It's not just women who face hormonal problems. It is important for men to have sufficient levels of testosterone in the body. This hormone is one of the indicators of male health.
Today we’ll talk about testosterone boosters - biologically active supplements (BAS) for stimulating muscle growth, increasing strength and libido.
Important!
Before using medications, consult a specialist.
Almost every drug listed in the rating for increasing testosterone can be purchased at the pharmacy. It is worth noting that not all supplements are available without a doctor's prescription. The selection of the best testosterone drugs, stimulating testosterone boosters is based on review sites.
The best boosters with ecdisten
Ecdisthene or, in other words, ecdysterone is obtained from medicinal plants, for example, leuzea, spinach or cyanotis. Numerous studies have proven that regular intake of this compound in a certain amount (5 mg per 1 kg of body weight) helps to increase testosterone and increase muscle metabolism by 150–200%. Such results are comparable to anabolic steroids, while the hormonal balance remains unchanged. The effectiveness of using a booster in smaller dosages is low, so when purchasing a testosterone booster of this type, be sure to choose a drug with the maximum amount of active ingredient.
TOP 7 “artificial” testosterone preparations
Review of medications prescribed for serious diseases caused by deficiency of this androgen. They compensate for the deficiency of the hormone, rather than stimulate its production. Means for rapid normalization of levels. You should choose a drug only in consultation with your doctor.
1 – Androderm
A hormonal drug for testosterone replacement therapy, available in the form of patches. Their cost is a maximum of 3000 rubles. per package (60 pcs.). It has a slow dosed effect on the male body. Indications for use are signs of testosterone deficiency.
The use of the patch is contraindicated for men suffering from renal failure, prostate or breast cancer, or high calcium levels.
It is also prohibited for women and children to use Androderm.
Androderm for testosterone
| pros | Minuses |
| Promotes rapid restoration of normal testosterone levels. | Need for daily use. |
| Easy to use. | Possible inflammation of the skin, acne in the places where the patch is applied. |
| Uniform absorption of the hormone throughout the day, which helps prevent sharp fluctuations in testosterone levels. | It is impossible to use the drug during the beach period, when visiting the pool or sauna. |
| No effect of the drug on the liver, due to the penetration of the hormone through the skin. | The likelihood of developing pathological, hormone-dependent hair loss. |
| Possibility of abruptly stopping use of the patch. | Deterioration in the quality of seminal fluid, excess weight. |
| Breast growth, unstable mental state. |
Before starting replacement therapy, you must undergo a series of examinations (PSA analysis, ultrasound of the pelvic organs, rectal palpation). If the drug accidentally comes into contact with the skin of a woman or child, rinse the area of contact with plenty of water as soon as possible.
2 - Testosterone propionate
One of the best means of replacement therapy in the form of an oily injection solution with a specific odor. It consists of the active substance of the same name, ethyl oleate acts as an auxiliary. Produced in cardboard packages of 10 ampoules by a Russian manufacturer.
Stimulates the development and functioning of the external genitalia and secondary signs. It is used for prostate dystrophy, impotence, disorders of the anterior pituitary gland (acromegaly), sexual underdevelopment. Also, with a decrease in the amount of sperm produced, male menopause.
Treatment with the drug is prohibited for prostate cancer, benign enlargement of the mammary glands, and excess calcium. Contraindicated in cases of disruption of the normal functioning of the liver, kidneys, and in elderly and young patients.
Testosterone propionate
| pros | Minuses |
| Promotes rapid correction of hormonal levels. | It is necessary to inject the drug weekly. |
| Possibility of short-term use. | With long-term use, it inhibits the independent production of testosterone and the development of sperm. |
| Does not retain water. | The likelihood of baldness, a decrease in the amount of sperm released. |
| Higher concentration of testosterone after taking the drug, due to its short duration. | The emergence of aggressive behavior, nervous instability and drowsiness. |
| Inexpensive price - up to 1000 rubles. for 10 ampoules. | Prolonged pain at the injection site. |
| It is quickly eliminated from the body. | Applicable only to middle-aged people. |
| Testosterone propionate is not stored: it is quickly absorbed and excreted. |
The drug is popular among bodybuilders and weightlifters due to increased endurance and energy. There is a desire to live and act, but after stopping the medication, the opposite effect is possible.
3 – Sustanon-250
Oily injection solution produced in the Netherlands. It consists of four types of replacement substances - testosterone propionate (30 mg), phenylpropionate (60 mg), isocaproate (60 mg) and decanoate (100 mg).
Changes for the better occur already in the first days after the injection. It is prescribed mainly for the treatment of congenital or acquired primary or secondary testicular pathology in men. Standard dosage is 1 injection (1 ml of solution) monthly. The drug is popular among bodybuilders because it promotes active growth of muscle mass.
It is strictly forbidden to take it by people with suspected or presence of prostate or breast cancer, sensitivity to the components of the drug, and children under three years of age. Use with caution in boys during puberty, with chronic renal, cardiac or liver failure, diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea and chronic lung diseases.
Sustanon-250
| pros | Minuses |
| A combination of four components with different half-lives contributes to the long-lasting effect of the drug on the body. | Rapid conversion of testosterone esters into the female hormone estradiol. |
| Improvements are noticeable 2-3 days after the first injection. | The likelihood of swelling, an increase in the percentage of fat in the mammary glands. |
| Duration of treatment is maximum 2.5 months. | The need for parallel use of antiestrogens to prevent the rapid occurrence of estradiol. |
| The ability to maintain the desired testosterone level without daily use of the drug. | Use is prohibited during the period of planning to conceive a child. |
| Promotes rapid growth of muscle mass. | Possible suppression of the production of your own hormone. |
| The quality of bones improves: they become stronger and more resilient. | High price - 700-800 rubles. for 1 ampoule. |
| Normalization of sexual functions, total body weight. | The likelihood of azoospermia (lack of sperm in semen), acne, mental health disorders (depression, nervous excitability, mood swings). |
| Promotes rapid masculinization in the treatment of transsexual women. | Possible development of prostate cancer, muscle pain, increased blood pressure. |
The use of the drug is justified for athletes, men aged 40+ or with genetically low testosterone levels. It must be carried out under the supervision of a doctor; examinations continue even after stopping taking Sustanon-250 for one year.
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The lower a man's testosterone levels, the more likely he is to live longer. According to statistics, representatives of the stronger sex suffering from hormone deficiency outlive their peers by an average of 14 years.
4 — Omnadren-250
It is a mixture of testosterone esters in the form of an oil injection solution. Russian analogue of the drug Sustanon-250. The injection is given once a month. Prescribed for impotence, infertility, excessively minimal activity of the gonads, decreased quantity and quality of sperm, impaired hormone production, menopause in men.
It is strictly forbidden to use the drug in patients with prostate cancer or excess calcium. The use of Omnadren-250 by elderly or young patients is also undesirable.
Under the strict supervision of a doctor, the drug is used by people with heart failure, high blood pressure, epilepsy, migraines and kidney and liver disorders.
Omnadren-250
| pros | Minuses |
| Increased potency and libido. | Suppression of sperm production and own testosterone. The process is reversible. |
| No need to take the drug daily. | Increase in price of the drug - 800-900 rubles. for 1 ampoule. |
| Accelerates the process of muscle growth. | Fluid retention. |
| Promotes stamina, energy and concentration. | The likelihood of a sharp decline in testosterone levels by the end of the second week after the injection. |
| Possibility of long-lasting effects on the body. | Aggressiveness. |
| The effect of taking it occurs within 3-4 days. | Skin problems: acne, inflammation. |
| Upon completion of the treatment, a quick return to the state of the body before the start of the course. | |
| Peak sensations: a sharp increase, then a decrease in hormone levels. | |
| Nausea, swelling, blood clot formation. | |
| Prolonged pain at the injection site. | |
| Sometimes excessive sexual desire and frequent strong erections. | |
| Provocation of premature puberty. |
The use of Omnadren-250 is possible as an anti-estrogen to delay the development of neoplasms in tumors of the uterus, ovaries or mammary glands in women.
5 - Androgel
French-made hormonal replacement product in gel form. Helps increase androgen levels, development of secondary and tertiary sexual characteristics. The package consists of 30 disposable sachets of 2.5-5 g of gel (1 g contains 50 mg of testosterone).
Contraindicated in people with suspected or known breast carcinoma, prostate cancer, or hypersensitivity to the components of the gel.
Should be used with caution and under the supervision of a doctor for people with:
- malignant tumors;
- severe renal, cardiac or liver failure;
- migraines;
- epilepsy;
- hypertension.
Patients with these conditions are more likely to experience side effects. Also, due to the drug containing ethyl alcohol, it is forbidden to apply the gel to sensitive areas of the body (genitals, etc.) due to the likelihood of irritation. With constant use on the same areas of the skin, erythema, acne, and dry skin appear.
More serious side effects include changes in the concentration of lipids in the blood, disruption of the prostate gland, problems with the nervous system (dizziness, amnesia, mood swings, headaches). Blood pressure increases and diarrhea may occur.
Androgel
| pros | Minuses |
| The gel form avoids hepatic blood flow. | High price (2172 rubles – 3434 rubles). |
| Rapidly increases androgen levels. | Need for daily use. |
| Easy to use. | An allergic reaction is possible. |
| Does not provoke sharp fluctuations in the amount of the hormone. | The likelihood of one dose being insufficient for the patient due to poor absorption of the active substance. |
| Possibility of dose adjustment. | The need to limit contact with women and children for 6 hours after application. |
| Possibility of abrupt cessation of use. | Probability of no effect in men. |
| Can be used by women. | Possible slow reaction of the body to the gel. |
The result of using the drug Androgel depends on the condition of the patient’s body and its characteristics. Consultation with a doctor is required!
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6 – Nebido
A drug for hormone replacement therapy made in Germany. Available in the form of an oily solution for injection with a yellow tint, 5 or 10 ampoules per package. The active ingredient is testosterone undecanoate (1 ampoule contains 1 g). The injection is carried out intramuscularly 1 time/12 weeks. Duration of treatment is 3-4 months. The patient receives four injections per year.
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Prescribed to boys suffering from delayed puberty. Also for men with infertility or who have undergone castration.
Use is contraindicated in the presence or suspicion of prostate or breast carcinoma. With increased calcium levels, liver tumors or hypersensitivity to components. Patients with apnea should use Nebido with caution and only if prescribed by a doctor.
Nebido
| pros | Minuses |
| The ability to quickly increase androgen levels. | The likelihood of an inflammatory process (itching, swelling, hematoma), prolonged pain, discomfort at the injection site. |
| There is no need to use the medicine daily. | Possible increase in the number of red blood cells. |
| Long-lasting, stable effect without sharp fluctuations in the amount of the hormone. | Sometimes it contributes to the appearance of excess weight. |
| Does not block the independent production of testosterone. | The likelihood of an increase in the level of prostate specific antigen (PSA), pathologies or benign tumors of the prostate gland. |
| There is no chance of the hormone increasing to excessive levels. | High cost - 4600-5585 rub. |
Nebido is more accessible, so it is more often used by athletes to accelerate muscle growth.
Testosterone has completely opposite effects on both sexes. An excess amount of the hormone causes aggressive behavior and a tendency to violence in men, while a deficiency leads to cunning and greed. In women, an excess of testosterone turns them into adventurers, and a deficiency pushes them to participate in conflicts and have a bad mood.
7 - Andriol
Hormone replacement therapy drug in the form of tablets or capsules, produced in the Netherlands. Prescribed for infertility, impotence, osteoporosis. The dose is determined by the doctor; tablets or capsules contain 40 mg of the active substance - testosterone undecanoate.
Andriol controls and stabilizes the body's metabolic processes. Its benefits include the formation of secondary sexual characteristics, increasing potency and libido, losing weight, and removing harmful toxins. Essential for bone and muscle growth in young athletes.
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Contraindicated in case of intolerance to the components, presence or suspicion of prostate or breast carcinoma. Use with caution in cases of latent or severe heart failure, renal impairment, hypertension, epilepsy and migraine.
Andriol
| pros | Minuses |
| Rapid removal of the drug from the body. | Weak effect. |
| Possibility of dosage regulation. | Quite a high cost, disproportionate to the result. |
| Possibility of abrupt cessation of use. | Cannot be used by older men. |
| Helps maintain the required hormone levels. | The likelihood of precocious puberty in the treatment of boys. |
| There is no negative effect on the liver due to the absorption of the drug in the intestine. | Possible unnatural increase in the frequency of erections and the size of the penis. |
| Does not suppress the body's production of its own testosterone. | Increased sexual arousal in men. |
| Minimal risk of an allergic reaction. | Decreased quantity and quality of sperm. |
The package contains 60 oval-shaped, bright orange capsules or tablets. The approximate cost is 1500 rubles.
Most Popular Tribulus Extract Supplements
Another common type of testosterone booster is preparations made from tribulus, a medicinal plant that has long been used to improve potency. The mechanism of action of stimulants prepared on its basis is due to the content of a large number of saponins with a steroid structure. Once in the body, they promote increased production of testosterone and other “male” hormones, as well as the release of nitric oxide, which has a vasodilating effect. As a result, the drug, if taken in a dosage of 500 to 1500 mg per day, can serve as a powerful aphrodisiac and a source of increasing testosterone for men with age-related deficiency. At the same time, taking supplements with tribulus by young people under 30 years of age exclusively for sports purposes is considered ineffective.
TOP 3 best testosterone supplements from iHerb
1 – Six Star, Elite Series
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Testosterone booster from the MuscleTech brand from the USA. The cost of a package of 60 tablets is about 700 rubles. The nutritional supplement is designed as a source of additional energy for athletes. Natural testosterone production increases within normal limits within a week of use. The supplement is not suitable for the treatment of low testosterone levels and sexual dysfunction.
Six Star Elite Series
| pros | Minuses |
| An effective supplement. | |
| Works well together with Tribulus. | |
| Endurance and feeling of energy throughout the day. | |
| Increases libido. | |
| Feeling better. |
2 – RSP Nutrition, Prime-T
Buy RSP Nutrition Prime-T on iHerb →
This dietary supplement is available in tablets in packages of 60 and 120 pieces. Prices for 60 tablets start from a thousand rubles. The supplement has been independently tested. Prime-T maintains and increases hormone levels, which has a beneficial effect on muscle growth during training, weight loss, and increased strength and endurance. Take 4 tablets before bedtime.
Prime-T
| pros | Minuses |
| Quick results. | Headaches may occur. |
| Deep restful sleep. | Contains lead. |
| A boost of energy and a feeling of vigor. | |
| Improves well-being. |
3 – Olympian Labs, DIM-100
Order Olympian Labs DIM-100 on iHerb →
Vegetarian food supplement free of gluten and allergens. A package of 60 capsules costs from 1350 rubles. DIM-100 can be used by both men and women. The supplement balances hormone levels and is used to build muscle mass. Take one capsule per day unless your doctor prescribes a different dosage.
DIM-100
| pros | Minuses |
| Suitable for men and women. | A headache may occur. |
| Vegetarian product. | Strong smell. |
| Balances hormones. | Doesn't help you lose weight. |
| Acne disappears. | |
| No soy included. |
Complex preparations – herbal and pharmaceutical
There are a number of medicinal and herbal preparations that can roughly be classified as testosterone boosters. They are based on substances that affect the level of the male hormone by activating certain mechanisms:
- ZMA (a combination of zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6) – has a slight effect on muscle gain, increases strength and is involved in the production of testosterone;
- D-aspartic acid is an amino acid directly responsible for the regulation of androgen synthesis;
- Eurycoma extract – contains compounds that prevent the catabolism of muscle mass and stimulate the synthesis of testosterone;
- Agmatine sulfate – stimulates the secretion of luteinizing hormone and the production of its own sex hormone.
TOP 2 testosterone “stimulants”
Dietary supplements that stimulate the production of your own testosterone are more often used by non-professional athletes. The best testosterone boosters are not dangerous for men and do not have serious side effects due to the fact that they consist of natural ingredients and not synthetic testosterone. Not detected by doping tests. To treat diseases they are used in combination with other drugs.
1 – Tribestan
The main active ingredient of this dietary supplement is the plant Tribulus terrestris. Its aerial and root parts contain organic steroid compounds that stimulate the hormonal system.
For medicinal purposes, Tribestan is prescribed for erectile dysfunction and male infertility due to a decrease in the number of active sperm in the ejaculate. And also during surgery due to varicose veins of the spermatic cord of the testicle.
Contraindications for use are:
- hypersensitivity to components;
- proliferation of prostate tissue;
- stroke, heart attack that occurred over the past year;
- uncontrolled heart and vascular diseases;
- severe renal failure;
- allergy to protein, soy;
- pregnancy and lactation period in women;
- minor age.
Tribestan should be taken 3 times a day, 1-2 tablets after meals, to avoid irritation of the gastric mucosa. If there is no effect from taking the drug for a month, you should consult a doctor.
1 package contains 60 or 180 tablets, the cost of a large package is about 4,000 rubles.
Tribestan
| pros | Minuses |
| Increases the number of active sperm in seminal fluid. | High cost, packaging is not enough for a month. |
| Promotes the growth of strength, muscle mass and endurance. | The effect of the drug does not persist after the end of administration. |
The drug is popular among amateur and professional athletes.
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A decrease in testosterone in men 40+ is associated with the development of chronic diseases (especially diabetes, obesity). In absolutely healthy people, testosterone does not decrease significantly, no matter how old they are.
2 - Tribulus
The booster is produced by manufacturers in different countries. The most popular and effective among consumers is Tribulus from the American company NOW Sports. The main active ingredient of the drug is also the plant Tribulus terrestris, an additional component is calcium.
The most powerful Tribulus should be used 1-2 times a day, 1 tablet before meals. It is not safe to exceed the recommended dosage unless prescribed by a doctor.
The drug is contraindicated for people with individual intolerance to the components, women during pregnancy and lactation, and persons under the age of majority.
The package consists of 90 tablets. Average cost - 1300 rub.
Tribulus
| pros | Minuses |
| Promotes full functioning, testosterone production by the adrenal glands and testicles. | Irritability and aggressive behavior are possible. |
| Plant components. | Smoking during use is prohibited, incompatible with nicotine. |
| When playing sports, it helps increase muscle mass. | Large tablet size. |
| The effect is felt from the first day of taking the drug. | The likelihood of inflammatory processes occurring on the skin. |
| Increases endurance and strength. | Blood pressure surges are possible. |
| Cannot be purchased at a pharmacy. |
Sometimes Tribulus is used to smoothly restore the body after taking hormonal drugs with synthetic testosterone. You can only hear positive reviews about Tribulus, despite this you should take into account the characteristics of your body.
Purpose of boosters
Testosterone boosters are necessary to normalize the level of male hormones in the blood. You should drink it only if a deficiency is identified. This can be determined after consultation with an endocrinologist and tests. The supplement is necessary only to raise the level of androgens to normal levels, but not to artificially create an excess.
If the testosterone level was determined in a laboratory within the normal range, then taking boosters will not bring the desired result and will not affect your well-being and physical performance in any way. A man may think that he purchased a low-quality product or is using it incorrectly, and not suspect that the problem is in the initially normal level of the hormone.
You can understand that testosterone levels are not normal by how you feel. Then the man quickly gets tired, becomes angry, potency weakens, performance and strength indicators during training drop. Boosters will help you cope with all this.
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If there is a lack of testosterone, boosters have the following effect:
- decrease in blood glucose levels;
- better protein synthesis;
- reduction of catabolism;
- muscle mass growth;
- elimination of fat layer;
- increase in physical strength;
- normalization of the sex glands.
Bodybuilders who increase their strength by taking anabolic steroids should take a break for a while after taking them. Typically, intensive weight gain is necessary during the competition period, after which recovery and post-course therapy are necessary. Otherwise, the body receives excessive stress and becomes exhausted. Chemicals damage the liver, kidneys, and heart, so rest is required.
Steroids act in such a way that they teach the body to take testosterone only from external sources. In this case, the gonads do not need to spend energy on producing their own hormones and this function temporarily atrophies. After finishing taking anabolic steroids, there is a malfunction in the hypothalamic-pituitary system, and the level of female hormones increases.
As a result of taking a course of steroids, muscles decrease, the amount of adipose tissue increases, libido and potency decrease, acne appears, ligaments and joints become less elastic and hardy, and a man may fall into a depressive state.
To restore normal testosterone levels and activate the body's own resources, it is necessary to take boosters. Thus, not only the hormonal levels return to normal, but also the work of the gonads, which were previously in a frozen state, is activated.
The duration of the recovery course is 1-1.5 months. If you start taking the supplement immediately after stopping steroids, this will not affect the condition of muscle tissue and strength indicators.
It is recommended to simultaneously take dietary supplements and pharmaceutical drugs to reduce estrogen levels in the blood. At the same time, a man must continue to exercise to maintain muscle tone. Physical activity also stimulates the male gonads.
