Do Testosterone Boosters Work?

Do Over The Counter Testosterone Boosters Work?

Boosting testosterone levels using supplements often marketed as testosterone boosters remains a popular trend. These supplements, easily accessible online or over-the-counter from stores like GNC , claim to elevate testosterone levels and alleviate symptoms of low testosterone. Yet, the efficacy of these supplements remains uncertain. While some studies indicate a modest impact on testosterone levels, the results are inconclusive and short-lived, creating a debate within the scientific community about their effectiveness.

Most of these supplements contain essential vitamins and minerals like zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D, crucial for testosterone production. However, multiple studies have refuted their actual ability to elevate testosterone levels. Instead, these supplements might assist in optimizing the body's natural production but are unlikely to significantly increase testosterone levels beyond baseline. Moreover, these products are not regulated by the FDA, raising concerns about their safety and efficacy.

Recognizing the Signs of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone manifests through various symptoms such as reduced body hair, fatigue, mood swings, decreased libido, and weight gain. Understandably, individuals experiencing these signs might seek remedies, often lured by the extensive marketing of testosterone boosters.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Testosterone Boosters Numerous studies examining popular ingredients like Fenugreek or Zinc within these supplements have shown mixed results. For instance, while Fenugreek has exhibited mild increases in testosterone levels in some studies, others haven't confirmed its efficacy. Zinc, although linked to testosterone production, lacks evidence supporting its direct effect on elevating testosterone levels. Excessive intake of zinc, found in some boosters, may lead to health complications. See the following:

“anemia, neutropenia, and altered immune functions.”  Irani M, Sadeghi R, Amirian M, et al. The effect of folate and folate plus zinc supplementation on endocrine parameters and sperm characteristics in sub-fertile men: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Urol J 2017;14(5):4069–4078; doi: 10.22037/uj.v14i5.3772 Crossref, Medline

 

Scientific Findings on Testosterone Boosters

Studies published in reputable journals like The Journal of Sexual Medicine have shown inconclusive results, casting doubt on the effectiveness of these supplements. Researchers caution against relying on testosterone boosters due to the scarcity of comprehensive human studies confirming their efficacy.

For example:

 

• Park HJ, Lee KS, Lee EK, et al. Efficacy and safety of a mixed extract of Trigonella Foenum-Graecum seed and Lespedeza Cuneata in the treatment of testosterone deficiency syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. World J Mens Health 2018;36(3):230; doi: 10.5534/wjmh.170004 Crossref, Medline

 

Also, in a study published in the The Journal of Sexual Medicine, there was no real scientific evidence of Testosterone boosters having any significant impact on elevating T levels for men.

Volume 16, Issue 2, February 2019, Pages 203-212 the conclusion was that there was no evidence of any T booster being effective in treating sub optimal/Low Testosterone levels. The following is their conclusion:

“T-Boosters are easily available online. Our investigation revealed that limited human studies have evaluated T-Boosters, resulting in no definitive findings of efficacy. In the absence of additional human studies, patients should be cautioned before considering T-Boosters, given the availability of highly effective therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration.”

 

Balasubramanian A, Thirumavalavan N, Srivatsav A, et al. Testosterone Imposters: An Analysis of Popular Online Testosterone Boosting Supplements. J Sex Med 2019;16:203–212.

 

 

Testosterone Boosters vs.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

The fundamental distinction lies in accessibility and regulation. Testosterone boosters are readily available over-the-counter, often comprising vitamins and herbal extracts. In contrast, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) involves physician-monitored prescription medication, offering a regulated and supervised approach to address low testosterone levels.

For those considering TRT as a potential treatment, consulting with a licensed physician knowledgeable in hormone replacement therapy is essential. If you wish to explore treatment options for low testosterone or learn more about TRT or HCG to increase testosterone levels or to fight side effects such as Testicular atrophy, our office offers personalized consultations to guide you through the process.

In another study titled “Testosterone Boosting’ Supplements Composition and Claims Are not Supported by the Academic Literature”

Chase G. Clemesha,¹ Hatim Thaker,² and Mary K. Samplaski²

It was concluded  that “Ninety percent of "T booster" supplements had claimed to boost Testosterone but, only 24.8% of these had and data to support any of their those claims. And a total of 10.1% contained some components of their formula with data that showed a negative effect on Testosterone levels. Many of these so called “boosters” had supra-therapeutic doses of vitamins and minerals, so be careful of that as well. Some were even over the UL which could lead to adverse health complications. Consumers need to be well informed that their "T boosting" supplements may not actually have the ingredients to support these wild claims.”  It would seem that research has shown that most of all of these Testosterone boosters we see in stores and online, have no real impact on testosterone levels in men.

The Importance of Consulting Healthcare Providers While  TRT may be a viable treatment option for low testosterone, its administration requires expert supervision. Men taking over-the-counter testosterone boosters are exposed to potential side effects without the guidance of a healthcare professional. Seeking advice from a licensed healthcare provider before considering any supplement is crucial, especially to avoid interactions with other medications.

The Role of Lifestyle in Testosterone Maintenance

Lifestyle modifications like regular exercise, healthy eating, sufficient sleep, and avoiding harmful substances like alcohol and tobacco can positively influence natural testosterone production.

Consultation with Healthcare Professionals For individuals concerned about their testosterone levels, seeking guidance from experienced healthcare providers is advisable. Comprehensive blood tests and consultations can help determine appropriate treatments or lifestyle adjustments to address low testosterone.

Will Your Testes Shrink if You Take Testosterone?

Testicular Atrophy for Men on Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Why do testicles shrink when men take steroids?    

Will My Balls Shrink if Take Testosterone?

Testicular atrophy, a common concern for those considering testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), is an effect experienced by men on prescribed testosterone. Understanding this side effect and its management is crucial. Here’s a detailed exploration:

Why Does Testicular Atrophy Occur?

The use of exogenous testosterone, like testosterone cypionate in TRT, can lead to testicular atrophy. This occurs because external testosterone intake can signal the body to produce less natural testosterone. When the body senses higher-than-normal testosterone levels due to external intake, it reduces its natural production as a negative feedback mechanism, causing testicular shrinkage. This disruption in the body's natural hormone balance is reversible once the steroid use stops, but it might take time for the testicles to regain their normal size and for natural hormone production to resume.

Understanding the Neuroendocrine Control Behind
Testicular Atrophy (neuroendocrine control of the hypothalamo-pituitary–gonadal axis)

Absolutely, discussing the neuroendocrine control of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis provides crucial insights into the dynamics of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and its impact on hormonal balance.

The hypothalamus, a vital part of the brain, plays a pivotal role in regulating the release of hormones involved in reproductive function. Geoffrey Harris's work in 1955 (“Neural control of the pituitary gland.”) shed light on the neurobiology underlying the pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. GnRH, in turn, triggers the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from the anterior pituitary gland. These hormones travel to the gonads (testes in men), where they facilitate the production of testosterone and sperm.

In the context of testosterone replacement therapy, the hypothalamus continuously monitors testosterone levels in the bloodstream. When necessary, it releases GnRH in a pulsatile manner. This initiates a feedback loop that prompts the anterior pituitary to release LH and FSH. These hormones then travel to the testes and contribute to spermatogenesis (sperm production) and steroidogenesis (testosterone production).

However, the introduction of exogenous (external) testosterone into the body can disrupt this delicate balance. When the body senses an excess of testosterone due to external intake, it may reduce the pulsatile secretion of LH and FSH. As a result, the testes may experience reduced demand for sperm and testosterone production, leading to testicular atrophy.

Understanding this intricate feedback mechanism helps elucidate how exogenous testosterone can impact the body's natural hormonal regulation, contributing to testicular atrophy by altering the pulsatile release of essential hormones involved in reproductive function.

How can i prevent my testes from shrinking if I'm on TRT?

Preventing Testicular Atrophy on TRT

Men on TRT may also experience reduced sperm count and fertility due to the negative feedback action at the pituitary level. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), mimicking LH, helps maintain natural testosterone and sperm production in the testes, countering atrophy and fertility issues. Additionally, medications like enclomiphene have been used by fertility specialists to boost sperm count.

Consult with a Licensed Professional Understanding the effects and managing the potential side effects of TRT require expert guidance. An experienced healthcare provider can explain the risks, benefits, and available treatments associated with low testosterone. Consulting a licensed physician knowledgeable in hormone replacement therapy is essential to explore TRT as a potential treatment for Low T and its associated symptoms. If you wish to learn more about TRT or discuss options regarding Low T, feel free to reach out to our office for a personalized consultation.

 

     

How much weight can you lose in a month with Wegovy?

 How much weight can I lose in a month on Semaglutide?

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1ln-r4tKjRtNwZRfOcXnzge8j7q0sVdM&usp=sharing

Everyone knows how difficult losing weight can be. Many people have tried multiple types of diet and exercise programs and in some cases achieved some positive results but ultimately had not reached their long-term goals. Unfortunately, the truth is that losing weight is a long-term process for most people. Most people have waited until they are 20, 30 or even 40 pounds overweight or more. This is not a quick process to reverse and will take some time, planning and a concerted effort to tackle.  

     It’s very discouraging for someone to put a significant amount of time, energy and effort into a weight loss routine and not see rapid results. Many people quit after only a few weeks of diet and exercise because it’s hard and they aren’t seeing the benefit quickly enough. Often, we hear critics yell from the sidelines things like, “All you need to do is diet and exercise.” Those are really good ideas in theory, but not everyone fit into the same mold. Some people have disabilities that may prevent them from exercising. Some people may have dietary restrictions whether it be health related, economic or geographical restrictions that make it harder for them to eat a healthy well-balanced diet. It’s important not to judge who is trying to better their life and make improvements in their overall health.

Do I need to Diet and Exercise to Lose Weight on Semaglutide?

Many people may start off strong but get demotivated after only shedding a few pounds in a couple of weeks period of time. Perhaps, if one sees greater results more quickly, it may be a good motivator to continue the process? It’s also difficult for some people who are too obese to exercise safely and effectively. Perhaps if they were to lose some weight, they would have more energy, mobility, and the physical ability to begin an exercise routine. Maybe losing 20 to 30 pounds would be the spark to ignite their weight loss process to help get them into a healthy range and improve their overall health and quality of life. Whatever the factors are regarding someone’s ability to begin and continue with a weight loss program, or the reasons why they may quit prematurely, it’s important to think logically about someone’s goals, and set up a long-term viable solution in order for them to lose weight safely and to be able to maintain a lifestyle, which will keep the weight off.

What is Semaglutide?

Many people are looking into whether WeGovy or Ozempic is a good option for them to help them shed pounds and unwanted fat.  The medication is known as Semaglutide which is an injection that is taken once per week and mimics a natural hormone in the body known as a GLP1 (glucagon, like peptide) This hormone plays a vital role in managing appetite, suppression and makes people feel full after they eat. In the stomach, it inhibits gastric emptying as well, as reduces the desire to intake both food and water. It also plays an important role in the promotion of insulin secretion.

Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, both WeGovy and Ozempic had also been found to cause patients to lose an average of 15% overall body weight. Every person is unique and should be treated as such accordingly. Losing weight can be a daunting task and it can be very discouraging at first but fortunately there are lots of options out there for just about everyone. 

From an FDA new release:

In June of 2021 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Wegovy (Semaglutide) injection (2.4 mg once weekly) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol), for use in addition to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. This under-the-skin injection is the first approved drug for chronic weight management in adults with general obesity or overweight since 2014.

How much can someone actually expect to lose in a month by taking Semaglutide?

This is a difficult question because it requires specific knowledge of the individual.  In terms of total pounds, a person who weighs 150 pounds will not lose as much total weight as someone that weighs 300 pounds. However, when you compare the percentage of total body weight, it may be similar so the total number of pounds lost may be deceiving.  Another factor is whether an individual changes their diet at all or continues a lifestyle that let them become obese to begin with. Granted there are many circumstances that are beyond our control, but we often see patients who know that they are living an unhealthy lifestyle by eating and drinking excessively and mostly consume unhealthy high calorie diets, so it to those individual to which I’m referring to. Is a person still drinking soda/alcohol, fast, food, etc.? Or did they make a conscious decision to eat healthy?  

     What about exercise? Are they starting that all your diet but an exercise program to assist with the weight loss?  How many days a week? Are there underlying medical conditions contributing to weight gain that need to be addressed first? What is their natural metabolism? Are they taking medications? Do they work a job that’s active or are they sitting at a desk all day? As with so many things in life, these factors matter, and play a significant role in determining exactly how much weight an individual may be able to lose in one month, but typically research has shown that Semaglutide can lead to a loss of between five and 10% of your body weight when supported with diet and exercise.  

     One thing that seems to hold true is that the vast majority of patients see a significant reduction in weight after one month on the treatment.  These results usually are more rapid than the patients were ever used to experiencing on other weight loss programs/diets that they have tried in the past and this encouragement has motivated them to set new goals and establish new routines to help support their weight loss journey.

For anyone interested in learning more about Semaglutide for weight loss, NovaGenix has  an experienced medical team, including our physician Dr. Timothy Mackey, who has helped countless patients reach their goals safely and effectively.   To learn more, click the following link or call/text us at 561-277-8260 to see how we can help.