

There’s a handy study done by some Italian folks, the conclusion being that D-AA did increase T levels of both pro athletes and guys with lower testosterone (1).

It should also be noted that the first group used DAA only short term for more optimal results, while the low T men were on D-Aspartic Acid for much longer.

I’ve taken quite a few supplements containing this type of amino acid, and I must say that I’m a total sucker for it!

• Also read: TestoGen Review

Some of the proven T boosters with clinically-backed doses of DAA include my personal favorite TestoGen – I did a complete 30-day cycle with it and totally loved it!

ZMA

Another strong player with a lot of experience in the field of testosterone supporting abilities.

This beauty of a supplement contains a smart combo of Magnesium, B6 vitamin and last but not least Zinc.

There’s clinical support to the supposed effectiveness of ZMA regarding its anabolic properties, apart from It often is referred to as being a viable sleep enhancer (2).

We all know that a positive impact on our sleep Is crucial for a lot of bodily functions:

From repairing muscle tissue from vigorous training to increasing GH (growth hormone) when its levels are at the highest point – during night time.

Also, these days It’s not too hard to experience a deficiency of two minerals mentioned in the text above.

For example, classic white bread and refined sugars can have an adverse impact on the values of Zinc and Magnesium in the organism.

That leaves little doubt as to why ZMA has been a staple in mоst guys’ T-boosting stack these days and what most manufacturers include in their formulas.

Vitamin D

We all love the beautiful sensation of the sun elegantly touching our skin, don’t we?

Argh, I’m sure that reading the last sentence completely shattered your testosterone production and all androgenic activities in your body came to a halt.

Good, this is where our dear buddy called vitamin D comes to the rescue!

Excluding the jokes but exposing yourself to direct sunlight (direct, not through your double glass windows) stimulates the production of this awesome vitamin.

To be more precise what proves to be most vital is the UVB (ultraviolet) concerning your body deciding to stack on some more Vit D.

Enough with general info as we move onto the good news for those of us looking at this fat-soluble vitamin as an additional weapon in our testosterone boosting arsenal.

When something is backed by research, it has the edge over other not-so-proven compounds.

Now, some German researchers found spectacular evidence about vit D’s T-boosting properties.

After prolonged use of this vitamin, men who supplemented with 3332 UIs every single day for a total of 365 days managed to raise their T by more than 25% than the controlled (placebo) group (3).

Also, other researchers came up to the conclusion that older fellows who take vitamin D have less chance of suffering from low T levels (4).

That’s more than enough proof for me. Vitamin D is a keeper in my book!

Fenugreek

Don’t make associations with the name.

It’s a plant that’s mainly produced in the far east, most notably in India.

That has got to be the new bad boy in the scene when It comes to raising your testosterone levels naturally.

That’s why I decided to leave It last because I wanted to give it the much-deserved attention!

Now, people In India are mostly using this as a way to spice up their meals and also for preparing curry.

But Fenugreek has not only taken the bodybuilding world by storm – it actually has proven benefits when it comes to natural male hormone optimization.

Inhibiting aromatase and reductase is another great aspect of Fenugreek.

Why? Because these enzymes breakdown testosterone in our bodies and we want less of that.

There’s a research done on the subject has concluded that the extract of this plant, does indeed elevate testosterone values (5).

And not only that, all of this comes with the added bonus of a decrease in body fat.

There’s also an increase in androgenic action that’s associated with Fenugreek use.

Speaking of body fat and body composition, there’s also a study exploring the possibilities of this great plant affecting muscle mass, strength and body fat (6).

Guess what?

The conclusion was a positive one, pointing out that the test subjects experienced an increase in muscle strength and an overall improvement in body composition.

For me personally, that’s more than enough to highlight the powers of Fenugreek and its testosterone boosting capabilities!

Are There Different Types Of Testosterone Boosters?

Yes, not all testosterone enhancing supplements are created equal.

While the purpose of all of them is to naturally optimize your T levels, there’s a difference in how they actually do that.

For example, these products have different formulations (ingredient profiles).

Generally, they can be put into two broad categories:

1. Multi-ingredient (they feature more than one key ingredient)

2. Single-ingredient (they contain only one key ingredient)

I believe it’s safe to say that combined products are much more recognizable, familiar and you are much more likely to run into one of these modern formulas that contain at least a few different T-boosting compounds.

Thus, taking into account the fact that two heads are better than one and we can clearly carry this wisdom into the world of testosterone enhancing products.

When it comes to testosterone boosters. more is better – especially when quality and quantity go hand in hand!

And this brings us to…

Are Multi-Ingredient T Boosters Better Than Their Single-Ingredient Counterparts?

Yes, multi-ingredient products have the advantage most of the time. That’s because they have more active ingredients that work in synergy to deliver better results.

What do I prefer though? My personal preference has always been (since the day I started supplementing with such products) multi-ingredient testosterone boosters!

Basically, something along the lines of TestoGen (also, don’t forget to check my detailed TestoGen review).

That is NOT to say that I’m totally anti-standalone versions of such supplements, it’s just that I believe in the saying “the more, the better.”

That does NOT apply to certain aspects though, like overweight ladies for example (sorry, it’s just not my thing).

And this fantastic conclusion brings us to another, a rather exciting and informative element related to today’s main topic: synergy!

What Exactly Does Synergy Mean – Can It Make A T Booster More Potent?

Synergy is a word that dates back to ancient Greece and it means “joint forces for optimal efficiency”.

In our case, when manufacturers formulate their products, they carefully combine different substances which act synergistically.

This way we can get more bang for our buck and last but not least – supplements that are more effective.

Of course, there are situations when you might want to buy a single-ingredient testosterone booster since you will know the exact amount of a given ingredient you are getting per serving.

That can prove to be worth it if, for example, you are only interested in a single substance and/or you absolutely require an accurate dosage.

Synergy = testosterone boosters that are more potent and powerful!

Note that some products are hiding behind proprietary blends, which is a problem since you don’t really know how much you’re getting of each ingredient.

Still, there are T-enhancers that get the job done, even without disclosing the separate amounts of ingredients inside.

Alright, moving on now – let me shed light on another tricky question regarding our topic:

How Long Does A Typical Bottle Of A T Booster Last?

Most of the modern test boosters last anywhere from 20 to 30 days, meaning that some of them will last an entire month.

And please, don’t think that it’s such a “brilliant” idea to not use the recommended dosage protocol.

Yeah, you might save a few bucks by taking only half a dose.

However, chances are you’ll be getting half the results too (if not even less)!

Been there, done that.

There’s a reason why (besides marketing) manufacturers put their recommendations for how to take your testosterone booster when to take it and so on to reap the optimal benefits from using it.

Especially big companies have whole laboratories, teams of scientists, doctors, nutritionists and other experts so one could assume that these fellows know a thing or two about the products they come up with.

You want to take the maximum quantity listed by the guys who formulated the stuff, to make sure that you’re receiving enough of the essential ingredients.

Some of them are even recommended to be used for 4-8 weeks if you want to get serious with elevating your primary male hormone levels naturally.

Don’t let this discourage you though! And please, always follow the suggested daily dose for optimum results.

Testosterone Booster Side Effects – Are There Any?

According to science (1), there might be certain side effects associated with these supplements under particular conditions.

Most notably – when consumers don’t follow the instructions given by the manufacturer on the product’s label.

Basically, there’s nothing concrete when it comes to studies and specific side effects that may result from taking test boosters.

There are only assumptions and some of the “experts” in the field even mention the following adverse effects:

• Acne

• Oily skin

• Liver toxicity

• Kidney damage

Of course, you might encounter these issues if you’re taking anabolic steroids, which affect the brain, as I’ve already mentioned in an article featured on Total Shape.

However, if you’re using supplements from a reputable brand and as per the directions on the label, I’m pretty sure that you’ll most likely not even encounter ONE side effect.

I’ve personally used countless of these products over the years and I don’t recall experiencing even a single adverse reaction.

How Do You Take Testosterone Boosting Supplements Though?

You take them by following the directions on the label, simple.

Every supplement has a recommended dosage and ‘how to use’ section, provided by the manufacturer.

So, please – guys, folks, ladies and gentlemen, every supplement meant to raise your testosterone naturally is unique and possesses its directions for usage.

There IS NOT a one and only method which works universally for every single product and me proposing a general technique for dosing your booster would be totally preposterous!

I’ve heard a dozen so-called fitness “gurus” throwing wild advice on how to dose your T booster actually, no matter what it contains or what’s written on the label.

I’m talking about ridiculous things like waking up at a particular time in order to take it, slapping yourself a few times then opening a bottle with your eyelids and such, before consuming the dose suggested to you by Mr. Know It All.

Okay, I probably went a tiny, little, insignificant bit too far with the last sentence, but my point is simple:

You should, without any doubt read labels and directions for the products that you’re buying – this apparently holds true for everything, not just testosterone boosting supplements.

Conclusion

I would be pretty glad If I managed to clear things out for you folks and also renounce general misconceptions concerning the King of Hormones and, more precisely my weapon of choice – T boosters.

From my standpoint, the mind-boggling question of what is a testosterone booster now has valuable answers provided for you.

Listen – testosterone boosters do work but they’re not miracle pills!

Whether you’re into boosters with loads of active ingredients or you’re a lone wolf who prefers singularity, it’s all up to you, fellows!

Just make sure you inform yourself well before you proceed to buy anything – that’s WHY I’m here, after all!

This reminds me of another subject that left uncovered in this piece of writing, but it doesn’t mean that I neglected it!

I’m sure that many of you are wondering –  are testosterone boosting supplements safe?

Yes, they’re perfectly safe since they’re 100% legal – as opposed to the harmful anabolic steroids.

If you want to discuss this (or that) further or just have a question, don’t hesitate to drop me a comment down below!

FAQs

What is a testosterone booster?

A testosterone booster is a type of supplement that is designed to increase the levels of testosterone in the body.

Testosterone is a hormone that is naturally produced by the body and is responsible for a variety of functions such as muscle growth, bone density, and sexual function.

What are the benefits of using a testosterone booster?

Some of the benefits of using a testosterone booster include increased muscle mass, improved bone density, increased energy levels, improved libido and sexual function, and improved mood.

Who can benefit from using a testosterone booster?

Testosterone boosters can benefit men who are experiencing low levels of testosterone due to age, stress, or other factors.

Additionally, athletes and bodybuilders may also use testosterone boosters to help improve their physical performance and achieve their fitness goals.

Are there any potential risks or side effects of using a testosterone booster?

Some potential risks or side effects of using a testosterone booster may include acne, hair loss, increased risk of prostate cancer, mood swings, and sleep apnea.

It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before beginning to use a testosterone booster to determine if it is safe and appropriate for you.

How do I choose the right testosterone booster for me?

When choosing a testosterone booster, it is essential to consider factors such as the ingredients, dosage, and the reputation of the manufacturer.

Moreover, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine if a testosterone booster is appropriate for you and to get recommendations on specific brands or products.