As you get older, you are likely to experience fluctuations in your libido due to changes in your testosterone level. This reduction in testosterone may be attributed to a number of factors, such as lifestyle changes and medications. Even excessive stress can affect the rate of testosterone production in your body. If you start noticing a drop in testosterone, you begin to wonder about taking supplements to boost your testosterone. Here are some of the things that you should consider before buying any testosterone boosting supplements.
Complete Information
One of the primary things that you need to consider before buying testosterone boosting supplements is whether the manufacturer or the producer of the supplement provides complete information about their product. You need to know that the best testosterone boosters are those that come from reputable manufacturers who disclose the purity, quality, and safety, as well as the bioavailability research and testing methods they implement in the production of their supplements. In the case this information is not easily accessible or available, you can email the brand to ask them about it.
If the manufacturer takes the time to respond in a manner that ensures you that their testosterone boosting supplements are the highest quality possible, then you are all but guaranteed that what you will be taking is safe. On the other hand, should they provide you with an answer that the formula they incorporated in the supplement is proprietary, then take this as a red flag.
Ingredients
Another thing that you need to consider before buying testosterone boosting supplements is the ingredients included in the product. For you to effectively increase testosterone levels , you have to take supplements that are composed of the finest ingredients possible. Keep in mind that supplements are labeled differently compared to food products, such that you are most likely to find a “Supplements Fact” section and an “Other Ingredients” section below that as well.
In Australia, any supplement that fits the criteria of “Goods for oral administration that are represented (expressly or by implication) as being for the improvement or maintenance of physical or mental performance in sport, exercise or recreational activity”, must be registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as therapeutic goods. As such, this registration guarantees that products sold in Australia have safe ingredients. You should use caution when buying supplements online.
Manufacturer and Supplier
To ensure that you are getting high-quality testosterone boosting supplements, another thing that you need to consider is the manufacturer and supplier. Reputable makers of supplements have the proper licenses to operate from standard regulating bodies. When they do, you are guaranteed that they adhere to the quality standards imposed by these regulating bodies, otherwise, they will not be granted the permits and licenses that they need. As such, products registered with the TGA are the only supplements you should consider purchasing in Australia.
Risks and Side Effects
Before buying testosterone boosting supplements, you should consider the potential risks or side effects of the products. Studies show that some testosterone-boosting supplements can cause heart problems , particularly for men aged 65 or older. People with a history of heart problems, as well as those taking heart medications should avoid taking testosterone supplements unless recommended by a medical professional.
Like with other types of supplements, you may also encounter certain side effects. Some of the possible side effects that you may encounter include acne flares, as well as enlarged breasts or testicular shrinkage. Some men may suffer from sleep apnea after taking testosterone-boosting supplements. For this reason, you need to ensure that you are aware of the risks and side effects before you buy any supplements.
In Australia, the TGA recommends that you only use testosterone supplements if prescribed by a doctor. Your doctor should make you aware of possible side effects of the supplements you are taking.
Warning on the Labels
You should also look into the warning on the labels before you buy testosterone boosting supplements. The Therapeutic Goods Administration requires that therapeutic goods must be registered with them for that product to be available in Australia. As such, legally available supplements should either include clear warnings or be safe for consumption.
Lack of Guaranteed Success
In buying testosterone boosting supplements, you need to keep in mind that you may not be guaranteed to have any success. Supplements are not a cure all for issues that many men may face as they age, nor are they intended to replace missing testosterone. Testosterone supplements are intended to enhance your body’s production of testosterone through natural means. The effectiveness of supplements depends on how your body responds to the natural boost.
Look Past Marketing and Advertisements
Finally, you need to look past marketing and advertisements when it comes to buying testosterone boosting supplements. If you’ve been doing some research on testosterone supplements, your Facebook feed and Google browsing is likely to be full of advertisements for supplements, or, especially in the case of Facebook, videos of fitness influencers spruiking the success of whatever supplement company sponsors them. Ignore all that. Talk to your doctor if you’re interested in supplements and listen to their recommendations.
You can also search the TGA website for approved or registered supplements .
The Therapeutic Goods Administration recommends that people only take testosterone supplements if their use is recommended by a doctor after an examination.