7 Main Things You Need to Look for When Buying a Testosterone Supplement
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The other day I was reading an article in Archaeology.org that mentions how our ancestors had far higher testosterone levels than men nowadays.
In fact, even if we compared men of today against men from 50 years ago we can see that testosterone levels have dropped by anywhere from 25% to 50%.
While there may be a lot of debate as to how much the percentage has dropped, what cannot be denied is that men are worse off today when it comes to their testosterone levels.
There are several reasons for this such as obesity, poor diets which are high in processed foods, a society that demonizes and frowns upon masculinity in all its forms… and down the rabbit hole we go.
Yet, one truth remains…
Every single time there is a widespread ‘health issue’, you can bet that companies will try to make millions of dollars from it. The ‘low testosterone’ niche has become a multi-million dollar one.
There’s a plethora of testosterone supplements flooding the market… and they’re all not made equal. In fact, many are ineffective and just a waste of money.
With that being said, before choosing a testosterone supplement, here are the 7 things you need to look out for:
7 Things You Need To Look Out For Before Purchasing Testosterone Supplements
When it comes to buying a testosterone supplement, there are certain things that men need to consider before making their purchase.
By taking the proper precautions beforehand, not only can men ensure that they get the best possible product for their needs, but also avoid any potential dangers or side effects associated with taking supplemental testosterone.
Here are some of the most essential considerations when buying a testosterone supplement:
1. Quality of Ingredients
The ingredients in the formula will determine how effective it is. Very often, you’ll find ingredients such as Tongkat Ali (longjack), magnesium, zinc, fenugreek, ashwagandha, vitamin D, horny goat weed (Epimedium), etc. used in these supplements.
These are all useful vitamins and herbal ingredients which have been shown to have a positive effect on one’s testosterone levels.
Always check what ingredients are used in the testosterone supplement before buying it. Then do your research online and see if these actually help.
2. Dosage
Depending on the supplement you buy, the dosage may vary. Some supplements require you to take 3 capsules a day after meals… while others may only need you to take one pill BEFORE meals.
Knowing how many capsules you need to take each day will allow you to calculate how long a bottle will last.
For example, if the bottle has 90 pills and you need 3 a day, it’ll last you for just one month.
Does the formula justify the price?
Will you save more by getting 3 bottles at once?
These are questions you’ll need to ask yourself pre-purchase.
3. Brand & reviews
As mentioned earlier, there is no shortage of testosterone booster supplements on the market. In fact, you’re spoiled for choice.
The best way to ascertain the efficacy of a supplement will be to exercise due diligence and look for customer reviews online.
For example, a quick search will show that supplements such as TestoPrime and Testodren are very popular with thousands of people swearing by them.
So, you’re better off ordering these supplements online rather than picking up a generic testosterone supplement (that no one has heard of) from your local store.
4. Manufacturing standards
Since the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does NOT evaluate most health supplements, it’s best to purchase a supplement that has been manufactured in the USA according to Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP).
This will ensure a higher level of safety and you can rest assured that the supplement is produced under stringent conditions.
5. Third party tested
While there may be rules, that doesn’t necessarily mean that manufacturers will abide by them. So it’s best to look for a testosterone booster that has been third party tested.
This is akin to the supplement being ‘audited’ and it makes the supplement more reputable. It also shows that the manufacturer is willing to spend money to ensure that their production process is up to par – not to mention putting their customers at ease during the buying process.
6. Interactions and side effects
Depending on the ingredients in the testosterone formula, if you’re already on medication, there may be interactions with the supplement and your medication.
For example, Tongkat Ali has been shown to have a negative effect on people consuming blood pressure medication.
This is just one instance of an ingredient having side effects. Some people may even be allergic to the ingredients.
Nothing is perfect for everybody… and this brings us to the last point…
7. Cost
Of course, considering cost is essential when shopping for anything—and this extends to supplements as well.
Fortunately, because testosterone supplements are so widely available these days, there are plenty of competitive prices on offer.
Do your research before settling on one particular item; compare prices between different brands and look out for deals or discounts that might be available online or at your local pharmacy or health store.
Will testosterone boosting supplements help you?
If you get the right one, it most probably will.
Very often, low testosterone level could be due to a diet that is lacking crucial vitamins/minerals… and that’s what is causing the body to not produce testosterone optimally.
For example, if you’re zinc-deficient, a testosterone supplement that has zinc in it will usually remedy your problem. You’ll only know when you try it.
Testosterone replacement therapy should always be the LAST resort. Try out a proven testosterone supplement for about 90 days. Make an effort to shed your excess weight and exercise more.
Give your body a chance to fix the problem holistically. In most cases, your hormone production will return to normal and you’ll feel like a new man again.
**Medical Disclamer **
Always Speak to your doctor First
Before purchasing any supplement, note down the ingredients and speak to your doctor about it first. There’s nothing like having professional medical advice.
If your doctor gives you the green light, then you can go ahead and purchase the supplement. Do remember to be cautious when taking it during your first few days.
Consume less than the required dosage just to see if you have any side effects or allergies. If the formula recommends three pills, just take one. If you’re fine, then take two pills for the next 2 days.
If after 3 days you experience no side effects, you can take the recommended dosage. You definitely want to take the slow and steady approach whenever you begin consuming any new supplement.
References:
https://www.archaeology.org/issues/153-1411/trenches/2602-trenches-testosterone-cultural-big-bang