Testosterone supplements have become the new talk of the town among the male community, especially those around 30s and young fitness enthusiasts. Men feel the need to resort to testosterone boosters because their testosterone levels begin to fall progressively from the age of 30 onwards.
After the age of 30, men's testosterone levels drop by about 1% per year. Men's sex drive, energy levels, muscle mass, and physical strength can all suffer as testosterone levels fall. Men also tend to gain weight and develop sexual difficulties.
When you believe you have low testosterone, it's easy to be swayed by well-advertised over-the-counter testosterone supplements. However, one constant debate that seems to be rifling through the male community is whether testosterone supplements are as safe as they are claimed to be or if they pose health risks in the long run. How do we find out if they are safe? Come, let’s explore to find answers to this.
What exactly are testosterone supplements and how do they work?
Testosterone supplements are frequently touted as an easy way to increase testosterone levels, increase sex desire, improve sexual performance, and aid in muscle building. They come in many different forms, such as pills, patches, gels, creams, and injections. These supplements also increase strength, energy, and general vitality.
Testosterone supplements work in two different ways: They either increase testosterone production or slow the conversion of testosterone to other hormones. Zinc and D-aspartate are two of the vital cogs that make up a testosterone supplement.
Zinc, a key component in these supplements, partially inhibits aromatase, an enzyme that transforms testosterone into estrogen. Furthermore, zinc is required by the testicles in order to create testosterone from cholesterol and fat. On the other hand, D-aspartate increases the amounts of substances that drive testosterone production. The substance stimulates testicular activity by boosting luteinizing hormone (LH) and increasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the brain. This way a metabolic syndrome takes place, which is characterized by insulin resistance and excess body fat, lowering testosterone production.
Safety concerns associated with testosterone supplements
It is only right to comprehend any potential safety issues related to the usage of testosterone supplements before learning how to assess their safety. The following are common safety concerns surrounding the testosterone supplements:
Noticeable physical changes
These supplements tend to cause a sizable number of physical alterations, such as an increase in body fat, a decrease in muscle mass and strength, and a decrease in bone density. There is a possibility that you might experience body hair loss as well as swollen or sore breasts (gynecomastia) in the worst case. You might not feel as energetic as you once did.
Disparity in regulations
The regulation of testosterone supplements varies from country to country. They are accessible over-the-counter in certain regions but require a prescription in others. This disparity in regulation may have an influence on product quality and safety.
Risk of drug interaction
There is a potential risk of interactions between testosterone supplements and other drugs and health issues. Such interactions may have negative effects or change how certain drugs or illnesses are treated. In particular, testosterone when in slightly increased levels contrary to normal has the potential to influence insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. If you have diabetes and are on insulin or other diabetic drugs, testosterone supplementation may cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate, necessitating changes to your diabetes treatment plan.
How can we assess the safety of testosterone supplements?
To protect your safety and make an informed decision, follow these steps to evaluate if the testosterone supplements are safe.
Consult a health professional
Consultation with a medical expert is the first step in assessing the safety of testosterone supplements. Talk to a doctor about your concerns and objectives if you think you may have low testosterone levels or are considering supplementation for other reasons. The root reason for the drop in hormones should be disclosed to you by the doctor. Based on your particular health and medical history, they can assist you in determining whether supplements are suitable for you. They may also make recommendations for helpful boosters. Consulting a health professional and following the directions set by them should fairly ease concerns about the safety of testosterone supplements.
Validity check
Verify the validity of the testosterone supplement you are thinking of buying. You have to have an eye on it and check if it is an over-the-counter drug or a prescription drug. Why should you do this? This is because some testosterone supplements are purchased over the counter. However, these products are not regulated by the FDA, and there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate that they are beneficial in boosting testosterone levels.
Legal drugs are more likely to be dosed correctly and put through safety checks. Be wary of products bought without a prescription or from questionable sources because you never know if they are legal as they are sometimes covered up and claimed to be. The components in many testosterone boosters may not be pure, of high quality, or efficient at raising testosterone because they come from dubious sources. Some manufacturers omit to list certain substances, such as anabolic steroids, on their labels. Synthetic testosterone anabolic steroids have been related to liver and kidney damage, as well as a higher risk of heart attack and prostate cancer. So, do not trust any obscure source blindly.
Thorough assessment of medical history
Any testosterone booster's safety is determined by your age, medical history, current condition, and medications. In approved doses, most testosterone supplements are safe to use. It is important to give your healthcare practitioner a detailed medical history. Inform them of any existing medical conditions, medications, allergies, or other pertinent health information. This information will be used by your provider to assess the potential dangers and advantages of testosterone supplements in your specific instance.
Testosterone can interact with a variety of drugs, including opioids, antibiotics, and some antidepressants, reducing their effectiveness or causing unanticipated side effects. To reduce the danger of adverse interactions, it is highly important that the regimens should be carefully controlled and changed under the guidance of a healthcare expert as per your medical history.
Conclusion
Testosterone, undeniably, is a vital cog for a man’s well-being. It not only promotes strong, healthy bones and muscles, but it also aids in the maintenance of stable moods, consistent sexual drive, and mental sharpness.
It is pretty common to have questions spring up in your mind over safety before considering any supplement. The same goes for testosterone supplements. The question goes “Are testosterone supplements safe?” To fend off all the doubts about safety, do not hesitate to consult a health professional before including testosterone supplements in your usual health regimen. Over-the-counter testosterone supplements might tempt you and there is a high chance that you might be influenced to go for them by a rather vivid source. You are better off to turn them down and seek the advice of a health professional. Why? Because you do not want to dangle the carrot when it comes to health and safety.
Written By: Samuel Joshua V
Edited By: Chirajita Gupta