What Are Testosterone Boosters and Do They Really Work?

Receding hairline, a set of love handles and the sex drive of an overripe avocado?

If any of these conditions sound familiar, have you considered that your troubles aren’t just a natural consequence of ageing, but are instead caused by dwindling testosterone? A solid supply of T is integral to practically every physical aspect of your body – muscle, sex drive, bone strength, heart health, memory and even penis size – so when your levels plummet, it has some pretty undesirable effects on your health.

But there are ways to turn the tide on your T. Testosterone boosters can be found in safe, legal places, like your local chemist or hormone therapy clinics. They aren’t miracle cures and won't ward off Father Time forever, but they can help to keep your levels buoyant (and, hopefully, your penis standing to attention) for years to come.

Along with testosterone boosters, there are plenty of natural ways to pep up your T-levels with diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes. So, if you're the wrong side of 30, losing strength in the gym, struggling to focus at work and have all the energy of a scatter cushion, keep reading. Our expert advice will see you right.

What Causes Men's Testosterone to Fall?

Although testosterone is vital, falling testosterone levels aren't necessarily something to worry about – they're as natural as finding a grey hair or two. Men in their thirties can expect to experience a one to 2% drop in their T-levels each a year, according to the NHS, and these kinds of numbers are unlikely to cause any problems by themselves.

Falling T-levels that can't be put down to biology? Often, they can be traced back to lifestyle or mental health issues. If you're experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, such as erectile dysfunction or a loss of libido, it may be worth speaking to your doctor about other causes, such as stress, depression and anxiety.

If lifestyle or psychological problems aren't responsible for your falling T, another possible cause is hypogonadism, which describes when the testes produce few or no hormones. Men can be born with hypogonadism, or it can develop later in life due to injury or infection.

Left unchecked, low T-levels can weaken your bones, potentially causing osteoporosis. Worryingly, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism has linked low testosterone to an increased risk of death. So if you're experiencing symptoms, don't suffer in silence

What Is Normal Testosterone by Age?

Testosterone levels are measured through blood tests, and in the UK, measured in nanomoles per litre (nmol/l). For men, a "normal" adult reading falls anywhere upwards of 0.30 nmol/l, with the optimal range above 0.45 nmol/l.

From the age of 30 onwards, your T-levels start to decline at a rate of 1% each year. "Most men still maintain a normal level of testosterone throughout their lives, experience no symptoms, and this is why you see men who can father children well into their eighties," says Dr Luke Pratsides, lead GP at Numan

What Are Testosterone Boosters?

Testosterone boosters is a catch-all term given to a range of supplements that increase levels of testosterone. There are a number of options, depending on how severe the drop. If your testosterone levels need a gentle lift, herbal blends and products like Medisys testosterone booster.

What Does Testosterone Booster Do Sexually?

Testosterone boosters can improve your between-the-sheets action – cranking up your sex drive, energy levels, and making it easier to maintain an erection – but only if your T-levels are low. Boosting your testosterone levels excessively can cause unwanted (and even harmful) side effects – think: shrinking testicles, chest development, and a drop in sperm count (so, potentially infertility). It can even lead to erectile dysfunction.

How Can a Man Increase Testosterone?

Filling up on zinc and omega-3 fatty acids will naturally help to boost your T-levels, says Roked. If you're looking to boost your testosterone through your diet, try adding these 10 testosterone-boosting foods to your shopping list – or if you're deficient, pop a supp.

Switched up your diet and lifestyle and still haven't seen any improvements? It's time to consult an expert. Remember, "it's not really going to work if you're taking loads of stuff, but not looking after the basics," says Roked. So, be honest with yourself.

The Best Foods for Boosting Testosterone

• Oily fish, like salmon, tuna and sardines are good sources of zinc, vitamin D and protein, which are all nutrients that are important for maintaining healthy testosterone levels.
• Ginger – A 2012 study found that taking a daily ginger supplement for 3 months increased testosterone levels by 17.7% in a group of 75 adult men with fertility issues.
• Eggs – “The yolk’s cholesterol is the precursor for testosterone,” says clinical nutritionist Kim Pearson.
• Dark, leafy greens, like kale are an excellent source of micronutrients, including magnesium, which is a critical mineral for maintaining optimal testosterone levels.
• Extra virgin olive oil – A 2013 study found that men were able to boost their testosterone levels by consuming extra virgin olive oil over the course of three weeks.
• Berries, cherries, and pomegranates – The International Journal of Impotence Research reports that 47% of impotent men found their condition improved after a daily glass of antioxidant-rich pomegranate juice.
• Red meat – Beef liver is a brilliant source of vitamin D while zinc, an essential nutrient during puberty, is found in abundance in ground beef and chuck roast.

Best Testosterone Supplements

Not sure where to begin with T-boosting supps? We've scoured the most prominent scientific journals to find out which testosterone boosters you can trust is "Medisys" testosterone booster