Testosterone boosters are sports nutrition and supplements that are used to stimulate muscle growth, increase strength and libido, as well as prevent male menopause and correct the level of sex hormones. The effect of testosterone boosters is due to their ability to increase the production of natural testosterone. Most often, testosterone boosters are available in the form of sports nutrition or dietary supplements, which can be freely purchased without a prescription in sports nutrition stores and pharmacies.

Boosters usually contain: natural and herbal ingredients, vitamins and, rarely, synthetic substances that, according to manufacturers, have the ability to increase testosterone levels. However, the validity and evidence base of many testosterone boosters remains in doubt, other boosters (for example, the well-known ZMA complexes) have already been recognized as absolutely ineffective [1], although they continue to be sold and used in bodybuilding.

✅ Who are testosterone boosters for?

Testosterone boosters are commonly used by men who are looking to increase lean muscle mass. These supplements are not recommended for use under the age of 20, and according to some sources, 23. This is due to the fact that the young body has an extremely unstable hormonal system, in particular, this also applies to sex hormones. The use of boosters at a young age can disrupt this unstable system of hormonal metabolism. In addition, young people have naturally elevated testosterone levels, and therefore do not need additional stimulation. In addition, the intake of such supplements is not recommended for girls due to the development of masculinization.

Rational use of boosters is found in people over 30 and even 40 years old, when the natural level of testosterone decreases due to age, in this case, their intake not only has a beneficial effect on muscle growth, but also enhances potency and libido.

Also, testosterone boosters are great for PCT. After a cycle of steroid hormones or prohormones, it is advisable to drink 4 weeks of a booster based on Tribulus terrestis. The booster allows you to neutralize the side effects associated with the withdrawal of steroid hormones and maintain testosterone levels, thereby preventing muscle breakdown or the so-called “rollback” phenomenon.

Remember that boosters only work for the duration of their use, and after canceling all effects disappear. A decrease in muscle mass is possible, although not as pronounced as with the use of steroids.

✅ Famous testosterone boosters

❗Many anabolic complexes and boosters contain more than a dozen components, but most of the components do not affect testosterone levels. Their presence can only be explained as a publicity stunt. Below is a brief description of the most common means:

▪Aromatase inhibitors
A highly effective and safe class of drugs. According to a study [2], one tablet of Letrozole (2.5 mg) can increase testosterone levels by about 50% within a month when taken in portions (0.02 mg each). Higher dosages lead to a significant increase in the effect. In addition, the level of estrogen decreases.

▪Tamoxifen
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex), when used for 10 days at 20 mg per day, has been shown to increase serum testosterone concentrations by 142% of baseline levels.[3]

▪Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol)
Studies have found a correlation between vitamin D levels and testosterone.[4]

▪6-OXO
A new synthetic substance that is able to prevent the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, thereby increasing the concentration of the former. There are no studies confirming the effect of 4-androstene-3,6,17-trione on muscle growth. [5]

▪D-aspartic acid
The D-isomer of the aspartic amino acid, which naturally interacts with certain areas of the pituitary gland, increasing the secretion of testosterone. The effectiveness is questionable.[6]

▪Forskolin
A substance derived from the plant Coleus forskohlii is very often included in boosters. Has proven effectiveness.[7] Lack of evidence base (apart from a few small studies, the results of which contradict each other). Lack of positive feedback from athletes who took the supplement. A clear exaggeration of the properties of forskolin in the descriptions of the remedy: burning fat, increasing muscle mass, changing the concentration of several hormones at once, and all this against the background of the absence of side effects. The supplement may have a modest beneficial effect on body composition. Maybe she will enhance the effect of other remedies if you take them in combination. However, there is no reliable clinical evidence for the effectiveness of forskolin.

▪Agmatin
A relatively new nitric oxide booster that, among other things, is able to stimulate the secretion of its own gonadotropin and gonadotropin.[8] Agmatine sulfate is an imidazoline receptor agonist. Has a nootropic effect.

▪Tribulus terrestris
The most popular component of testosterone boosters, has the strongest evidence base. Currently, it is problematic to purchase it in sports nutrition stores, since Tribulus was classified as a drug and withdrawn from free sale in sports nutrition stores (only pharmacies can sell drugs)[9], however, some stores still continue to sell it.

▪ZMA
Quite a popular complex, recognized as completely ineffective. There are practically no side effects.

▪Fenugreek hay (Trigonella)
Plant extract with the active substance trigonelline. It has anti-aromatase activity, but in human studies it did not affect androgen levels and athletic performance.[10]

maca peruvian
The extract is used as an aphrodisiac. It does not affect the level of sex hormones and anabolism.

▪Bor
Inefficient.[11]

✅ Receive mode

The reception mode depends on the specific manufacturer. However, most often boosters are taken 1 to 3 times a day immediately after meals. The average cycle time is 4 weeks. It is recommended to combine with physical activity.

✅ Side effects

Abuse of any means that affect the level of testosterone is fraught with dangerous complications. Long-term use of testosterone boosters leads to a decrease in the body’s ability to produce enough testosterone on its own, as it gets used to the constant intake of the supplement. Thus, after the end of the intake, the body does not produce enough sex hormones, which leads to significant loss of muscle mass, depression, impotence and other problems.[12]

During the reception, the following side effects very rarely occur: aggressiveness and irritability, acne, fluctuations in blood pressure. Extremely rare: hair loss, gynecomastia, feminization, decreased secretion of testosterone, testicular atrophy.

If the supplement is taken at prescribed doses and for an acceptable period of time, then side effects are practically not encountered, however, there is no significant effect in terms of increasing muscle mass.

Do not take testosterone boosters if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney failure. Stop taking the supplement if you experience any side effects. Almost all side effects are completely reversible after withdrawal. [13]

✅ Combination and combination

For a good effect, testosterone boosters should be combined with a proper high-calorie diet, systematic strength training and additional sports nutrition. From sports nutrition, a good potentiating effect and optimal compatibility with testosterone boosters have:

* Protein – to enhance muscle growth, you need 2-3 g of protein per kilogram of body weight.
* Creatine – 3-5 g taken orally 1 time per day. Also a great option is creatine with a transport system.
* Vitamin-mineral complex – for active muscle growth, a sufficient intake of vitamins and other essential substances is required.

This is the minimum list of sports supplements that are indicated for joint use with boosters, in addition, you can simultaneously use BCAAs, amino acid complexes, reducers, adaptogens and other supplements.

It is not recommended to use testosterone boosters with prohormones, steroid hormones, you cannot combine 2 boosters.