Testosterone Supplements: Healthy or Not?

It’s no secret that humans can get quite impatient. We’re always looking for better ways to save time and get quick fixes, whether health or material issues. People are just fixated on getting fast results, and that is the direction n which all the marketing efforts are usually directed, on promoting quick results, fast fixes and so on. 

This also happens to be true in the case of the notorious testosterone hormone that has been getting a lot of attention in recent years. Given the advancements in science and the huge shift in lifestyle trends, testosterone supplements are easily available online and in traditional stores nowadays.

Before jumping on the testosterone supplement bandwagon, it’s vital to ask some difficult questions. Because, after all, anything you’re putting inside your body needs a second thought.

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a male hormone produced in the testicles, crucial for the proper functioning of the human body. It is responsible for inducing changes in men once they hit puberty. Some of these changes include the growth of pubic hair, cracking of the voice, and increasing muscle mass. 

Checking Your Testosterone Levels

Not many people are aware of the testosterone hormone role in our body as it is mostly associated with mass building. You might be surprised to find out that this hormone is very important for both men and women, and as such, it’s important that we pay attention to how it is being managed in our bodies. If you have low levels of testosterone, then you might need to undergo testosterone therapy. But since testosterone supplements can have so many side effects, it is important to check in with your doctor and make sure you are acting according to a specialist’s prescription. The first recommended step is to take a testosterone test for males in most cases. 

Testosterone Supplements 

In life, nothing stays the same, not even your hormone levels. With age, the quantity of testosterone your body produces gradually decreases, bringing a series of other misfortunes, some of which include:

·         Depression and anxiety

·         Erectile dysfunction

·         Weight gain

As mentioned previously, low testosterone levels are diagnosed using a testosterone test for males, used to measure the T levels in the blood.

Testosterone Supplements: Hot or Not?

Supplemental testosterone is an artificial booster designed to elevate declining testosterone levels. They’re made using specific ingredients that increase the amounts of free testosterone in your blood without injecting them.

In recent years, these supplements have become quite the attention grabber. Unfortunately, however, we can’t be sure if they’re true to their word. Not to mention the plethora of side effects they bring with themselves.

Side Effects of Testosterone Supplements

If your doctor recommends that you take testosterone supplements, he will prescribe a supplement containing safe and effective ingredients. There are several different kinds of testosterone supplements, and the dosage will vary according to your test results and other health conditions. For example, the more concentrated formulas are best suited for men who are looking to improve their sex life or increase their strength. But before you start taking them, make sure to familiarise yourself with the potential risks like:

·         Clinical acne

·         Hair loss and balding

·         Low libido

·         Infertility and low sperm production

·         Depression, anxiety, and aggression

·         Shrinkage of testicles

·         Blurred vision

Apart from the risks mentioned above, here are some of the conditions you’re at the risk of developing:

·         chronic high blood pressure which might lead to coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. Hypertension puts a lot of pressure on the heart, weakening the walls.

·       increased amounts of red blood cells, increasing the risk of heart disease.

·         enlarged prostate, due to which urination can become challenging and painful.

·         risk of developing chronic liver and kidney damage.

Go Natural Instead

With testosterone supplements posing a considerable threat to health and well-being, perhaps it would be in your best interest to opt for natural boosters instead, such as:

·         Getting enough sleep

·         Exercising

·         Avoiding alcohol

·         Having a healthy, balanced diet

·         Turning to herbs such as ashwagandha and maca root

Summary

Before considering taking testosterone supplements, weigh out the pros and cons and get tested through a testosterone test for males. Artificial boosters should be the last resort with so many natural options available. However, if you’re convinced testosterone supplements are the way to go, consult a physician first.