Are you a middle-aged man experiencing reduced sexual desire, fewer spontaneous erections (like when you’re sleeping), and infertility?
If your answer is yes, then you may be going through “male menopause” or “andropause,” as doctors call it.
This condition involves hormone changes in men due to decreasing testosterone levels related to aging. And though testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, the signs and symptoms are not just sexual.
Sometimes, low testosterone causes emotional changes such as decrease in motivation or self-confidence, sadness, irritability or depression.
Physical changes are likely to happen to you as well. You may experience more body fat, less muscle mass and strength, low energy, and decreased bone density.
All these changes are perfectly normal. Your testosterone level is highest in adolescence and early adulthood, but drops 1% every year after age 30 or 40.
So how will you know if your symptoms are, in fact, due to low testosterone? The only way to be sure is by taking a blood test.
And what should you do when your test results reveal that your T-levels are indeed low?
You can find a natural remedy. Assess your lifestyle. Eat healthier, exercise more, drink less alcohol, and quit smoking.
When those things don’t work, and your symptoms persist, you should consider testosterone therapy. You have various options – patches, creams, injections and dietary supplements.
In this article, we’ll zero in on the supplements, commonly called testosterone boosters. Our aim is to help you make an informed decision when you’re ready to take the plunge.
Contents
How Do Testosterone Boosters Work?
Many T-Boosters on the market use natural ingredients which, according to clinical research, can help increase your testosterone.
Some are plant-derived, such as Avena Sativa, Ashwagandha, Fenugreek, Stinging Nettle, Tongkat Ali, Tribulus Terrestris and Mucuna Pruriens.
Others are animal-derived like L-Arginine HCL, Zinc and Orchic Substance.
In addition, some pharmaceutical companies create chemicals that mimic the actions of natural ingredients. Examples are D-Aspartic Acid Calcium Chelate, Vitamins B6, D3 and K2, and Boron Amino Acid Chelate. They mix these in Proprietary Blends packed into capsules.
What can you expect from taking T-Boosters? Well, results vary because every man is different.
Many men observe improvement in energy levels, sex drive, quality of erections, bone density, muscle mass, and insulin sensitivity.
Why Take Testosterone Boosters?
Testosterone level affects men’s overall health. Deficiency has been linked to diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, obesity, hardening of the arteries, and high blood pressure.
Furthermore, low testosterone often exists with other medical conditions like depression and erectile dysfunction.
While some of these symptoms are mild, others can be debilitating. This is why T-Boosters are an important supplement in experiencing a better aging life.
Of course, you can live a healthier lifestyle, address medication side effects, and treat medical conditions. Other than that, there’s not much you can do to naturally boost your T-levels.
How To Choose The Right Testosterone Boosters
The most important considerations in choosing the best testosterone boosters are found on the product label: ingredients, dosage and precautions. FDA has a dietary supplement labeling guide that you can use for reference.
Factor in all these variables and choose the supplement that works best for your lifestyle and preferences.
Beware of products that don’t include all this information on their labels. You wouldn’t want to risk your health on the unknown.
And always consult your doctor before using any dietary supplement, especially if you are taking medications.
While there are plenty of testosterone boosters available on the market today, we’ve narrowed down the list of the best testosterone boosters that you can choose from. Check out our best reviewed testosterone boosting supplements below.
1. TestoGen
TestoGen is a product of Wolfson Berg Limited, one of the trusted and leading supplement manufacturers in the US.
They created this testosterone booster especially for men who are unable to perform satisfactorily in the bedroom due to low T-levels. As a result, they have low self-esteem and become unhappy in their relationships.
So what makes TestoGen stand out among dozens of T-Boosters available today?
Pros:
- contains only natural ingredients, and in the right amounts
- visible increase in strength and stamina
- no side effects
- combines Fenugreek with D-aspartic acid, which work better together
- manufactured in FDA-approved facilities
- website offers a quiz to help you determine your T-levels
Cons:
- may cause hair growth in unexpected body parts
Overall, and in comparison with other T-boosters, TestoGen wins our vote for the Best Testosterone Booster on the market today.
Others may contain chemicals, or they could have natural ingredients but in the wrong amounts.
Furthermore, you should remember that while contents are important, what a T-Booster doesn’t contain is equally vital.
TestoGen noticeably excludes DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) from its ingredients list. This is a natural steroid hormone produced by your adrenal glands.
Some health agencies claim that continued use of DHEA supplements can lead to both mild and serious side effects.
On the mild spectrum, you can expect oily skin and acne, skin thickening, hair loss, stomach upset, nasal congestion and headaches. Serious side effects are high blood pressure, fatigue, rapid or irregular heartbeat, insomnia, and changes in cholesterol levels.
These are all due to too much elevation of testosterone.
And based on the reviews we’ve gathered on the use of TestoGen, it apparently won’t cause any of these side effects.
Many users have attested to its efficacy. Some of them even supported their claims with Before and After photos.
However, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. If you have been suffering from long-term medical conditions, consult your doctor before using this product. Do this especially if you have high blood pressure and diabetes.
2. Pro Testosterone
Pacific Naturals, the manufacturer of our second choice for best testosterone boosters, claims that Pro Testosterone promotes healthy T-levels. As a result, your sexual performance will improve.
And because it increases your testosterone, you may reap other benefits. These include better athletic performance, more muscle mass, higher energy levels, and enhanced libido.
This supplement contains a single ingredient – Fenugreek Seed Extract. A study published by Phytotherapy Research found that this substance helps maintain healthy T-levels.
Pros:
- improves overall sexual health
- increases stamina and energy
- helps with muscle building and weight loss
- presents research studies that back up their claims
- simple dosage of one tablet per day
- 90-day money back guarantee
Cons:
- potential side effects are upset stomach, diarrhea, gas, bloating, and a ‘maple syrup’ urine odor
- may trigger allergic reactions like coughing, nasal congestion, facial swelling and wheezing
Some of you may doubt the efficacy of Pro Testoserone because it contains only one ingredient. But this is exactly why we recommend it.
It serves the special needs of a particular group of men with low T-levels. They are the ones who take medications for certain medical conditions.
Sometimes, even natural ingredients in supplements may interact with the medicine you take. And this probability gets higher with chemical contents.
Fenugreek Extract, the lone ingredient in this product, is plant-derived. And as we mentioned above, Phytotherapy Research has proven its positive effects on testosterone.
The test subjects were given 600mg of fenugreek extract, the same amount in each capsule of Pro Testosterone. After six weeks, they showed increased stamina, energy and sexual arousal.
Another study, conducted at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, revealed significant improvement in blood sugar and insulin response.
In addition, clinical studies at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center showed fenugreek prevents the absorption of cholesterol and glucose into the gastrointestinal system.
Also, the International Journal of Sports and Nutrition and Exercise published a study on fenugreek administered to athletes. Results include increased T-levels, reduced body fat, and heightened performance.
While these studies produced remarkable results, fenugreek is by no means a perfect ingredient. Some people may experience certain side effects from taking it.
Most of these are allergen-related because the plant belongs to the chickpea and peanut family.
But all things considered, and compared with other products in its category, we remain confident that Pro Testosterone is one of the best testosterone boosters out there.
3. Prime Male
Prime Male, our third choice of best testosterone boosters, is a product of Propura Ltd, a UK-based company. They claim that it not only boosts your T-level but also maintains it at the achieved high level.
Furthermore, they say that it addresses the problems associated with low testosterone. So, you get lean muscles and stronger bones, an increased libido, and more energy.
These results are almost the same as what the other best testosterone boosters promise you’ll get. Not surprising since their common objective is to raise your testosterone levels.
Pros:
- delivers results relatively faster, i.e. in weeks instead of months
- controls the levels of female hormones estrogen and prolactin
- combines Vitamins D3 and K2, which work better together
- 90-day refund guarantee
- very informative website
Cons:
- limited number of reviews
- the only way to contact the manufacturer is by email
Will you experience side effects from using Prime Male? Well, the manufacturer is mum on this topic. But some of its ingredients may cause some mild yet inconvenient effects.
One of these is Korean Ginseng. Not only does this substance cause insomnia, it is also potentially harmful if used for a long time.
Another ingredient, magnesium, can cause nausea, cramps and diarrhea. And it may not be safe for you if you’re taking diuretics, antibiotics or heart medicine.
Most of these side effects are not serious, and not all people will experience it.
All of this sounds good, right? So, why isn’t Prime Male our first choice? Two reasons.
First, the manufacturer is located in the UK. Hence, you will find very little information on the web about their background. You can still order the product online, though, and they will deliver to the US.
The other issue we have with this supplement is its recommended dosage, which is one capsule four times a day. The manufacturer says that for you to get the best results, you need to use it for 90 consecutive days.
For us, this is inconsistent with their promised results in just weeks, not months. And if you do reap its benefits in weeks, taking four capsules a day may be too much.
4. TestoJack 200
Fourth on our list of best testosterone boosters is TestoJack 200. This product is from Now, a 50-year-old natural supplement manufacturer.
Not all of its ingredients will increase your testosterone levels. We should probably give it a lower ranking because of this.
But these herbal ingredients can facilitate a healthier sex life. Each of them targets problems in a particular area of the male reproductive system.
So you can still improve your libido, prevent premature ejaculation, and get rid of your erectile dysfunction by taking this product. Increased testosterone levels can give you the same results.
Pros:
- vegetarian and vegan friendly
- contains a botanical mix of natural herbs
- non-GMO and free of dairy, eggs, gluten, nuts, soy and sugar
- individual weights of contents are indicated on the label
- available for purchase online and in retail stores
- manufactured by a reputable supplement company
Cons:
- dosage requires taking two capsules
- can cause nausea if taken on an empty stomach
- results are inconsistent
We like the fact that the individual weights of this product’s ingredients are actually on the label. Many supplements on the market today hide this important information behind patents and Proprietary Blends.
However, consumers of TestoJack 200 have reported side effects from using it. This is the main reason we ranked it only as number four.
These unexpected discomforts include dizziness, flatulence, diarrhea, anxiety, insomnia, heartburn and stomach cramps.
In addition, two kinds of ginseng – Panax and American – are found in this product. Both may cause insomnia.
American Ginseng can make you nervous and experience headaches, diarrhea, or itching. It could also cause rapid heartbeat and blood pressure changes in some people.
Just the same, we recommend this supplement as one of the best testosterone boosters because it presents an alternative to vegetarians and vegans who have limited options in this category.
5. Nugenix
Number five on our list of best testosterone boosters is Nugenix. We have previously published a review on this supplement, and it wasn’t a good one.
Recently, though, the manufacturer improved its formulation. Now, it contains eight ingredients which boost the testosterone and enhance male sexual performance. Plus, their weights are already in more substantial amounts.
The manufacturer probably made these improvements due to the overwhelming negative reviews on the product, including ours. So, we commend them for doing that.
And with the new formulation, the product has been renamed to Nugenix Ultimate Testosterone Booster. But if it really is the ultimate, why do we rank it number five?
Pros:
- no stimulants but good pre-workout supplement for bodybuilders
- label shows ingredients in true form, not in a Proprietary Blend
- manufactured by a trusted nutritional and wellness company
- offers a free trial
- available online and in retail stores
Cons:
- some ingredients are not for increasing T-levels
- not as effective for users in their senior years
- more expensive than other T-Boosters
- dosage is four tablets per day
It seems like most of the problems of men over 40 are addressed by the new formula. D-Aspartic Acid, Boron and Mucuna pruriens target your low T-levels.
There’s also Fenugreek, Horny Goat Weed, Maca Root and Tongkat Ali. All these enhance your sex drive, give your muscles strength, restore your vitality, and improve your physical performance.
However, we noticed that it’s missing one of the most important T-boosting ingredient – zinc.
In addition, Nugenix still comes in tablets. These may be difficult to swallow if you’re already in your senior years. We’re sure even those of you who are younger would prefer capsules.
And lastly, some users have reported experiencing side effects from taking this supplement. These are mild, though, like bloating, gas, nasal congestion, upset stomach and diarrhea.
So, if you don’t mind swallowing tablets, and you have the budget for a higher priced T-Booster, you can give this supplement a shot.
Conclusion
To reiterate what we said in the beginning of this article, make sure you’ve taken a testosterone blood test before buying any of these best testosterone boosters.
Low libido and poor sexual performance are not always due to low T-levels. Other medical conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure, may also cause these problems.
And when your blood test confirms that you have low testosterone, talk to your doctor if T-therapy is right for you.
Yes, testosterone therapy is not for everyone.
Doctors caution of the potential side effects of testosterone replacement. The Mayo Clinic suggests it may:
- contribute to sleep apnea, a potentially serious sleep disorder
- cause acne or other skin reactions
- stimulate non-cancerous growth of the prostate and growth of existing prostate cancer
- enlarge breasts
- limit sperm production or cause testicle shrinkage
- impact your risk of heart disease and stroke
- increase the risk of a blood clot forming in a deep vein (thrombosis)
But even if your doctor gives you the green light to use a T-Booster, exercise caution when choosing your supplement.
Some of them might be dangerous, like those containing DHEA, which doctors say can probably increase the risk of prostate cancer.
So, we need to emphasize the importance of reading product labels. Check if the ingredients are properly listed with corresponding weights.
Preferably, choose a supplement with natural ingredients. As much as possible, avoid those containing patented or Proprietary Blends. These may show you what you’re getting, but not how much.
Next, follow the recommended dosage, and never go beyond it.
Above all, study the precautions carefully. Most supplement labels will tell you to consult your doctor before using one if you are taking medications.
That could be the best advice you will ever follow; it may even save your life. Show the label of your chosen product to your doctor before you even purchase it.
And remember, low testosterone or not, nothing beats a healthy, active lifestyle. Supplement your T-booster with proper diet and regular exercise. Your T will thank you for it!