Testosterone regulates many physical and mental processes. Over the years, the levels of this steroid hormone can decrease, creating a syndrome called androgen deficiency. Patients may take a broad range of testosterone boosters to rectify this problem, according to an April 2011 report in "Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism." These boosters cause changes -- positive and negative -- in your body. Speak with a doctor before using testosterone boosters.
Dehydroepiandrosterone
Over-the-counter supplements such as dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, remain available despite safety concerns. A July 2011 report in the journal "Stress" showed that taking this hormone increased testosterone production in younger adults. Using DHEA provides health benefits to older adults as well. A clinical trial presented in the October 2010 edition of "Geriatrics and Gerontology International" assessed the impact of DHEA on older women with symptoms of dementia. Patients took supplements each day for six months. This treatment -- relative to placebo -- increased testosterone and improved memory. The DHEA supplements appeared safe, as few women reported adverse events.
Puncturevine
People have increasingly used herbs to treat their medical conditions. Puncturevine, or tribulus terrestris, has a reputation among bodybuilders as a testosterone booster. A 2009 article in "Fiziolohichnyi Zhurnal" documented these increases in healthy athletes. This herb has medicinal properties in addition to its effect on testosterone. A study described in the June 2011 edition of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" tested puncturevine's ability to treat cancer. Cultures of liver cancer cells were exposed to the herb or a placebo during a single testing session. Puncturevine administration either killed cancer cells or it slowed their proliferation, relative to saline.
Caffeine
While the mechanisms underlying its effects remain unknown, caffeine might facilitate athletic performance and prevent fatigue by increasing testosterone production. A December 2010 report in the "European Journal of Applied Physiology" showed that chewing caffeinated gum enhanced testosterone and reduced fatigue in cyclists. This stimulant has a broad range other positive effects as well. An April 2011 paper in "Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition" noted that caffeine intake is associated with a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes or cancer.
Zinc
Mineral deficiencies can have an adverse effect on your health. In contrast, enhancing mineral levels can improve your health. Such increases can also boost your testosterone. A July 2011 article in "Biological Trace Element Research" showed that taking zinc during intense bouts of exercise increased testosterone production. Zinc intake also improves other aspects of well-being. An analysis offered in the April 2011 issue of "BMC Public Health" looked at the impact of zinc in developing nations. Increasing the use of zinc supplements reduced the incidence of diarrhea and the number of deaths caused by pneumonia.
References
- "Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism"; Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypogonadism in Men; Shalender Bhasin, et al.; April 2011
- "Stress"; Effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone Supplementation During Stressful Military Training; Marcus K. Taylor, et al.; July 2011
- "Geriatrics and Gerontology International"; Effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone Supplementation on Cognitive Function and Activities of Daily Living in Older Women With Mild to Moderate Cognitive Impairment; Shizuru Yamada, et al.; October 2010
- "Fiziolohichnyi Zhurnal"; Influence of the Tribulus Terrestris Extract on the Parameters of the Functional Preparedness and Athletes' Organism Homeostasis; K. Milasius, et al.; 2009
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Aqueous Extract of Tribulus Terrestris Linn Induces Cell Growth Arrest and Apoptosis by Down-Regulating NF-[kappa]B Signaling in Liver Cancer Cells; Hye Jin Kim, et al.; June 2011
- "European Journal of Applied Physiology"; Caffeinated Chewing Gum Increases Repeated Sprint Performance and Augments Increases in Testosterone in Competitive Cyclists; Carl D. Paton, et al.; December 2010
