Some people think that testosterone boosters are a "quick fix" to drop in testosterone levels. However, the effectiveness of testosterone booster is determined by several factors.
To discover how long it takes for testosterone boosters to start working, we've teamed up with an endocrinologist and spent hours reading published studies and journals on testosterone boosters.
Read on to know the time frame of testosterone boosters’ effectiveness, factors affecting it, and their recommended dosage.
Quick Summary
- Based on scientific facts, it takes anywhere between weeks to several months for the effects of testosterone boosters to start being felt.
- Some signs that your testosterone boosters are working include increased energy, enhanced libido, and improved mood.
- Vitamin deficiency, underlying health issues, lifestyle, and hypogonadism are some causes of low testosterone levels.
How Long Do Testosterone Boosters Take to Work?
Based on results from studies, it can take about weeks to several months. Some men may observe improvements sooner, while most men go through a gradual process.
Several factors affect the effectiveness of testosterone boosters, so there's no exact time frame for everyone.
In one study, healthy men supplemented with fenugreek supplements for six weeks showed improved libido, muscle strength, and overall well-being [1].
Another similar study has suggested that zinc supplementation for 1–4 months can benefit men with low testosterone levels and infertility [2].
However, one study reviewed published literature on the effects of testosterone replacement therapy on men with hypogonadism (diagnosed with low testosterone) to determine the time frame of its effectiveness.
Results show that it took between three weeks to six months for effects in different areas to appear. For example, changes in their sexual interest show after three weeks, while improvements in erectile dysfunction require up to six months [3].
Based on these studies, it may be best to wait for at least three weeks to two months to see the results of testosterone boosters.
How Do You Know If T Boosters Are Working?
You may know that T boosters are working if you experience enhanced libido, increased energy, and better mood as the first noticeable signs [4].
However, some testosterone boosters are only libido enhancers. So, people often think that if their sexual drive increases, so do their testosterone levels. But, it's not always the case.
So, having your testosterone levels checked can be more accurate. Testosterone levels are typically checked through a simple blood test.
Factors Affecting Testosterone Boosters
As mentioned, the time frame for testosterone boosters’ effectiveness may differ for everyone because several factors may be at play, such as the cause of low T, type of the T booster, and other biological factors.
Cause of Your Low Testosterone
Testosterone levels typically decline with age. But there are other possible causes, including:
- Underlying health conditions, such as obesity and diabetes [5]
- Lifestyle [6]
- Vitamin deficiency [7,8]
- Diagnosis with hypogonadism [9]
Identifying the cause of low testosterone can help determine the appropriate medication and supplements to manage it. It is important to note that some cases of low T may take more time than others.
"If your low testosterone is caused by an underlying health condition, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea, treating that condition may help improve low testosterone".
- Ahmer Farooq, DO, Assistant Professor of Urology at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL
Type of Testosterone Booster
There are many forms of testosterone boosters, from T boosters supplements primarily used in the gym to testosterone medications often prescribed by doctors, and they all work differently.
Over-the-counter testosterone supplements typically contain vitamins, minerals, or herbs known to help your body make more testosterone [10].
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is one of the most common medications for low testosterone. They come in gels, patches, and injections.
Other Biological Factors
People react differently to testosterone boosters. Genetic influences, hormone levels, and even nutrition are some biological factors that might affect how T boosters work for you.
Recommended Dosage for Testosterone Boosters to Work Effectively
There are wide-ranging dosages for testosterone-boosting supplements depending on the type of testosterone supplement.
We recommend following the manufacturer's prescribed dosage to avoid the risk of overusing these supplements.
On the other hand, the dosage for testosterone treatment depends on the doctor's recommendations.
As for medicated patches, the starting dosage is one 4 mg patch every 24 hours [11]. Injectable testosterone is recommended every 2-4 weeks [12].
Depending on the person's testosterone levels, doctors can change the dosage. It's crucial not to endure testosterone treatments without your doctor's prescription. Consult your doctor if you suspect low testosterone.
Related Article: Do Testosterone Boosters Work?
FAQs
What Can Happen When You Stop Taking Testosterone Boosters?
Stopping testosterone treatment will likely cause your testosterone levels to revert to their pre-treatment state. And the symptoms are likely to go back, too, because of the drop in testosterone levels.
How Can You Tell if You Have High Testosterone?
Men with high testosterone can experience the following symptoms:
- Acne and other skin problems
- Excessive body hair
- Headaches
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Low sperm count
- Enlargement of the breast
These are some indications, but it’s best to have your testosterone levels checked through a blood test.
The Time It Takes for T Boosters to Work
Studies have shown that it may take about six weeks to four months before seeing the results of testosterone-boosting supplements.
Since observable effects don't come right away, it’s best to wait for at least 3 weeks to 2 months before saying the testosterone supplements didn’t work for you.
Some of the early indications that they’re already working are enhanced libido, increased energy, and better mood.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of testosterone boosters may also differ from one person to another because the cause of low testosterone, type of testosterone booster, and other biological factors can influence it.
One sure thing, results don’t come overnight. So, you may need to be more patient when using testosterone boosters.
You can also check out our recommended list of testosterone boosters here:
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21312304/
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13685538.2019.1573220
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188848/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2701485/
- https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/34/7/1669
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7824172/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21154195/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8875519/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3255409/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6920068/
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020489s025lbl.pdf
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/085635s040lbl.pdf
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