Testosterone is often used as a synonym for masculinity. This hormone takes care of potency and is also responsible for many of men’s qualities, such as strength, power, endurance, body hair, thick voice, and many others.
What Do You Need To Know About Testosterone?
Here is what you need to know about testosterone. Testosterone is a steroid hormone that affects a man’s sexual function and sperm production, as well as muscle development, prostate formation, bone density, and facial and body hair.
It also affects the production of red blood cells. The hormone is produced mainly in the male testicles but is also synthesized in small amounts in women.
Growth hormone and testosterone are the two most essential hormones in terms of muscle growth, recovery, good looks and sexual power.
One of the most important differences between the two hormones is that growth hormone builds and causes the body to build new muscle cells.
At the same time, testosterone stimulates this process, but does not in itself build muscle tissue. That is why these two hormones have taken together form this powerful combination, which is the basis for muscle mass development.
Do not take testosterone-stimulating products if:
- You have cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- Kidney failure and kidney problems
- Endocrine diseases
What Are Its Normal Levels?
During men’s development, testosterone levels rise during adolescence and early adulthood. However, after the age of 30, they slowly begin to decline, averaging about 1% per year. This is the aging process. And if it goes so gradually, everything is fine.
The lower limit of testosterone levels is about 300 nanograms (0.0000003 grams) per deciliter (dl), and the upper limit is about 1000-1200 nanograms per dl.
A distinction must be made between a normal decrease in testosterone over the years and an unusual level for a given age, as well as a sharp drop in the hormone. In this case, it is necessary to do research to understand the reason for this rapid aging of the body.
What Can Cause Testosterone Deficiency?
- The disease of the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, or testicles
- Type 2 diabetes
- Too low-calorie intake
- Chronic medical conditions (liver or kidney disease)
- Overweight
- Hormonal disorders
- Infections (such as meningitis, syphilis, etc.)
- Taking certain medications (drugs, chemotherapy)
- Zinc deficiency in the body
- Presence of excessive amounts of iron in the body
Decreased production of hormones by the gonads is called hypogonadism and requires treatment. The decrease in testosterone levels may be directly due to reduced hormone synthesis in the testes, as well as impaired pituitary function.
Testosterone treatment helps with hypogonadism, but there is debate about whether it can reverse or slow testosterone depletion as a normal effect of aging.
The results of various studies are contradictory, and it is difficult to make definite generalizations about the use of testosterone in otherwise healthy men with normal indicators.
Injections, gels, patches can administer such therapy. Testosterone is rarely used in pill form, as it can have a negative effect on the liver or stomach. The other drugs mentioned enter the circulatory system directly.
Different effects are observed during the treatment:
- Enhanced erection and libido
- Better durability
- Increase muscle mass and reduce fat
- Increase in bone density
Risks and side effects of such therapy:
However, like any hormone therapy, this one has its risks. Especially with long-term treatment. Among them are:
- Enlargement of the prostate (a potential prerequisite for the development of prostate cancer)
- Infertility
- Reduction of sperm production and contraction of the testicles
- Increased red blood cell production (may be a factor in increasing the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems)
- Skin problems (acne)
- Hair loss
- Before starting testosterone therapy, be sure to consult a doctor and evaluate the relationship between possible side effects and benefits.
What Are Testosterone Boosters?
Testosterone boosters are taken by athletes of all ages who want to increase lean muscle mass, but the need for such supplements must be determined individually.
Studies show that taking testosterone stimulants at the age of fewer than 20 years is not recommended due to the still unstable hormonal system and normally high levels of sex hormones.
Taking certain supplements at a young age can upset the unstable hormonal balance in the body and lead to unwanted side effects. It is also inappropriate for girls to take such supplements in connection with the development of masculinization (appearance of secondary male sexual characteristics).
Theoretically, men between the ages of 30 and 40 benefit most from the use of testosterone boosters due to progressively declining testosterone levels. In them, increasing testosterone levels will help increase muscle volume and have a beneficial effect on sexual function.
In bodybuilding, testosterone stimulants are often taken to normalize testosterone levels after the use of anabolic steroids.
Our Top 5 Testosterone Boosters For Men Over 50
1. Testogen
We are starting off our ranking in no particular order. Our first product is Testogen. This natural testosterone booster contains D-Aspartic Acid (2352mg), which enhances testosterone production. Magnesium (200mg), Vitamin D3 (50mcg).
This product is made up of only natural ingredients, making it a safe additive that you can add to your daily supplements. The product promises that it will help you gain a lot of muscle mass even after your prime age. It also promises that you will recover your sexual prowess.
The product recommends a dose of 4 capsules a day for optimal results.
Pros:
- An all-natural product without any artificial substances.
- They are offered in multiple bundles for a more significant discount.
- Free Worldwide Shipping
Cons:
- Expensive if bought outside the bundle
- A lot of negative reviews on amazon
2. Prime Male
Prime Male is the next product on our list; it is also a product containing only natural ingredients. It contains D-Aspartic Acid Calcium Chelate (D-AA-CC) 1,600mg, which stimulates the male testes into producing more testosterone. It also includes BioPerine, Boron.
It promises to boost your testosterone by double in 3 and a half months. The product is advertised to people that need a little help in their fitness journey, losing weight, or becoming a Prime Male.
Aside from that, It claims to improve your mood and to improve memory and brain function.
Pros:
- 100% natural ingredients
- Priced very competitively
- A page full of testimonials
Cons:
- Only sold in bundles
- Some people report side effects
3. Maximum Strength Pure LongJack Extract
Our next product differs slightly from the previous ones as it is not a pill. It comes in the form of a powder that you ingest. It claims that one teaspoon of it equals to conventional testosterone pills.
It claims to contain. It only contains LongJack Extract, no additional GMO, Additives, or Soy.
Pros:
- No Additives, GMO or Soy
- All Natural Ingredients.
- Comes in as a Powder
Cons:
- Not a lot of studies backing it up
- People report that it has an unpleasant taste
4. Nugenix Testosterone Booster
This testosterone booster comes in the form of a pill and claims to make you stronger and increase your libido. Unlike other products, it does not go on to make bold claims like making you 42 years yonger.
It contains all natural ingredients and offers you the choice of subscribing for an auto-delivery each month. It is rated as a 4.5 star on the website without significant complaints, although some people doubt its usefulness.
Pros:
- All-natural ingredients inside
- Auto subscription to a monthly re-delivery
Cons:
- Some reviews report no effect
- No Studies backing the product
5. NOW Sports Nutrition, Tribulus
Tribulus Terrestris is used to increase muscle mass and strength. It is rich in steroidal Phyto saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids.
The active substance Tribulus is derived from the herb Tribulus Terrestris, which was known in ancient Greece, India and Africa.
It is observed that the increase in testosterone is up to 40%. The increased level of testosterone has a positive effect on the increase in testosterone.
Pros:
- Scientifically backed up
- Highly rated
- All-natural
Cons:
- Reviews report side effects
- Mainly for people who train
Natural Ways To Increase Testosterone
Before thinking about serious therapy to deliver testosterone to your body externally, it is advisable to know about the natural ways to increase this hormone. Here’s what you can do to boost your body’s testosterone production:
Maintaining your physique
Firstly start by assessing your physical condition
Note: Overweight and obesity are some of the leading causes of low testosterone levels.
Metabolism continues to decline and work less efficiently if no action is taken as the body produces more aromatase. This enzyme binds to the testosterone molecule and structurally converts it to another hormone, estradiol.
Experts say that the first sign of whether a person has a severe problem with their hormone levels is overweight.
If you think you can’t make a good self-assessment and don’t know how to take the first steps, it’s best to contact a professional to guide you.
Avoid overly processed and prepared foods
As mentioned, being overweight and obese are common causes that lead to lower testosterone levels.
Changing your eating habits is one of the best things you can do to achieve optimal hormone levels, but also to protect yourself from various diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
The first step you can easily take is to replace processed and ready-made fast foods with healthier choices. Consider such suggestions in the related article.
Eat foods in their closest natural state (as much as possible)
This refers to the restriction of foods with excess sugar, trans fats, hydrogenated fats, preservatives and others – ingredients added artificially to foods and beverages.
Try to include more:
- Clean and quality meat, fish
- Vegetables and a moderate amount of fruit
- Complex carbohydrates such as rice, potatoes, oatmeal
- Raw nuts and seeds
- Unrefined fat such as olive oil , coconut oil
Avoid external sources of sugar (added sugar)
This includes sugars added to processed foods (including high-fructose corn syrup used in natural juices and other beverages) as well as other artificial sweeteners.
If you need a suggestion to replace the frequent use of sugar, try Stevia.
Stevia is an herb that can provide more sweetness than sugar, contains no calories and does not cause a reaction in blood sugar.
Eat healthy fats
Omega 3 fatty acids are mainly associated with benefits for testosterone levels .
They can be found in eggs (yolk), algae, oily fish, mussels, as well as in plant sources such as flaxseed, hemp, walnuts, and others.
A few egg yolks a day (2-4) is enough to get the required amount of cholesterol, which in turn is an important building block for making testosterone.
Taking omega 3 fatty acids as a dietary supplement is an easy and affordable way to add more of your valuable fats and improve your health.
Drink more water
Water consumption and good hydration are a major factor in any healthy diet, regardless of goals.In addition to good hydration, you will receive other benefits, such as regulating the feeling of hunger.
If you weigh 70 kilograms, a healthy amount of water would be between 2.5 and 4 liters per day.Caffeinated beverages, natural juices, smoothies , etc. should not be included in the minimum recommended amounts of water.
Eat only when you are hungry
Limit aimless meals, boring meals and other unhealthy calories consumed “by the way”.Try to have at least 2 main meals a day, including some of the article’s suggested foods.
Allow yourself unhealthy choices 1-3 times a week so that you do not feel too much mental stress that you are on a diet.
Maintaining fewer healthy choices over a longer period of time is much more valuable than maintaining as many as possible in a week or two.
Don’t trust overly restrictive diets
A massive calorie restriction will send the wrong signals to the body, which will certainly not increase testosterone, but can have a negative effect.
It would be much wiser and healthier to limit calories by ~ 15% of what you are currently eating for the first week. Be strict and if there is no change in measures (waist, hips) and weight, only then you can consider an additional calorie restriction.
Note: Keep in mind that “whole foods” will allow you to eat much more in quantities for fewer calories than processed.
How do you know that a diet is not appropriate?
The answer can fit into an entire article, but the things that should always include a red light are:
Diet that is recommended for absolutely everyone – regardless of gender, regardless of weight (50, 70, 90 kg.), Regardless of physical activity, and more.The diet that recommends restrictions in the main macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fats)
A diet in which results are expressed only in lost weight. I think we have all read and heard something like this: “I was on a 90-day diet, I lost 20 kg. for 30 days, but something is wrong because I have stretch marks, cellulite, sagging skin, etc.”
Isn’t it more important how we look and especially how we feel?
According to studies, healthy weight loss pounds to strive for are between 2 and 4 kg. per month (1 pound per week).
Intake and dosage of testosterone stimulant supplements
The dosage of testosterone stimulants is specific to each individual supplement. Testosterone boosters are usually taken 1 to 3 times daily after meals for about a month.
Combining with Other Sports Supplements For Maximum Effect
It is recommended that testosterone stimulants be taken in combination with a proper diet with high nutritional value, systemic strength training and other supplements with similar effects. In sports nutrition the highest efficiency and potentiation of the effect is obtained when combined with:
Protein – in order to stimulate muscle growth it is recommended to take 2-3 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight
Creatine – 3-5 grams per day Vitamin-mineral complexes – for good muscle growth and recovery requires the intake of enough vitamins and minerals
These are just the main supplements with which testosterone boosters can be combined.
Also good combinations are those with BCAAs, amino acids, restorative supplements, adaptogens and more. The combination of testosterone stimulants with prohormones and steroid hormones is not recommended.
Side Effects of Taking Testosterone Stimulant Supplements
Taking natural testosterone stimulants very rarely leads to side effects. However, the abuse of agents that affect the hormonal balance in the body can lead to severe complications.
Prolonged use of high doses of testosterone boosters can affect its natural production in the body and this can lead to loss of muscle mass, depression, impotence and other problems.
Relatively rare side effects: acne, aggression and irritability
Very rare side effects: baldness, gynecomastia, feminization, testicular atrophy
In case of any side effects it is necessary to stop taking the supplement. Almost all side effects are completely reversible after discontinuation.
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