Testosterone dietary supplements: side effects and contraindications

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Testosterone dietary supplements: side effects and contraindications

I. Understanding testosterone and its role in the body

A. Testosterone: the main male sex hormone:

  1. Testosterone is a steroid hormone related to the androgen group. It is synthesized mainly in Leydig’s cells in testicles in men and in small quantities in ovaries and adrenal glands in women.

  2. The chemical structure of testosterone includes 19 carbon atoms located in the four -ring structure of steroid. The production of testosterone is regulated by a hypothalamic-pituitary axis (GGG axis). The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GNRG), which stimulates the pituitary gland to the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). LH, in turn, stimulates Leydig’s cells in testicles to the synthesis of testosterone. FSG plays a role in spermatogenesis.

  3. The synthesis of testosterone includes several stages of enzymatic reactions starting with cholesterol. The main enzymes involved in the process include cholesterol-premolase (CYP11a1), 17α-hydroxylase/17.20-liasis (CYP17A1) and 3β-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase (3β-HSD). Violations in the work of these enzymes can lead to testosterone deficiency or other hormonal imbalance.

B. Testosterone functions in the body of a man:

  1. Development and maintenance of male sexual characteristics: Testosterone plays a key role in the development of male genital organs during embryonic development and during puberty. He is responsible for the growth and development of testicles, prostate, seed bubbles and other male genital organs.

  2. Development of secondary sexual characteristics: During puberty, testosterone stimulates the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as hair growth on the face and body, increasing muscle mass, loading the voice and the formation of male physique.

  3. Spermatogenes: Testosterone is necessary for normal spermatogenesis, the process of formation of sperm in the testicles. It stimulates the cells of the Certoli, which support and nourish developing spermatozoa.

  4. Libido and sexual function: Testosterone plays an important role in the regulation of libido (sexual attraction) and sexual function in men. The low level of testosterone can lead to a decrease in libido, erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems.

  5. Muscle mass and strength: Testosterone stimulates the synthesis of protein in the muscles, which leads to an increase in muscle mass and strength. It also helps to reduce body fat.

  6. Bone density: Testosterone plays an important role in maintaining bone density in men. The low level of testosterone can lead to a decrease in bone density and an increase in the risk of osteoporosis.

  7. Erithophoes: Testosterone stimulates the production of erythropoetin (EPO), a hormone that stimulates the formation of red blood cells (red blood cells) in the bone marrow.

  8. Cognitive functions: Testosterone can influence cognitive functions, such as memory, concentration of attention and mood. Some studies show that the low level of testosterone can be associated with a deterioration in cognitive functions.

  9. Mood and overall well -being: Testosterone plays a role in the regulation of mood and overall well -being in men. The low level of testosterone can lead to depression, fatigue, irritability and a decrease in motivation.

C. Signs and symptoms of low level of testosterone (hypogonadism):

  1. Sexual dysfunction: Libido decrease, erectile dysfunction, a decrease in spontaneous erections.

  2. Reducing muscle mass and strength: Slow down muscle growth in physical exercises, a decrease in strength and endurance.

  3. Increase fat mass: Especially in the abdomen.

  4. Fatigue and energy reduction: A sense of constant fatigue, weakness, decrease in motivation.

  5. Depression and irritability: Drows of mood, a feeling of sadness, irritability, a decrease in concentration of attention.

  6. Reducing bone density: Increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

  7. Reducing hair on the body and face: Slow down hair growth or hair loss.

  8. Breast enlargement (gynecomastia): The development of breast tissue in men.

  9. Reducing the size of the testicles: Reduction in the volume of the testicles.

  10. Infertility: Difficulties with the conception of a child.

D. Diagnostics of low level of testosterone:

  1. Blood test: Measurement of the level of general testosterone in the blood. It is recommended to analyze in the morning when the level of testosterone is the highest. The level of free testosterone and globulin connecting sex hormones (GSPG) can also be measured.

  2. Symptoms Assessment: The doctor evaluates the presence and severity of symptoms indicating a low level of testosterone.

  3. Physical examination: The doctor conducts a physical examination to evaluate signs of low level of testosterone, such as a decrease in the size of the testicles, gynecomastia and a decrease in the amount of hair on the body.

  4. Additional tests: The doctor may prescribe additional tests, such as measuring the level of LH and FSH, prolactin, estradiol and other hormones to identify the cause of the low level of testosterone.

II. Dietary supplement to increase testosterone: overview of the main ingredients

A. D-asparaginic acid (DAA):

  1. The mechanism of action: D-ppparaginic acid is an amino acid, which is believed to stimulates the release of GNRG from the hypothalamus and LH from the pituitary gland. This, in turn, can stimulate the synthesis of testosterone in testicles.

  2. Scientific data: Some studies show that the DAA can temporarily increase testosterone levels in men with its low level. However, other studies do not confirm these results, and the DAA effect on testosterone levels can be temporary and insignificant.

  3. Potential side effects: DAA can cause side effects, such as nausea, headache and irritability. In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur, such as changes in the mood and digestive problems.

  4. Recommended dosages: Usually the recommended DAA dosage is 2-3 grams per day.

B. TRIBULUS TERRSTIS:

  1. The mechanism of action: Tribulus Terrytris is a plant that is traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It is believed that it contains saponins that can stimulate the release of LH and testosterone.

  2. Scientific data: Most studies do not confirm that the tribulus terrestris effectively increases the level of testosterone in healthy men. Some studies show that it can improve sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction, but this may be associated with other mechanisms, and not with an increase in testosterone levels.

  3. Potential side effects: Toltris tribulus can cause side effects, such as stomach disorder, nausea and diarrhea. In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur, such as liver damage.

  4. Recommended dosages: Usually the recommended dosage of the tribulus of the terrestris is 250-1500 mg per day.

C. Fenugreek (Fenugreek):

  1. The mechanism of action: Sennaya fan is a plant whose seeds contain compounds, which are believed to inhibit the enzyme aromatase that turns testosterone into estrogen. This can lead to an increase in testosterone levels.

  2. Scientific data: Some studies show that the carnity of the hay can increase testosterone levels and improve sexual function in men. However, additional studies are needed to confirm these results.

  3. Potential side effects: Sennaya fenight can cause side effects, such as stomach disorder, nausea, diarrhea and allergic reactions. It can also cause the smell of maple syrup in the urine.

  4. Recommended dosages: Usually the recommended dosage of the carnity of the hay is 500-600 mg per day.

D. Zinc:

  1. The mechanism of action: Zinc is an important mineral that plays a role in the synthesis of testosterone. Zinc deficiency can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels.

  2. Scientific data: Studies show that taking zinc additives can increase the level of testosterone in men with zinc deficiency. However, in men with a normal zinc level, zinc additives will probably not have a significant effect on testosterone levels.

  3. Potential side effects: Taking large doses of zinc can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a decrease in immunity. Long -term reception of large doses of zinc can also lead to copper deficiency.

  4. Recommended dosages: The recommended daily dose of zinc is 11 mg for men.

E. Magnesium:

  1. The mechanism of action: Magnesium is involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including the synthesis of hormones, such as testosterone.

  2. Scientific data: Studies show that magnesium deficiency can be associated with a low level of testosterone. Taking magnesium additives can increase testosterone levels in men with magnesium deficiency.

  3. Potential side effects: Reception of large doses of magnesium can cause side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

  4. Recommended dosages: The recommended daily dose of magnesium is 400-420 mg for men.

F. Vitamin D:

  1. The mechanism of action: Vitamin D is a fat -soluble vitamin that plays a role in many body functions, including the synthesis of hormones, such as testosterone.

  2. Scientific data: Studies show that vitamin D deficiency can be associated with a low level of testosterone. Reception of vitamin D additives can increase testosterone levels in men with vitamin D.

  3. Potential side effects: Reception of large doses of vitamin D can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, weakness and increased blood calcium.

  4. Recommended dosages: The recommended daily dose of vitamin D is 600-800 IU.

G. Ashwaganda (Ashwagandha):

  1. The mechanism of action: Ashvaganda is an adaptogenic plant that is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is believed that it can reduce the level of cortisol, stress hormone, and increase testosterone levels.

  2. Scientific data: Some studies show that Ashvagand can increase testosterone levels, improve muscle strength and reduce stress in men.

  3. Potential side effects: Ashvagand can cause side effects, such as stomach disorder, nausea, diarrhea and drowsiness.

  4. Recommended dosages: Usually the recommended dosage of Ashvaganda is 300-500 mg per day.

H. Other ingredients: Other ingredients that are sometimes added to dietary supplements to increase testosterone include:

1.  **Экстракт крапивы двудомной:** Считается, что он связывается с ГСПГ, освобождая тестостерон.
2.  **Эврикома длиннолистная (Tongkat Ali):** Некоторые исследования показывают, что он может улучшить сексуальную функцию и повысить уровень тестостерона.
3.  **ДИМ (дииндолилметан):** Считается, что он способствует здоровому метаболизму эстрогенов.
4.  **Бор:** Минерал, который может влиять на уровень тестостерона.

III. Side effects of dietary supplements for testosterone

A. General side effects:

  1. Gastrointestinal disorders: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, abdominal pain. These side effects are one of the most common and are often associated with the irritating effect of some ingredients on the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. For example, high doses of zinc or magnesium can cause diarrhea.

  2. Headache: Headaches of various intensity and localization. They can be caused by a change in the hormonal background, vascular reactions or individual intolerance to dietary supplements.

  3. Irritability and mood swings: Mood changes, irritability, anxiety, depression. These side effects can be associated with exposure to neurotransmitters and a hormonal system.

  4. Insomnia: Difficulties with falling asleep, restless sleep, frequent awakening. Some dietary supplements containing stimulants can cause insomnia.

  5. Skin reactions: Raw, itching, urticaria, acne. Allergic reactions to dietary supplements or changes in the hormonal background can manifest itself in the form of skin reactions.

B. Specific side effects depending on the ingredient:

  1. D-asparaginic acid (DAA):

    • Nausea
    • Headache
    • Irritability
    • In rare cases, changes in the mood and digestive problems.

  2. TRIBULUS TERRSTIS:

    • Indigestion
    • Nausea
    • Diarrhea
    • In rare cases – liver damage.

  3. Fenugreek (Fenugreek):

    • Indigestion
    • Nausea
    • Diarrhea
    • Allergic reactions
    • The smell of maple syrup in the urine.

  4. Zinc:

    • Nausea
    • Vomit
    • Diarrhea
    • Reducing immunity
    • Shortage of copper (with prolonged use of large doses).

  5. Magnesium:

    • Diarrhea
    • Nausea
    • Vomit.

  6. Vitamin D:

    • Nausea
    • Vomit
    • Weakness
    • Increased blood calcium levels (with an overdose).

  7. Ashwaganda (Ashwagandha):

    • Indigestion
    • Nausea
    • Diarrhea
    • Drowsiness.

C. Serious side effects (rarely):

  1. Liver damage: Some dietary supplements, especially containing tribulus terrestrates, may in rare cases cause liver damage. Symptoms of liver damage may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), pain in the right hypochondrium, fatigue and loss of appetite.

  2. Cardiovascular problems: Some dietary supplements containing stimulants can cause an increase in blood pressure, heart heartbeat and other cardiovascular problems.

  3. Hormonal disorders: Some dietary supplements can cause hormone imbalance, which can lead to various side effects, such as gynecomastia (breast augmentation in men), acne and changes in mood.

  4. Allergic reactions: In rare cases, dietary supplements can cause serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylactic shock. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock may include difficulty breathing, edema and throat, dizziness and loss of consciousness.

  5. Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with medicines that you take, which can lead to undesirable side effects.

D. Factors affecting the risk of side effects:

  1. Dosage: Higher doses of Bada increase the risk of side effects.

  2. Individual sensitivity: Some people are more sensitive to certain ingredients than others.

  3. Related diseases: The presence of certain diseases, such as liver, kidneys or heart diseases, can increase the risk of side effects.

  4. Interaction with drugs: Reception of dietary supplements along with medicines can increase the risk of side effects.

  5. Bad quality: The quality of the dietary supplement can affect the risk of side effects. Poor dietary supplements may contain impurities or not contain the declared ingredients.

E. Recommendations for reducing the risk of side effects:

  1. Consult a doctor: Before taking any dietary supplement to increase testosterone, you need to consult a doctor.

  2. Start with a low dose: Start with a low dose of bad and gradually increase it, if necessary.

  3. Follow your condition: Carefully follow your condition and inform the doctor about any side effects.

  4. Choose high -quality dietary supplements: Choose dietary supplements from well -known manufacturers who have been tested for quality and safety.

  5. Avoid taking several dietary supplements at the same time: Reception of several dietary supplements can simultaneously increase the risk of side effects.

  6. Tell the doctor about all the medicines that you take: Bades can interact with medicines, so it is important to inform the doctor about all the medicines that you take.

IV. Contraindications to the use of dietary supplements for testosterone

A. Absolute contraindications:

  1. Prostate cancer: Testosterone can stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells. The use of dietary supplements that increase testosterone is absolutely contraindicated in the prostate cancer.

  2. Breast cancer in men: Testosterone can stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells in men.

  3. Severe liver diseases: Some dietary supplements can have a toxic effect on the liver. In severe liver diseases, the use of dietary supplements to increase testosterone is contraindicated.

  4. Severe kidney diseases: In severe diseases of the kidneys, the excretion of dietary supplements can be difficult, which increases the risk of side effects.

  5. Severe heart failure: Some dietary supplements can have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system. In severe heart failure, the use of dietary supplements to increase testosterone is contraindicated.

  6. Allergy for components component: In the presence of allergies to any of the components of Bad, its use is contraindicated.

B. Relative contraindications:

  1. Benign prostate hyperplasia (DGPZH): Testosterone can contribute to the growth of the prostate gland. In the DGPZ, the use of dietary supplements that increase testosterone should be carried out with caution and under the supervision of a doctor.

  2. Apnee in a dream: Testosterone can aggravate apnea in a dream. In the presence of apnea in a dream, the use of dietary supplements that increase testosterone should be carried out with caution and under the supervision of a doctor.

  3. Increased cholesterol level: Some dietary supplements can increase cholesterol. With an increased cholesterol level, the use of dietary supplements that increase testosterone should be carried out with caution and under the control of a doctor.

  4. Thyroid diseases: Testosterone can affect the function of the thyroid gland. For diseases of the thyroid gland, the use of dietary supplements that increase testosterone should be carried out with caution and under the control of a doctor.

  5. Age up to 18 years: The use of dietary supplements to increase testosterone is not recommended for persons under the age of 18 years, as this can disrupt the normal development of the body.

  6. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The use of dietary supplements to increase testosterone is contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women.

C. Medicinal interactions:

  1. Anticoagulants: Some dietary supplements can increase the risk of bleeding while taking anticoagulants such as warfarin.

  2. Insulin and other drugs for the treatment of diabetes: Some dietary supplements can affect blood sugar, which may require adjustments to the dose of insulin or other drugs for the treatment of diabetes.

  3. Preparations for the treatment of blood pressure: Some dietary supplements can increase blood pressure, which can reduce the effectiveness of drugs for treating blood pressure.

  4. Antidepressants: Some dietary supplements can interact with antidepressants, which can lead to undesirable side effects.

  5. Preparations for the treatment of thyroid diseases: Some dietary supplements can affect the function of the thyroid gland, which may require adjusting the dose of drugs for the treatment of thyroid diseases.

D. The importance of consulting a doctor:

Before taking any dietary supplement to increase testosterone, you need to consult a doctor. The doctor will be able to evaluate your state of health, identify the presence of contraindications and potential drug interactions, as well as give recommendations on the safe use of dietary supplements. Self -medication can be dangerous for your health.

V. Alternative ways to increase testosterone levels

A. Changes in lifestyle:

  1. Healthy nutrition: Balanced diet, rich in proteins, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates. Avoid processed products, sugar and excess alcohol. It is important to use foods rich in zinc, magnesium and vitamin D.

  2. Regular physical exercises: Regular physical exercises, especially strength training, contribute to increasing testosterone levels.

  3. Sufficient sleep: A lack of sleep can reduce testosterone levels. Try to sleep 7-8 hours a day.

  4. Reducing stress: Chronic stress can reduce testosterone levels. Try to reduce stress with the help of methods such as meditation, yoga or nature walks.

  5. Maintaining a healthy weight: Excess weight can reduce testosterone levels. Maintaining a healthy weight helps to increase testosterone levels.

B. Drug therapy (hormone replacement therapy – ZGT):

  1. When it is needed by the ZGT: ZGT can be prescribed by a doctor in the case of diagnosed hypogonadism (low level of testosterone), which is accompanied by clinical symptoms.

  2. Testosterone preparations: Testosterone preparations are available in various forms, such as injections, gels, patching and tablets.

  3. Risk and side effects of the ZGT: ZGT can have side effects, such as acne, breast augmentation, fluid retention, increase in cholesterol, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and prostate cancer.

  4. The need to control a doctor: ZGT should be carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor.

C. The importance of an integrated approach:

An effective increase in testosterone levels requires an integrated approach, including changes in lifestyle and, if necessary, drug therapy. It is important to remember that self -medication can be dangerous to health.

VI. Conclusion

Bades to increase testosterone can have both positive and negative effects on the body. It is important to carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement, get acquainted with possible side effects and contraindications, as well as consult a doctor before the start of the appointment. Alternative ways to increase testosterone levels, such as lifestyle changes, can be safer and more effective in the long term. Drug therapy should be carried out only as prescribed by the doctor and under his control.

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