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What Are the Side Effects of Increased Testosterone?
Testosterone boosters are too often misunderstood and misrepresented. Yes, there are potential health dangers that can occur while using testosterone supplements, especially when they contain anabolic steroids, but for the most part, testosterone supplement side effects only arise when the supplement is abused or used incorrectly.
Supplementing with testosterone is actually a beneficial practice for men, especially for those over the age of 40, because increasing testosterone levels allows you to put on muscle more easily, maintain high energy levels, and even have better sex.
Unpleasant Side Effects
While some side effects aren’t necessarily life threatening or painful, they are still unpleasant in the fact that they can change your appearance and overall body function in ways you don’t want to be changed. Here are just a couple side effects that aren’t dangerous, but are still unsightly, unpleasant and sometimes unavoidable.
Infertility: The body naturally produces testosterone through the testes, but when outside testosterone is taken into the body the testes stop producing testosterone naturally in order to maintain balance. This stoppage of natural testosterone production can lead to infertility, especially if the testosterone supplement is taken over long periods of time. The best way to avoid this is to take a supplement in cycles.
Acne: Similar to puberty, when you receive a large, unexpected intake of a hormone like testosterone, it throws your body into a hormonal imbalance which leads to increased oil production an acne is often the result (even in adults–yikes).
Male Pattern Baldness: Testosterone in and of itself does not cause male pattern baldness. Instead, your body naturally converts testosterone in a secondary hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT then causes hair follicles to grown shorter, thin out and eventually lead to male pattern baldness.
Gynecomastia: When individuals increase their testosterone levels, the male body attempts to create a hormonal balance by producing an equal amount of estrogen. Excess estrogen in men can cause fat to build up in the abdomen and pectoral areas giving a woman-like appearance. This is called gynecomastia.
There is still hope. These unpleasant side effects do not have to force you to stop taking testosterone supplements altogether. Instead, all you need to do is look for products that contain ingredients like saw palmetto extract (DHT blocker) and green tea extract (anti-estrogenic).
Dangerous Side Effects
Along with some of the unsightly side effects, testosterone supplements also pose the risk of potentially dangerous effects. Most of these effects aren’t always avoidable and may seem to be relatively rare but should still be taken into account.
Liver Damage: Testosterone supplements, especially ones you consume orally, pose the risk of serious liver problems.
Enlarged Prostate: While the cause is still relatively unknown, some researchers claim that estrogen and DHT may be a factor in prostate enlargement. DHT and estrogen can be increased with higher testosterone levels.
How to Avoid Side Effects
In order to avoid these common side effects associated with testosterone supplements, there are a few steps you should follow.
1. Go Natural: Look for testosterone boosters that contain natural ingredients like magnesium or zinc. Extracts from plants can also be helpful. If mother nature did not intend for it to be in your body, stay away from it.
2. Follow Directions: Some testosterone boosters recommend a cycle period where you go on the supplement for a number of weeks followed by an “off period.” There is a reason they suggest this. Follow those recommendations.
3. Do Some Research: A product may claim to utilize proven and effective ingredients, but the testing behind those ingredients may be faulty. When researching an ingredient, ask youself a few questions: “Was the study in vitro, in rats, or in humans?” “What was the dosage used and does the product contain the effective amount?” “What was the average age of participants?”
Conclusion
The truth is, some testosterone boosters give the entire market a bad name. You actually can effectively increase testosterone levels without having to endure risky and unpleasant side effects. Just make sure you know what to look for and you should be fine.
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