Why Over the Counter Testosterone Boosters Don’t Work
After the age of 30, men experience a gradual decline in testosterone production. And after age 40 a man’s testosterone levels drop, on average, about 1% every year. Low testosterone levels in men – sometimes called “Low T” – can be associated with loss of sex drive, reduced sexual performance and even “ED” (erectile dysfunction).
When a man begins to experience sexual side effects like these, many will attempt to turn back time through the use of over-the-counter “testosterone boosters.” Adds abound for these “miracle cures” – and many men succumb to the marketing claims and purchase these pills and supplements in hopes of restoring sexual prowess.
Unfortunately, research has shown that while these “T Boosting” products may contain vitamins, minerals, and herbs, they do little to increase testosterone levels, and simply do not improve sexual desire, performance or stamina.
In this article the hormone replacement experts at SottoPelle explain why testosterone replacement therapy is the only safe and effective way to treat Low T.
Scientific Research on Over the Counter Testosterone Boosters
A study published in The World Journal of Men’s Health (Mary K. Samplaski, MD, assistant professor of clinical urology; Keck School of Medicine USC), explored the active ingredients and advertised claims of fifty different “T boosting” supplements.
A total of 109 different ingredients were found in the supplements. The three most common ingredients were: Zinc, fenugreek extract, and vitamin B6. Fewer than 25% of these products offered any data at all that attempted to support claims of “boosting” testosterone. And more than 10% contained ingredients that data showed actually had a negative effect on Testosterone!
Many of these OTC Testosterone boosters also had doses of vitamins and minerals that were well over the UL (Underwriters’ Laboratories) recommended dosages. So, men need to be aware that over the counter “T booster” supplements simply do not have ingredients to support their claims.
And, studies also show that even when OTC supplements do work to some extent, they only increase testosterone levels about 20%. Generally, this is not nearly enough of an increase for men with low T to return to healthy hormone levels.
Over the Counter T-Boosters Do Not Contain Testosterone
Remember, by law, the only legal way to get actual testosterone is with a prescription. This means that any over the counter “testosterone booster” one may get online (or from a drug store or nutrition store) is using some other ingredient to try and encourage the body to produce more testosterone on its own.
Obviously, this is far less effective than replacing testosterone directly.
For example, in the human body DHEA is a “precursor hormone” that can be converted to testosterone. As a result, some companies market DHEA supplements as a testosterone booster. But, clinical studies have shown that over the counter dosages of DHEA are insufficient to make a difference in how a man feels or performs sexually.
OTC Low Testosterone Boosters Are Imprecise
In rare cases where OTC testosterone boosters have some positive impact on testosterone production, they are difficult to control. All men’s testosterone levels fluctuate, depending on what else is going on with their body chemistry at the time. Additionally, OTC ingredients can affect every male differently. One person may produce more or less testosterone in response to an active ingredient than another man.
So, with a one-size-fits-all dose of OTC testosterone booster, it is very likely that a man will get exactly the right amount of testosterone that is necessary to bring their hormone levels into balance.
Low Testosterone Boosters May Not Match the Label
Unlike testosterone prescriptions, OTC “boosters” are regulated by the FDA as food, not as drugs. So, if you are purchasing some kind of vitamin or herbal supplement, it is entirely possible that the contents may not match the ingredients on the label.
Studies have shown that in many cases an alleged active ingredient is lower than the labeled amount or is missing entirely. Additionally, various fillers may have been added.
OTC Testosterone Boosters Can Cause Side Effects
Many products advertised as testosterone boosters can cause unwanted side effects. This is true whether the “booster” has any effectiveness at all or not.
For example, an herbal remedy called tribulus terrestris which is touted for Low T actually has been shown to cause prostate problems. Additionally, tribulus terrestris has many known drug interactions with certain heart, blood pressure, and diabetes medications.
Another similar example is zinc. It is true that very large doses of zinc can help increase testosterone production. But large doses of zinc can also cause increases in cholesterol and the risk of prostate cancer.
SottoPelle: a Better Way to Boost Testosterone
If you are experiencing sexual symptoms that may be related to “Low T”, it’s important to talk to a hormone therapy provider – rather than try to treat yourself with hit-or-miss, imprecise, and even dangerous over the counter products.
The SottoPelle Method uses bioidentical hormone replacement to boost testosterone accurately, safely, and effectively. Your SottoPelle provider will take a blood test, so that they can tailor your hormone replacement therapy treatment to your specific needs – ensuring that you receive the exact right amount of testosterone to increase your levels to an optimal range.
If you think you may be one of the millions of men who are suffering from “Low T” ask your physician about SottoPelle Method testosterone replacement pellet therapy. Or schedule an appointment with a certified SottoPelle physician in your area using our Physician Finder HERE.
Restore your sex life, improve your appearance, and protect your health with SottoPelle Method testosterone replacement pellets today!
“Low T” Testosterone Replacement Therapy: (323) 986-5100
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as general information only and is not intended to be used as medical advice. While the benefits of hormone replacement are well documented through clinical research, we are not representing that hormone therapy is a “cure” for any disease. Only your treating physician can determine if hormone replacement may be a beneficial part of your healthcare regimen, based on your age, overall health, risk factors, and lifestyle.
