Testosterone, widely known as the male hormone, helps build larger, stronger muscles. In order to improve performance, some bodybuilders and athletes use substances such as steroids to raise their testosterone levels artificially. Due to the physical and legal risks associated with steroid use, testosterone boosters have emerged as a segment of the supplement industry. Although these products, including tribulus and DHEA, may not be illegal, The New York Times notes that they are not without their risks.
Increased Hair Growth
Women also produce testosterone but not as much as men. When a woman's testosterone level increases, she may start to assume some male physical characteristics. For women, taking testosterone boosters may result in an increase in body hair.
Enlarged Heart
Professor Robert Millman of Cornell University Medical School warns that testosterone boosters such as DHEA may result in enlargement of the heart. Known to medical experts as left ventricular hypertrophy, an enlarged heart significantly raises your risk of cardiac arrest, according to MSNBC.
Acne
Testosterone boosters can cause the appearance of acne on the face, chest and back. This is similar to the acne experienced during puberty.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia, or "gyno," is the development of breast tissue in men. When a man's testosterone rises higher than normal, the body often tries to restore a hormonal balance by raising estrogen levels. This rise in estrogen increases the risk of gynecomastia.
Testicular Atrophy
In a healthy man, the testes produce testosterone. When testosterone is raised artificially, the body will produce less testosterone of its own in order to maintain a balance. The result of decreased testosterone production is a shrinking of the testes. Although this condition is generally reversible once the testosterone booster is eliminated, long-term use of these supplements may result in infertility.
