Testosterone levels naturally decline as men age, leading some to seek ways to boost their testosterone. There are several options for increasing testosterone levels, but not all are supported by strong evidence. When considering testosterone boosters, it's important to have realistic expectations about their effects.
- Lifestyle changes - Making healthy lifestyle choices can help maintain healthy testosterone levels as you age:
- Get adequate and good quality sleep
- Manage stress levels
- Exercise and stay active
- Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
- Limit alcohol intake
- Dietary supplements - Some supplements claim to boost testosterone levels, but evidence on their effectiveness varies:
- Zinc and vitamin D - Supplementing with zinc and vitamin D has shown some ability to support testosterone levels if there is a deficiency
- D-aspartic acid - One study found this amino acid increased testosterone levels in men with impaired sexual function, but more research is needed
- Fenugreek - Early evidence suggests fenugreek may provide a mild testosterone boost, but larger studies are needed
- Herbal remedies - Herbal remedies like Tribulus terrestris and Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat ali) are sometimes claimed to increase testosterone, but high quality studies do not support these uses, according to reviews.
- Hormone replacement - For men with clinically low testosterone levels, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) involves directly supplying the body with testosterone via gels, injections, patches or pellets. TRT can effectively raise testosterone levels, but carries side effects like acne, hair loss, prostate issues, etc. TRT requires a doctor’s prescription and monitoring.
Discuss your health history and goals with your doctor to determine if prescription TRT or other testosterone therapy is appropriate for you. Optimal Hormone Solutions provides customized testosterone treatment plans to help men achieve their optimal hormonal balance and vitality.
In summary, making positive lifestyle changes, managing underlying health conditions, and possibly taking specific supplements may help support healthy testosterone function. But evidence is still limited for many over-the-counter testosterone boosters. For those with abnormally low testosterone levels, hormone replacement prescribed by a doctor may be beneficial, but also carries risks. Thorough lab testing and oversight is important for testosterone therapy. Speak to a knowledgeable hormone health specialist to explore your options.
