This question is mostly asked by men who have a low testosterone level. The simple answer is “yes”; you can buy testosterone. However, if you are looking for ways to boost your testosterone levels, you should start by evaluating your daily habits. Some changes that are good for your overall health would most likely provide health benefits to your testosterone level. There are two types of testosterone:
- Natural Testosterone
- Artificial Testosterone
Natural Testosterone
Firstly, the term “natural” is used to explain something that is found in nature, something not man-made. In the case of testosterone, natural testosterone is a hormone produced by the body, which is produced in a man’s testicles. Testosterone affects a man’s sexual development; it stimulates sperm production as well as a man’s libido. It also aids in building bone and muscle mass.
Key Ingredients That Increase Testosterone Levels Naturally
Tribulus Terrestris
The Tribulus herb has been used for centuries in herbal medicine. Although most of its research consists of animal studies, it has shown an improvement in sex drive or an increase in T levels.
A 90- day study carried out on men with erectile dysfunction, found out that taking Tribulus increased the T levels by 16%, while still improving sexual health and performance. Tribulus has many benefits in those who have low testosterone levels or an impaired libido.
Fenugreek
This herb is another popular natural booster that aids in increasing the level of testosterone in men. Some research believes that it works by reducing the enzymes responsible for converting testosterone into estrogen. Multiple studies have proven that men who take the fenugreek herb reported improvement in their sexual performance, energy level, and libido.
Zinc
Zinc is also known as an aphrodisiac, and it is an essential mineral in the body. Zinc has been closely related to testosterone levels in men. A research proved that lowering the zinc intake in food caused a decrease in testosterone levels in men.
Ashwagandha
This is another herb used in Indian medicine, and it is also known as Withania somnifera. Ashwagandha is majorly used as an adaptogen, meaning that it helps your body relax and alleviate stress/anxiety. It increases sexual performance and strength while still causing a significant increase in T levels. It is believed to help boost testosterone levels in stressed individuals by reducing cortisol – a stress hormone.
Proven Ways to Increase Testosterone Levels Naturally
As men start to age, the level of testosterone in their body begins to decrease, which can lead to a lack of interest in sex, an erection that is not firm enough to perform effectively, and low sperm production. Most men begin to experience a decrease after the age of thirty, and it is normal and natural. Interestingly, there are various ways to increase your testosterone levels naturally, and these include:
- Exercise: Exercises are an excellent way to increase the level of testosterone in your body. In older men, exercise has proven to boost testosterone levels. So exercise, coupled with a healthy lifestyle, is sure proven to work. The major exercises proven to work are high-intensity interval training and weight lifting, although other exercises also work well.
- Eat Fat, Protein, and Carbs: You are to pay outmost importance to what you eat because it has a significant effect on your testosterone levels. So it is imperative to take note of your diet plan and the number of calories you consume. It is advisable to consume a balanced diet but most especially foods that contain protein, carbs, and fat. And enough of these nutrients is advisable to consume when you plan on increasing your testosterone levels. It is important to note that over-eating and eating too little negatively affect your testosterone levels.
- Reduction in stress and Cortisol levels: Research has shown the numerous dangers that stress can result in, including a reduction in the level of testosterone in your body. Too much stress can lead to over eating, which would make you gain excess weight and fat that is harmful to your body. Endeavor to live a healthy lifestyle, eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly, and this can reduce stress, which would, in turn, improve your testosterone levels.
- Walkout and get some sun or Vitamin D supplement: Vitamin D is a superb vitamin that has numerous advantages, of which boosting the level of testosterone in men is inclusive. Getting exposure is a fantastic way to get vitamin D, likewise buying vitamin D supplements. Research has shown that regular intake of vitamin D supplement is sure to increase the level of testosterone in your body.
- Lose weight: Study has shown that obese men are likely to have a lower testosterone level. It is imperative to shed excess weight and fat to improve the level of testosterone in your body.
- Avoid alcohol abuse and drug abuse: Abuse of drugs and alcohol has been proven to drastically affect the level at which testosterone can be produced in your body. According to research, alcohol has been shown to directly affect the hormones and glands that are associated with male productive health. Due to the harmful effects alcohol has on the body, alcohol consumption is not recommended for men having issues with their level of testosterone.
Artificial Testosterone
Artificial testosterone is sometimes referred to as synthetic testosterone. This anabolic steroid is still a form of testosterone, and it is usually produced from plant sources such as soybeans and yam, not the human body. It can be administered into the body with a patch, creams, gel, injections, etc. Anabolic steroids are also called anabolic-androgenic steroids, and they are derived from the male testosterone. It can help build muscles and even improve athletic performance, but it can also have serious adverse effects, mainly when misused.
When artificial testosterone is injected into the body, the pituitary glands senses its presence and sends a signal to the testicles to shut off the supply of hormones, so it cannot make its own testosterone and sperm. The brain cannot tell the difference between natural testosterone and synthetic/artificial testosterone, so it shuts down its sperm production.
Long term, non-prescribed uses are linked to unwanted physical changes, stroke, and heart problems. There is already a growing concern worldwide on the non-medical use and effects of steroids.
How Anabolic Steroids is Misused
People who misuse anabolic steroids start from harmless takings, and then they progress to take them orally, apply them on the skin as gel/cream, or inject them directly into their muscles. The problem is that most of these doses may be up to 10-100 times more than the prescribed dosage to treat the medical condition. There are some widespread practices for abusing anabolic steroids, they include:
- Stacking—this involves taking more than two different steroids together and mixing oral and injectable types.
- Plateauing involves alternating or substituting between different types of steroids to avoid the body and developing a tolerance/resistance for a particular steroid.
- Cycling – this is the most common. It has to do with taking multiple doses for a particular time, then taking a break, only to restart the process soon.
- Pyramiding – is slowly reducing the dosage of misusing the steroid until you taper off to zero.
There is still no evidence that has proven these practices would, in any way, reduce the consequences of these drugs.
Side Effects of Anabolic Steroids
The abuse of anabolic steroids has a different effect than other drugs; they do not have the same temporary effect on the brain. What differentiates steroids from other types of drugs is that it doesn’t directly give you the “high” feeling; it also doesn’t trigger a visible increase in dopamine – a brain chemical. In as much as anabolic steroids don’t give the high feeling as other drugs, it can lead to a substance use disorder.
The misuse of anabolic steroids may lead to damage in the brain, causing mental effects such as extreme aggression, impaired judgment, mania, and delusions.
Aside from the damage to the brain, abuse of steroids usually causes acne and body swelling. It might also lead to serious long-term health problems like:
- Liver and kidney damage
- Increased risk of blood clots
- High blood pressure
- Risk of stroke and heart attack and this can happen even to young people.
- Baldness
- Increased risk of prostate cancer
- Decreased sperm count and shrinking of testicles
What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
TRT is sometimes called androgen treatment therapy, and it is majorly used to treat low testosterone levels, which occur due to medical conditions or as a result of age. Testosterone replacement therapy is advisable for men who have untreated prostate or breast cancer. It is, however, becoming popular for non-health related issues including:
- Increasing bone and muscle strength
- Increased libido and energy level
- Cardioprotective effects
Some research believes that testosterone replacement therapy may help you achieve these goals, but it involves caution.
TRT is administered in several ways, and your option would best be dependent on your lifestyle but, more importantly, medical needs. Some methods would require daily administrations and others monthly. The methods include:
- Topical creams
- Intramuscular injections
- Oral medications
- Transdermal patches
- Application of rubbing testosterone on your gum twice a day.
Why You Shouldn’t Take Testosterone Replacement Therapy
In general, TRT is quite a safe therapy, but it is associated with some side effects such as:
- Mild fluid retention
- A higher risk of prostate abnormalities
- A decrease in testicular sizes
- It may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke
- An increase in breast size
- Acne/oily skin
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