TRT vs Natural Boosters: Analyzing the Best Methods for Testosterone Enhancement

Millions of men are choosing to use “natural” hormone boosters over testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to try to raise their testosterone levels.  So how effective are these boosters?  Are they safer than testosterone replacement therapy?  It is important to understand each treatment plan before deciding which to choose.

What is TRT?

Testosterone replacement therapy or TRT is a hormone replacement therapy of androgen hormones, mainly testosterone.  It is used to supplement or replace testosterone levels in the body. Testosterone is vital for a man’s body, mental health, and sex life.  One way to decide which treatment plan to follow and in order to make a wise decision, is to look at the pros and cons of each.

Some of the symptoms of low testosterone are:

  • weakened bones and bone loss,
  • facial and body hair loss,
  • anxiety and depression,
  • reduced muscle mass,
  • loss of focus,
  • irritability,
  • an increase in body fat,
  • infertility and reduced libido.

The pros of testosterone replacement therapy are:

  • an increase in muscle mass and a decrease in body fat,
  • an increase in sex drive and improved erectile function,
  • an improvement in concentration, mood, and sense of well-being,
  • an increase in energy and motivation,
  • an increase in athletic performance and strength along with a quicker recovery time after work-outs,
  • an increase in bone strength,
  • an improvement in sleep habits,
  • is safe because it is used under the supervision of medical professionals,
  • it usually works quickly and results are felt quickly.

The cons of testosterone replacement therapy are:

  • it requires medical approval or prescription,
  • it requires frequent blood tests and medical visits,
  • it requires weekly injections or daily topical applications,
  • it may cause medical complications or contraindications in some individuals.

An important fact about TRT is that it is quite effective and starts to work quickly. Someone using TRT will start to feel its effects soon after starting treatment; however, frequent blood tests will be necessary to adjust the dose to what is needed.

What are testosterone boosters?

Testosterone boosters are usually over-the-counter supplements which promise an increase in testosterone levels along with an increase in sexual performance and in athletic performance.  Testosterone boosters can be made up of essential nutrients, herbal extracts, testosterone precursors, and other hormone boosters. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of data to support the claims that these products produce the advertised end results the product makers claim.

The pros of testosterone boosters are:

  • an increase in energy,
  • there is some muscle mass maintenance,
  • easy to obtain because they are available by mail-order or over-the-counter,
  • prescriptions and doctor visits aren’t needed,
  • have good reviews,
  • many offer money-back guarantees,
  • have reduced side effects.

The cons of testosterone boosters are:

  • because the blends are proprietary, the amounts of the ingredients are unknown,
  • the makers use advertising gimmicks to promote these products,
  • there is a lack of product information,
  • there is limited evidence which supports the claims of these products,
  • they can be costly,
  • there are many poor customer reviews,
  • you are not always getting what you pay for,
  • they are frequently ineffective.

If your decision is to try testosterone boosters, you should have a blood test before you start using a booster.  Make sure you repeat the blood test a few weeks after starting the booster to see if there are any changes in your testosterone levels.  As with any treatment plan, be sure to check with a medical professional before beginning treatment.  This will not only give you a base line of what your testosterone levels are but will provide you with information about the product’s effectiveness. The market for testosterone boosters is flooded with products, many of which are untested.  Many products contain unlisted items which are not only untested but which might be harmful to some individuals.  Be aware of the hype surrounding these products—most results promised cannot be obtained without using a steroid product.  Testosterone boosters do not add testosterone to your body; instead, they supposedly focus on providing the needed ingredients for your body to produce more testosterone.

A team of clinical urologists at USC studied the claims of active ingredients and advertising claims of 50 of the top testosterone boosting supplements.  Their research showed that while 90% of the products promised to raise testosterone levels, only 25% of the products provided scientific data to support their claims.  Many of these products also contained dangerously high levels of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins.

How Androgenix Can Help

If you wonder whether testosterone therapy might be right for you, talk with our staff and doctor about the risks and benefits. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms of low testosterone or have any other concerns about your health, please contact our office and make an appointment with our staff and visit our office to get complete blood work and a physical examination.  You will be monitored by our team for treatment effectiveness and side effects on a regular basis. The team at Androgenix are here to support you in your journey to a better, healthier you. Our staff of caring healthcare practitioners will help diagnose and develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.  Every person who enters our doors is treated as an individual deserving of care and respect.  We can help you feel and look better.  Give us a call today.

 

 

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*Unless otherwise stated, individual results may vary depending on many factors not all patients “feel” or achieve the same results.