Testosterone Boosters vs. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) – Which is Really Better for Mature Men?

Testosterone makes you masculine. That is why you should always maintain healthy testosterone levels all the time. Your age might be the primary challenge in maintaining your testosterone levels. However, there are many ways to counter testosterone decline and hypogonadism, especially the ones in earlier stages.

Testosterone boosters and TRTs either ward off or reverse testosterone decline and hypogonadism.  This Testosterone Boosters vs. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) review shows you the facts and differences between the two. Let’s break them down further.

Why do men take testosterone boosters and TRTs?

Testosterone boosters and TRTs may provide similar benefits, but they have different modes of action. Men take both T-boosters and TRTs to increase testosterone. Testosterone boosters either stimulate testosterone production or protect testosterone. On the other hand, TRTs provide bioidentical testosterone for your body. Another popular way of naturally increasing your testosterone level is with regular exercise.

As you age, testosterone production decreases. This leads to testosterone decline and eventually hypogonadism. Testosterone boosters do not introduce synthetic forms of testosterone-like substances in your body. Instead, they only promote the activity of Leydig cells. Therefore, the effects of testosterone boosters hinge on the capacity of your Leydig cells to produce more testosterone.

Testosterone Boosters

Testosterone boosters help increase muscle mass and strength in conjunction with strength training.

Testosterone boosters have many forms. There are essential nutrients, herbal extracts, seafood, and other extracts. Men take testosterone boosters to enhance masculinity and athletic performance. In addition, active men use testosterone boosters to maintain the anabolic state for muscle improvement. Testosterone boosters have many mechanisms on enhancing your masculinity. They can even fuel your libido and make you smash like a sexy beast. T-boosters may also improve fertility and support your erection’s hardness and duration.

Testosterone boosters are gaining popularity because they have comparable effects to anabolic steroids when it comes to athletic performance enhancement. However, instead of health risks, t-boosters have numerous health benefits for you. That’s precisely why more athletes and bodybuilders are using t-boosters instead of anabolic steroids to enhance their physical performance the clean and effective way.

Testosterone Boosters’ modes of action:

• Act as precursors for testosterone to directly stimulate production
• Promote muscle anabolism
• Amplify muscle regeneration
• Inhibit the effects of estrogen, aromatase, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) to maintain masculinity
• Reduce the stress hormone cortisol to help sustain testosterone while countering catabolism
• Improve cardiovascular health and blood circulation by reducing cortisol
• Enhance blood circulation and erection strength at the same time

Effects of Testosterone Boosters

Testosterone boosters are popular because of their ability to enhance athletic performance the natural way. However, they have a lot of other uses. Some of their effects have similarities to those of anabolic steroids when it comes to athletic performance enhancement.

In addition, testosterone boosters have fewer adverse effects than anabolic steroids, so the former is a better option. If you would like to build your muscles the clean and effective way, testosterone boosters help you achieve that. Also, if you are experiencing some fertility problems, some testosterone boosters are also able to ameliorate them, too.

Testosterone boosters are safe and effective. However, they also have some cons. Let’s find out if these effects provide what you need from a supplement.

Pros

• Enhanced muscle mass and strength
• Improved bone mineral density
• Better libido and reproductive health
• Boost fat loss
• Better cardiovascular health and function
• Increased energy levels

Cons

• Acne breakout
• Gastric distress on certain ingredients
• Occasional mood swings, higher aggressive tendencies and anxiety
• Minor headaches
• Premature balding

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

Testosterone replacement therapy first made headlines in the 1930s. However, strict regulations regarding TRTs began in early 2000’s. The US Food and Drug Administration only started to approve and regulate TRTs in 2003. Currently, there are different forms of TRTs available such as testosterone gel, transdermal patch, or intramuscular injection. The number of TRT users keeps increasing because of its effectiveness in sustaining and enhancing masculinity. However, there are risks involved with continuous TRT usage. In fact, the risks are mainly related to cardiovascular health. Now, that isn’t an acceptable risk if all you want to do is enhance or maintain your masculinity as you age.

The reason behind the strict regulations behind TRTs is that they have significant health risks and side effects. That is why you should have regular trips to the doctor while taking TRTs to determine whether their effects are either beneficial or risky for you. In addition, there are some TRT manufacturing companies which present misleading or unsubstantiated claims. For this reason, the FDA had to intervene with the TRT industry because these same claims make TRTs prone to misuse and abuse.

Indication of testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT) treatment:

Testosterone replacement therapy is the most popular treatment for hypogonadism in both sexes. However, even though it is an effective treatment, it comes with certain health risks and side effects, too. On that note, you should not take them unless they are necessary for your well-being. At present, you need a doctor’s prescription to obtain TRTs. Here are some of the indications that you are in need of TRT:

• Primary or secondary hypogonadism
• Sexual dysfunciton
• Loss of bone mineral density
• Decreased muscle strength
• Depression
• Inconsistent mood
• Significant cognitive decline
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Andropause

Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) helps improve mood and boost cognitive function.

Men who are unable to produce or utilize testosterone may need testosterone replacement therapy. In addition, TRT is the most popular treatment for hypogonadism today. As you age, testosterone decline becomes inevitable and this leads to late onset hypogonadism. To reverse this, doctors often prescribe TRTs to some patients. However, TRTs aren’t anti-aging therapies even though some manufacturers marketed TRTs as such before the FDA regulated them. Here are the pros and cons of this synthetic therapy:

Pros

• Replaces testosterone effectively
• Improves mood and cognitive ability
• FDA regulated
• Different forms available
• Increase muscle mass and strength
• Decrease erectile dysfunction
• Increase bone mineral density

Cons

• Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases
• May cause difficulty in breathing
• Injections are painful for some forms
• Potential benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• Increased risk of liver toxicity
• Increased risk of Polycythemia vera

Testosterone Boosters vs. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): Which is Better?

If you are still capable of producing and utilizing testosterone, t-boosters will be enough for you. However, if you are already having difficulty in producing testosterone, then TRTs might be the better choice, even though it’s better off as a last resort to restore your masculinity and vitality.

Testosterone boosters and TRTs both work for mature men. However, depending on the extent of testosterone decline or hypogonadism, testosterone boosters might be good enough. If not, you can opt for TRTs only as a last resort. Testosterone boosters are better than TRTs because they don’t have potentially harmful side effects and they boast of natural ingredients. On the other hand, TRTs are truly effective. However, these TRTs contain synthetic ingredients which predispose you to some adverse effects.

People often face the dilemma of testosterone boosters vs. TRTs. Here are some points to consider in choosing between them:

• Testosterone boosters increase masculinity and anabolic activity while supporting your overall health.
• TRT is a treatment for hypogonadism which helps maintain virility and vitality.

Therefore, since testosterone boosters help ward off testosterone decline and hypogonadism, they are the better choice. You won’t have to treat anything if you can keep it at bay to begin with. Always remember that prevention is better than cure. If you want to ward off hypogonadism, you can begin taking testosterone boosters even before you experience the effects of testosterone decline (which may eventually lead to hypogonadism).

Are Testosterone Boosters Banned in Athletic competitions?

No. Bodybuilding organizations allow the use of most testosterone boosters during competitions because they will not increase your testosterone beyond humanly possible. However, there are certain substances which they ban from sports competitions. DHEA and deer antler velvet are two of the banned substances in athletic and bodybuilding competitions.

DHEA is banned from athletic competitions because it acts as a precursor for testosterone. While this substance gives you an edge in sports competitions, it ramps up testosterone beyond natural levels. Its ban makes competition as fair as possible. Doping in testosterone precursors is also risky for your health. In addition, DHEA is technically a type of steroid which some countries also classify as a performance enhancing drug (PED). It a controversial ingredient in some dietary supplements which manufacturers classify as testosterone boosters.

Deer antler velvet is another highly-controversial supplement for athletes and bodybuilders. The reason: instead of boosting testosterone production or protecting circulating testosterone, deer antler velvet actually supplies testosterone and other similar androgens in small quantities. Unfortunately, a clinical trial demonstrated that deer antler velvet did not significantly increase testosterone and sexual function. It remains listed as a banned substance in the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

Testosterone Boosters vs. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): Legality Considerations

Testosterone boosters are completely legal. However, there are just a few banned substances under the testosterone boosters category (namely DHEA and deer antler horn powder). If you are planning to join sports competitions, it is best to stay away from these substances. Different countries have different regulations for these substances.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is completely legal. However, governing sports bodies strictly regulate them. Plus, you need a doctor’s prescription to obtain it. Even though TRTs are FDA-approved, doctors can only prescribe them to patients with clinical recommendations for this particular therapy. Contrary to popular belief, women can also undergo TRT.  It can also ward off or ameliorate certain health conditions with links to hypogonadism in women, too.

Both testosterone boosters and TRTs are legal. However, it is easier to obtain t-boosters over the counter compared to TRTs since most manufacturers classify t-boosters as dietary supplements instead of drugs. There are a few drugs which disguise as T-boosters, so be cautious in choosing your supplements. Opt for t-boosters which are from reputable manufacturers, so you can get the supplement quality that you expect.

What are the Best 5 Testosterone Boosters that you should try before resorting to TRT?

D-Aspartic Acid

D-Aspartic acid increases testosterone effectively in just a few days. It promotes testosterone synthesis and provide the necessary precursors for testosterone production. In addition, d-aspartic acid helps other hormones which support testosterone. With that in mind, it also helps maintain free testosterone.

• D-Aspartic Acid Calcium Chelate (D-AA-CC) is the best form of d-aspartic acid because of its absorbability. This is very beneficial, especially for mature men.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb which can boost testosterone by 17 percent in just a few days, making it an effective alternative to TRTs. It is all-natural, too. In addition, ashwagandha provides fertility and muscle support which greatly benefits mature men.

• Ashwagandha root extract as KSM-66® is the best form of ashwagandha because it is a branded and standardized herb which is effective for men of all ages.

Luteolin

Luteolin is a testosterone booster which offers anti-estrogen activity. Mature men need more sex hormone support as testosterone decline and hypogonadism set in. Luteolin is a beneficial testosterone protector. In addition, luteolin is a potent antioxidant which has anti-aging benefits.

• Luteolin is an isolated flavonoid and it is already the best form available.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential nutrient for testosterone and overall health. Zinc is also a precursor for testosterone. Adequate levels of zinc help support healthy testosterone levels. Regular intake of zinc from dietary sources helps ward off hypogonadism due to zinc deficiency.This mineral also helps improve sleep quality.

• Zinc citrate is a cheap and effective form of zinc which has impressive bioavailability. On the other hand, there is a premium form of zinc which is equally easy to absorb: zinc picolinate. Both of these forms of zinc are the best on the market.

Vitamin D

Getting adequate sunlight is a great way of getting your vitamin D fix.

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for optimum health. However, vitamin D deficiency is still quite common, even though the body can produce it during morning sun exposure. One of the common causes of hypogonadism in men is vitamin D deficiency. You should allow your body to produce enough of it if you want to maintain your masculinity. You can also take dietary supplements (such as multivitamins) to compensate for the lack of this vitamin.

• Vitamin D3 is the best form of vitamin D because the body can make use of it easily. The reason: it is identical to the vitamin D the body produces during sun exposure.

Boron

Boron is an essential mineral for the body. You need this nutrient for your testosterone because it helps boost the absorption of magnesium and vitamin D. In addition, boron combats the effects of estradiol and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) to further support healthy testosterone levels.

• Boron citrate with a high percentage of active boron is the best form on the market because of its potency and bioavailability.

Best 5 DAA T-Booster Supplement Alternatives to TRT

#1: Centrapeak

Centrapeak is the market leading male vitality support supplement, designed to enhance your cognitive wellbeing, as well as testosterone levels.

It contains all the ingredients we look for in a T-Booster alternative to TRT; Ashwagandha, Zinc, Luteolin, Vitamin D and Boron. All in optimal dosages to deliver the best results.

You’ll even find a great testimonial on their homepage. It’s from a guy named Rob who managed to boost his testosterone levels from 14.7nmol/L to 20.4nmol/L using Centrapeak.

As a result, we’re happy to recommend Centrapeak as the best T-Booster supplement alternative to TRT.

#2: Performance Lab SPORT T-Booster

Performance Lab SPORT T-Booster is a simple yet potent testosterone booster formula which is ideal for men of all ages. It only contains four ingredients of premium quality which are enough to boost your masculinity. This formula focuses on improving your masculinity and manly performance. Performance Lab SPORT T-Booster is a purely vegan supplement which is ideal for clean athletic performance enhancement. You should try this supplement before resorting to TRTs because it might just be what you need to raise your testosterone to reach peak manly levels.

#3: TestoFuel

TestoFuel is the an anabolic support complex. As the name suggests, the primary benefit of this t-booster is that it boosts anabolism. Men with hormonal imbalances often have difficulty in building muscles. That is exactly what TestoFuel addresses. TestoFuel uses essential nutrients and a variety of extracts to naturally support your masculinity and help you stay away from synthetic TRTs and anabolic steroids as much as possible. In fact, they have very similar effects. It is better to opt for the clean alternative, which is testosterone boosters.

#4: Prime Male

Prime Male is a formula for mature men. However, it works for younger dudes, too. Prime Male is a direct testosterone booster which uses advanced ingredient forms to enhance your masculinity. It also provides essential nutrients for your overall health and manhood. The strategy of this formula: potency + synergy which boosts your testosterone in several different ways. Prime Male boasts of all-natural ingredients. It doesn’t provide any testosterone precursors or synthetic testosterone, either.

#5: Nugenix Ultimate Testosterone

Nugenix Ultimate Testosterone is the ultimate TRT alternative. This formula enhances your ability to produce testosterone while improving your libido and physical performance, too. It also supports your sexual function as because it improves your overall manly vitality. This efficient formula doesn’t contain any synthetic fillers and artificial colors, so you are likely to receive active and high-quality ingredients only. If you want to stay fit, healthy and manly Nugenix Ultimate Testosterone might be the supplement for you.

Conclusion on Testosterone Boosters vs. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

Testosterone boosters are beneficial for men of all ages. Plus, they do not have potentially harmful side effects upon long-term usage. However, TRTs aren’t that bad, either. It is just necessary for some people to achieve optimum health and masculinity. The false claims and advertisements were the problem with TRTs. However, the FDA handled that matter already.

Testosterone boosters and TRTs are both legal. Nevertheless, a physician has to approve use of the latter. TRTs are not for recreational or performance enhancement use. In addition, the use of TRTs has specific side effects. Experts have yet to evaluate the safety of its long-term use, especially on mature men..

Your health must always be a priority when choosing drugs or dietary supplements. That is why you should carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of each. We have presented the pros and cons of testosterone boosters and TRTs. It is better to try some potent t-boosters first before resorting to TRTs.

If your body is still able to produce testosterone on its own, try reinforcing testosterone production. However, if you are already having difficulty in producing androgens, TRTs may be your best bet. Bear in mind it is not a permanent solution for hypogonadism and you may encounter adverse effects during treatment. In addition, TRTs won’t help defy your age.

If you are a mature man who is torn between testosterone boosters and TRTs, you may want to check out our top 2 testosterone boosters:

• Centrapeak 
• Performance Lab T+