WARNING​: What is ​ “really”​ ​ in your Over-the-Counter Testosterone Booster? 

Over the Counter (OTC) Testosterone Boosters have been marketed to men as a quick fix if you are experience any of the following Low-T (hypogonadism) symptoms: increase in fatigue, low sex drive (libido), and decreased physical stamina. All you have to do is take this “pill” and all of your ills will go away. Before you take your next OTC Testosterone Booster pill or are about to buy that new OTC Testosterone Booster, let’s take a closer look at what’s really in these supplements. 

● Myth​: OTC Testosterone Boosters or Free Testosterone Boosters are safe, and claims made by supplement makers are regulated by the Federal Drug Administration (F.D.A.). 

● Reality: The F.D.A. does not regulate any supplement that is sold over the counter. The F.D.A. only has authority to act after it has received reports of serious health problems associated with sale of said product and prove its a serious health hazard. The F.D.A. does not validate any claims found on the supplement bottle or in the commercial. (That’s called advertisement). 

● Myth​: The ingredients listed on the OTC Testosterone booster label (including proprietary blend) are “actually” in the supplement I am/will be taking. 

● Reality:​ Unless the label contains one of the following “seals of approval” on the supplement label:​ CSL ​(ConsumerLab.com), ​NSF​ (National Sanitation Foundation International Dietary Supplement Certification), or ​USP​ (U.S. Pharmacopeia Dietary Supplement Verification Program) these ingredients have not been verified by a third-party source for its content, strength, and contaminants. (NSF and USP also inspect production facilities to evaluate compliance with F.D.A.’s good manufacturing practices (GMPs) for dietary supplements). ​In other words: use at your own risk! 

● Myth:​ The following “​natural​” OTC Testosterone Booster(s) ingredients have been found to “boost” testosterone levels or free testosterone levels: fengu greek, ​Tribulus Terrestris​, horny goat weed, and DHEA. 

● Reality:​ There are no “​natural​” testosterone booster(s) that have been validated with clinical research. Many OTC testosterone boosters have been found to contain prohormones or anabolic steroids to be effective in “boosting” the recipient’s testosterone levels, as found in the following articles:

Supplements for Athletes Draw Alert From F.D.A..​NY Times 7/8/09 

Unregulated: The Hidden Drugs in your Favorite Supplement. ​Vox 1/6/16 

Designer steroids – overthecounter supplements and their androgenic component: review of an increasing problem​. Andrology. 2/13/15.

Low testosterone (hypogonadism) is a serious medical condition that requires professional help from a knowledgeable medical provider to diagnosis. If you are taking a OTC Testosterone Booster(s) ​Stop taking them immediately​! If you are experiencing any signs of low testosterone increase fatigue, decreased sex drive (libido), and/or decrease physical stamina, have questions about the low testosterone, or you want to find out how to get back on the road to optimal health schedule your appointment with Live Ignite Thrive Medical today!

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Living Your Best Life – Your Path Starts Here

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Adam Weldzius, NP