Update 7/21/22. Ageless Male is a testosterone enhancer for men over 40 that you may have seen advertised on Fox and Friends and elsewhere. Its bottles claim it to be a “worldwide best seller.” Since I first reviewed Ageless Male, its ingredients have changed quite a bit, so this updated review will first list the new ingredients and their research and after that, I'll show you the ingredients in the original formula. Does Ageless Male really work? Does It raise testosterone levels or improve libido? Does it have any side effects? Let's look at the ingredients in this testosterone booster and see what we can discover.
What Is Ageless Male?
Ageless Male is a supplement primarily marketed to men over 40 who have low testosterone levels – or who think they do. According to the supplement's website, Ageless Male is alleged to have these benefits:
- Boost Healthy Testosterone Levels.
- Increase libido, drive and performance.
- Helps Promote Energy Metabolism.
- Promotes Muscle as Part of Strength Training.
All of these claims contain an asterisk that refers readers to the statement that “these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.”
Ageless Male Ingredients
A bottle of Ageless Male has 60 tablets. Each 1 tablet of Ageless Male has the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount Per Serving | Percent Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin B 6 (pyridoxine HCL) | 4.9 mg | 245% DV |
| Magnesium (magnesium oxide) | 16 mg | 4% DV |
| Zinc (zinc acid chelate) 15 mg | 15 mg | 100% DV |
| Fenugreek seed extract (as Testofen) | 300 mg | N/A |
N/A = no daily value established
Other Ingredients in Ageless Male that are listed are:
- calcium carbonate
- microcrystalline cellulose
- stearic acid
- croscarmellose sodium
- magnesium stearate
- coating (hypromellose & polyethylene glycol)
- silica
I don't believe these other ingredients play any role in the effects of Ageless Male.
Ageless Male Vitamins And Minerals
While I normally don't review the vitamins and minerals in supplements (because I don't think they do anything), there is some evidence on the nutrients in Ageless Male so here is a quick review of them to help you better understand why they are present.
Zinc
Ageless Male contains the mineral zinc. Zinc is also found in other testosterone enhancer supplements too. The reason for this is probably because of a study from 1996 that looked noted zinc supplementation raised testosterone in both younger and older men who were lacking this mineral.
In this study, the older men were naturally lacking zinc but it had to be induced in younger men. In other words, the younger men were not deficient in zinc.
While older adults might be deficient in zinc, becuase they might not eat so well, Im not convienced younger men need more of this mineral.
Foods naturally rich in zinc include seafood, pumpkin seeds, chicken and beef nuts, and beans to name a few.
Does Zinc Raise Testosterone?
watch on my Youtube channel if you prefer
Vitamin B6
In rats, a lack of vitamin B6 might reduce testosterone production. But what about people? Does B6 raise testosterone in humans? If that evidence exists, it could not be located for this review. Foods high in vitamin B6 include meats, chicken, fish, chickpeas, and potatoes.
Can Vitamin B6 Alleviate Anxiety?
Watch on my Youtube channel if you prefer
Magnesium
One study involving 30 men (18-22), noted that magnesium (10 mg per kilogram of body weight), raised both free testosterone and total testosterone. For a man weighing 180 pounds (81 kilograms) this comes to 820 mg. Both exercise alone (carried out to exhaustion) and exercise + magnesium increased testosterone levels.
The highest levels were seen in those who exercised to exhaustion and took magnesium supplements. No significant changes were seen in those who took magnesium but did not exercise.
Two tablets of Ageless Male (recommended amount to take) contain 30 mg of magnesium. This study used much more than this. The men in this study used 10 mg per kilogram of body weight. So, a 180 pound man (82 kg) would have recieved 818 mg of magnesium per day.
Regimen is another popular low T supplement. See that review for more information.
What Is Testofen?
Testofen is the name given to a trademarked form of the herb fenugreek. The scientific names for fenugreek are Trigonella foenugraecum and Trigonella foenum-graecum. Keep these terms in mind as the Testofen research is reviewed below. Two other names for fenugreek are Greek hay and Greek hayseed.
Testofen is a registered trademark of the company Gencor Pacific (GencorPacific.com). In other words, Gencor Pacific created the name “Testofen” as a way to subtly drive home the message to men that this extract of fenugreek raises testosterone.
But does it?
Let's look at some the research on fenugreek and testosterone and try to find out
Searching the National Library of Medicine for:
- Testofen testosterone
- Fenugreek testosterone
- Trigonella foenugraecum testosterone
- Trigonella foenum-graecum testosterone
I located the following clinical studies.
Testofen Study 1
In a study published in 2011 in the Journal Phytotherapy Research, fenugreek was randomly given to 60 healthy males between the ages of 25 and 52 for 6 weeks. Men either received fenugreek (600 mg of Testofen) or a placebo and they rated how they felt on a sexual functioning questionnaire (called the DISF-SR) over the course of the 6-week study.
The men getting the fenugreek reported greater feelings of sexual arousal, orgasm, libido, well-being, energy, and muscular strength. There was no change in mood reported.
It is odd that the men in the study reported no change in mood, yet they reported better “well being.” To me, that does not compute. How did their well being improve, but not their mood?
Keep in mind that this study did not directly measure strength or energy levels. Rather, the men just reported that they felt stronger and had more energy. This is a drawback of the study.
While these points are interesting, the study also says that testosterone levels did not change.
In the study they say “Serum prolactin and testosterone levels remained within the reference range.” That's fancy talk for ” Testofen did not raise testosterone levels.” Even scientists tap dance around the facts sometimes—and this is an example of it.
Testofen Study 2
Fenugreek is an example of a natural 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor. The enzyme 5 alpha-reductase turns testosterone into DHT (di-hydro-testosterone). Thus, anything that could inhibit the 5 alpha-reductase enzyme might prevent DHT formation and — raise testosterone levels.
The next study looked at how well fenugreek can block 5 alpha reductase enzyme.
This study was published in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism in 2010. It involved 30 college-age males who were randomly given 500 mg of fenugreek extract —or placebo—for 8 weeks.
The extract of fenugreek used in this study was called grecunin. The word grecunin looks a lot like graecum, which is part of the scientific name for fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). Fenugreek supplements usually don't list how much grecunin they contain.
In this study, the men lifted weights for 4 days per week for 8 weeks. They took the fenugreek (or placebo) in the morning and just prior to working out. At end of the study, men who received fenugreek extract saw these benefits:
- 6.57% increase in testosterone —a significant change
- 12.26 increase in the bio-availability of testosterone —a significant change
- 1.77% decrease in body fat —a significant change
- 26.62% increase in estrogen (estradiol) — a non -significant change
- 6.10 % increase in DHT —a non-significant change
- No significant change in muscle strength in the upper or lower body
- No significant change in protein synthesis or muscle hypertrophy
It was also noted fenugreek did not completely block the action of 5 alpha-reductase. It partially blocked the action of the
enzyme—which is interesting— but did not block it completely. This study was funded by Indus Biotech, a pharmaceutical company based in India. Indus Biotech also provided the fenugreek extract. The study lists no conflicts of interest among the researchers (that's good).
This study is interesting. If you decide to try fenugreek, remember the people used in this investigation were college-age males. This doesn't necessarily mean the same results would occur in men who are in their 50s, etc.
Testofen Study 3
Researchers in 2016 published a study on Testofen that lasted 12 weeks and involved giving either a placebo or 600 mg of the fenugreek extract to 111 healthy men (43-70 years of age). Testosterone was measured before and after the study and men completed a questionnaire (called, the Aging Male Symptom Questionnaire) designed to gauge their sexual function and other feelings of low hormone levels.
Compared to those taking a placebo, men taking Testofen reported more morning erections and improvements in their andropause questionnaires. Researchers also reported a “small but significant difference” in testosterone in those taking Testofen compared to those taking a placebo.
Testofen Study 4
Researchers in India noted that a fenugreek extract supplement called Furosap raised testosterone levels between 45% and 90% and improved sperm motility. This study involved 50 men (35-65 years of age) who were given 500 mg of the Furosap supplement for 12 weeks.
Furosap is a product of a company called Cepham (Cepham.com) which is located in New Jersey. I found it odd that they went to India to do their study. A problem with the study was that there was no placebo group.
This supplement contains Furosap for those interested.
Testofen Research Summary
Research can be complicated so here is a quick rundown of the research on Testofen/fenugreek and testosterone
| Study | Amount Used | Results |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 Study | 600 mg Testofen | no change in testosterone. |
| 2010 Study | 500 mg fenugreek extract | 6.5% increase in testosterone. |
| 2016 Study | 600mg Testofen | men report better morning erections |
| 2017 Study | 500 mg fenugreek | 45-90% improved testosterone. |
This is a summary. See the above sections for all the results.
My Fenugreek Experiment
While writing this review I became interested in the research I was seeing. So, just as an experiment, I purchased the Vitamin Shoppe brand of fenugreek (not the same thing as Ageless Male) and took 610 mg per day for 6 weeks to see what happens.
While I did notice a little change in erections (usually in the evening), I thought it was minimal and I would not call the effect “significant”. I did not measure my testosterone levels during this “experiment.”
Might the ingredients in Ageless Male work together better than just fenugreek alone? It's possible. I did not test drive Ageless Male so I can't say for sure.
Ageless Male Ingredients (Old Formula)
This review of Ageless Male would not be complete if I didn't mention the version of the product we see today is not the same as it originally was when I first reviewed it. Back then, the original Ageless Male formula contained only 2 ingredients, which together form a proprietary blend that was called “Re-Settin.”
The ingredients in the Re-Settin blend were:
- Saw Palmetto berry extract
- Astaxanthin (a type of carotenoid)
Re-Settin is a catchy word. I guess these ingredients were supposed to “reset” a man’s testosterone levels? Regardless, Re-Settin is a marketing word that holds no scientific meaning.
Originally, 2 capsules of Ageless Male had 10 calories and 800 mg of the Re-Settin blend of ingredients.
The version of the product today has no similarity to what was in the product previously. I have no way of knowing if how the new version of Ageless Male compares to the original formula.
Regardless, here is a review of the research I could turn up on the ingredients in the original formula.
Ageless Male Research (Original Formula)
The original formula of Ageless Male -the product itself – appeared to have no published, clinical proof that it raised testosterone in humans. No clinical studies on this supplement can be located.
There does appear to be one study on saw palmetto and astaxanthin and testosterone levels. The study was published in 2008 in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
The study did not use Ageless Male. Rather researchers were testing another supplement called Mytosterone (also called AlphaStat) made by a company called Triarco (triarco.com) which is located in Wayne NJ. Triarco funded this study but the investigation notes that none of the authors had any financial connection to the outcomes of the research (that's good).
In this 2 week long investigation, 42 healthy men between the ages of 37 and 70 were divided into 2 groups.
- Group 1 (21 men) was given 800 mg of the Mytosterone supplement
- Group 2 (21 men) was given 2000 milligrams of the Mytosterone supplement
At the end of the study, researchers noted that men who got both 800 mg and 2000 mg showed:
- Significant elevations in testosterone
- Significant reductions in DHT
However, significant reductions in estrogen were only seen in men who received the 2000 mg dose.
No significant side effects were noted but again this study lasted only 2 weeks.
If this was a study that the original Ageless Male was based on, keep in mind that it did not look at sex drive, bone growth, strength or muscle development. Myosterone may be found in other supplements also but do check the levels in supplements to make sure you are getting at least 800 mg.
This study did raise some red flags with me. For one thing, the researchers say that the men were divided into two groups. They do not say that the men were randomly divided into groups. I'm mentioning this because if you look at both groups, they have “significantly different” testosterone levels at the start of the study.
- Group 1 (whose average age was 55) testosterone level =21.64 nmol/L
- Group 2 (whose average age was 61) testosterone level =26.26 nmol/L
I’d expect that if the men were randomly assigned to each group, there would not be a significant difference in testosterone levels between groups.
Also, there was no control group either. Given the differences in testosterone between groups at the start of the study, a control group (who got nothing) would make me feel a little better about how good this study was.
Also see the reviews on Mdrive, Nugenix and TriVerex for more info on these other popular men's supplements.
Who Makes Ageless Male?
Ageless Male is marketed by a company called New Vitality (NewVitality.com) which incidentally also goes by the name NAC Vitamin Company (also called NAC Marketing company) according to the Better Business Bureau. The BBB gave NAC Vitamin Company a rating of “B+” when this review was written. Check the BBB file for updates and more information
The New Vitality/NAC Vitamin company is located at 95 Executive Drive, Suite 14 Brentwood NY 11717. This address corresponds to the Hartland Business Center.
Another address for New Vitality is 260 Smith St., Farmingdale, NY 11735. Googling this address clearly shows a building with a sign saying “New Vitality, NAC Marketing.”
It's worth mentioning that Ageless Male is one of many products New Vitality offers.
See the Super Beta Prostate review for another supplement they make.
How To Contact Ageless Male?
New Vitality, the company that markets Ageless Male can be reached at 800-675-5956.
Another phone number is 631-777-7767.
How Much Does Ageless Male Cost?
1 bottle of Ageless Male costs $49.95 and $39.95 if becoming a “super saver” (this may be where they auto ship people a bottle on a regular basis). Purchasing 3 bottles cost $89.90. There are also deals for buying more and being in the Super Saver program
Buy Ageless Male
Ageless Male can be purchased as many familiar stores like Vitamin Shoppe and GNC and Walmart. It can also be obtained directly from the NewVitality.com website too.
Ageless Male vs. MDrive
Mdrive is another popular testosterone-raising supplement. Mdrive also contains Testofen too as well as other ingredients not found in Ageless Male. At the time this review was created, there were no studies that compared Ageless Male to Mdrive to see which was better.
The Mdrive Review has other information on that product.
Ageless Male vs. Nugenix
Those investigating natural ways to increase testosterone levels have probably heard of Nugenix. Like Ageless Male, it's advertised on TV. No studies have compared their effects to each other. They contain different ingredients too.
See the Nugenix review for more information.
Ageless Male Side Effects
I believe Ageless Male is safe. I'm not aware of any bad side effects from the product. It's important to remember that a testosterone supplement like Ageless Male is likely not going to have the same side effects as taking testosterone itself.
Here are a few things to keep in mind if using this or other testosterone booster supplements. This list is not complete:
- With all-new supplements start with less than is recommended for the first week to see how you react.
- Fenugreek might lower blood sugar levels. This may be a problem for those with diabetes.
- Stop taking Ageless Male and other supplements at least 2 weeks before having surgery.
- Kids and teenagers should not use fenugreek or Ageless Male. The product is not designed for them.
- Ageless Male is not appropriate for women, especially those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Those who have any health issues or take any medications are encouraged to speak to their doctor first.
Ageless Male And Hair Loss
Since Ageless Male is touted to raise testosterone levels, some might wonder if that might lead to hair loss as more testosterone is converted to DHT (which is linked to hair loss). I'm not aware of any evidence of this. Fenugreek appears to block the enzyme that raises DHT levels.
Does Ageless Male Work?
If Ageless Male really works its effects might be best noticed in men with low testosterone levels. As for libido, this is a complicated issue. I think the results would vary.
The only way to know if it's boosting testosterone is to get your testosterone levels measured first. Then, try Ageless Male for a month. Then measure testosterone again. That is the best way to know if Ageless Male is really working.
Here it is on Amazon
What do you think?
Joe, You are welcome! and thank you for the kind words. I have a couple more things to add to our conversation. I would also like to thank you for allowing me to fill your blog so full of information! This does ring true to my heart, as my soul mate is experiencing low energy, mood swings, and a low sex drive also. I tend to research till my eyes water and my rear hurts from sitting for so long. But it’s worth it, if I can help even one person. I just wanted to add this statement from Jon Barron’s website.
Unfortunately, once we reach our thirties, available testosterone levels for both men and women tend to begin diminishing with age. Interestingly enough, in a 1986 clinical study, it was documented that it’s not actual testosterone production that decreases as we age; but rather, it’s the amount of free circulating testosterone that decreases — as more and more of it gets bound to albumin and becomes unavailable for the body’s use. These changes happen in connection with a natural substance called “sex-hormone-binding-globulin” or “SHBG.”
I think that statement is very important to understand. Also, as I have been searching for studies, I have come across a product called Prelox. Here is the website: http://prelox.com/html/prelox_1.html
And where to buy it: http://www.lef.org/Vitamins-Supplements/Item01373/Prelox-Natural-Sex-for-Men.html?source=search&key=prelox
What do you know about this product Joe?
Tricia, there is research on arginine and Pycnogenol for erectile dysfunction. For example here is one small study noting that it worked http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12851125
If we take the levels of ingredients in this study as “gospel” then the Prelox supplement you mentioned may not have enough of the ingredients. The research in this particular study used 1.7 grams of arginine. They have a proprietary blend of arginine and pycognenol of 720 mg but how much of that blend is “arginine”? how much is Pycnogenol? they dont tell us because they are wrapped up in a “proprietary blend”
Also the Prelox supplement has other things -aspartic acid, horny goat weed. In theory the horny goat weed might have an effect also but I cant yet speak to the effects of aspartic acid.
Now to play devils advocate I did find a study on Prelox here it is http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17703218 This study of 50 men did note that it worked. I’d like to read the whole study before passing judgment. IF anybody has tried Prelox let me know what happened. I’m curious.
At $40 for Prelox I wonder how much it costs to just to to Vitamin Shoppe and get Pycnogenol and arginine and take them?
My only issue with arginine is that by nature that it vasodilates blood vessels, it might reduce blood pressure which might be an issue for men who are taking medications for high blood pressure or or heart disease.
Joe, Here is one:
There’s some evidence that L-arginine may benefit men with erectile dysfunction. In a 1999 study published in the journal BJU International, for instance, 50 men with erectile dysfunction took either 5 grams of L-arginine per day or a placebo. After six weeks, more men in the L-arginine group showed improvement compared to those taking the placebo.
Here is another but no results are shown:
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT00777075
Another:
Studies examining L-arginine’s effectiveness against impotence have yielded mixed results. A 1999 trial published in the online journal BJU International found that high doses of L-arginine can help improve sexual function, but only in men with abnormal nitric oxide metabolism, such as that associated with cardiovascular disease. In another study, published in 2003 in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, Bulgarian scientists reported that ED sufferers who took L-arginine along with the pine extract pycnogenol saw major improvements in sexual function with no side effects.
And here’s another one:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12851125
Joe, not everything has to be on paper to be true or effective. Yet every person is different to what works best for them. I pick things from nature 🙂 Nature cured my cancer….and happiness!
Tricia thanks for the studies and Ive seen past argiinine and ED research. Some also mix arginine with pycnogenol and grape seed extract for self treating ED
VERY glad you beat cancer !!!
Hello All,
I have tried ageless Male and actually I am pleased with the product. I am 39 yrs. old and overweight. This product has improved my libido and I have noticed more muscle mass. I have started to work out more and my mood has improved. Just wanted to share my experiences.
Joe,
You are welcome for the link. I can see the comments now and I agree, I too am pleased to find websites that are willing to publish both sides of the story. As far as Arginine, it can be described as either an essential, a semi-essential or non-essential amino acid based upon the age and health status of that particular individual….for example, it is essential for babies and those with poor health. As I see it, in the circumstance we are speaking of (sexual dysfunction) I would view it as essential.
Tricia, have you seen any research that men with ED have reduced levels of arginine? I dont know if I have seen any formal acceptance of arginine being classified as essential in those with ED which is why I ask.. Arginine has been studied in those with heart disease and ED so in those people its a conditionally essential amino acid (or semi essential as you say).
Joe,
I apologize, for some reason I cannot see my comments on this thread…only on my email page can I see them.
Although arginine, an essential amino acid, has been proven an effective HGH stimulator when administered intravenously, the results of oral supplementation are more questionable. And at doses sufficient to stimulate HGH production in the body, it tends to produce significant intestinal distress.
GABA, on the other hand, is far more interesting as a supplement. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid/neurotransmitter found in the brain, where it helps induce relaxation and sleep. In addition to its calming effect, GABA also stimulates the anterior pituitary, leading to higher levels of HGH. Many studies have been done on GABA that show it can promote a significant increase in plasma growth hormone levels — up to a fivefold increase within 90 minutes of oral supplementation of 5 grams of GABA. (Note: research shows that at least 2-5 grams of GABA should be taken for it to be effective.)
Note: Build your dosage of GABA slowly. Some people experience mild tingling around the face and neck or notice a mild change in heart rate or breathing patterns when supplementing with GABA. These effects quickly disappear and are not harmful.
As far as your studies go, here is some interesting reading: scientific journals are not the most reliable source for finding out about the true state of research science. Like all publications, scientific journals exist to appeal to an audience (medical doctors, other researchers, etc.). This means that what gets published tends to be the most appealing, or titillating, or exploitable news — news that will sell the journal so that it can make money, or at least survive.
According to the article, contributors to journals typically have an agenda: perhaps the desire to attract venture capital in order to underwrite product development or to gain exposure that might lead to approval of new pharmaceuticals or to bolster the writer’s professional reputation. In other words, the chances that someone will contribute an article that shows negative results for a medical procedure, or a drug, or that doesn’t somehow lead to a professional or marketing advantage are minimal.
In fact, for every study that gets space in a major research publication, hundreds or even thousands of studies go unreported. This fact reflects what Plos Medicine calls “the extreme imbalance between the abundance of supply (the output of basic science laboratories and clinical investigations) and the increasingly limited venues for publication.” Like with the rest of the publishing world, increasing costs have forced medical journals to cut back on what gets printed — only a tiny percentage of relevant news makes it into print. Authors scramble to get someone — anyone — to publish their papers, and still they may stand only a 10 percent or less chance of publication, particularly in the leading journals.
At best, the less “sexy” studies might get reported in small, minor publications — publications that the popular press will never pick up on. Maybe that’s why out of thousands upon thousands of articles published annually by journals affiliated with BioMed Central — an online information service that distributes articles from 187 medical and scientific publications — only 73 articles were accessed more than 10,000 times in 2007. In other words, the audience for what gets published in the smaller journals is quite limited.
When only the most dramatic results make it into the public arena, readers can’t possibly get a grip on the entire scope of data that might pertain to a particular issue. For instance, according to a recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine, publishedinformation about the effectiveness of antidepressants is downright misleading. Researchers reviewed the results of 74 antidepressant studies reported to the FDA. The results of 21 of those studies never got published, and the researchers concluded that another 11 of the original 74 studies presented the results in a false positive light. Of the unpublished studies, nearly all showed that antidepressants didn’t work well. Of the published studies, nearly all showed a positive result — that antidepressants supplied the happy cure that depressed patients needed. As the NEJM reports, “According to the published literature, it appeared that 94% of the trials conducted were positive. By contrast, the FDA analysis showed that only 51% were positive.”
That’s a mighty wide margin of error, involving a lot of smoke and mirrors. What’s truly bothersome is that even medical professionals might not get the full scoop, unless they happen to attend a conference where negative results get presented. Otherwise, they read their journal articles, and based on those articles design treatment plans and make decisions about prescriptions. As patients, we swallow the Zoloft or whatever pill gets assigned to us, not realizing that there’s a 50 percent chance of failure (and that’s assuming that you believe that the 42 positive studies weren’t agenda driven), along with side effects galore.
Unfortunately, the failure to spread the word about negative study results extends far beyond antidepressants. A 2005 article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported that out of 49 of the most-cited papers about medical interventions, one-third already had been contradicted within a few years of publication, although the contradictory research largely went unreported. Plus, as the article reports, five out of six “nonrandomized studies had been contradicted or had found stronger [initial] effects [than in follow-up studies]” within a few years. This means that initial positive results commonly turn out to be exaggerated or wrong when follow-up studies get completed — but there may be a significant time-lag before the contradictory results come to light. Also, and perhaps even more worrisome, as PLoS reports, once studies appear to be going in a negative direction — not substantiating claims that such and such a treatment works — they tend to be abandoned so that their results never get reported.
So beware, beware, beware! Remember that only 15% of all medical treatments are even backed by studies in the first place — and now we learn that even the 15% that are backed are questionable at best. In other words, take the results of any medical study you see in the media with a grain of salt. Just because such studies are backed by scientists doesn’t make them true. And maybe be a little more suspicious of any “scientific” study that challenges beta carotene, nutrition, Echinacea, vitamin E — take your pick. As we’ve seen, at best, the odds that it’s correct are substantially less than 50/50.
Tricia, thats so odd you cant see your comments. I just checked and I see them fine. Its interesting points you make and there is no doubt of a bias in some journals. Its because of that, that I am very glad for publications like PLoS which you cited above. The PLoS service bucks the system, something I think a lot of publications are afraid of. Just one point about Arginine, I think you meant that it is a non-essential amino acid.
Interesting….my comments are blocked. Talk about free speech!
Tricia, your comments were not blocked but held for me to moderate. This is how I make sure people are not bothered by spam comments (I get lots!) and correct spelling typos (only I get to make the typos around here lol) 😉
Joe,
This link is in response to your comment during my thread about “studies”….feel free to read the link I am attaching……..http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1182327/?tool=pubmed
Tricia, thanks for that link. I’ve saved the text on my PC for my records. Ok so if this guy is true and “most published research is false” then what other – better – system do we have to advance our knowledge ? Doctors and scientists are human and they are not perfect. No study is perfect. That said, when a study is published in a medical journal, the whole scientific community – the whole world – has the ability to check and double check what went on in the research. There is nowhere to hide from somebody who knows how to do the math or repeat the research.
Flawed or not , it is still a far better system than infomercials and websites that say “clinically proven” but yet provide no basis for that statement. I share your frustration and Ive seen “studies” that I’ve just shook my head at because they were dumb. After you read enough of them you even get a feel for how bad the study might be because of the names of the researchers! That said, the peer review system is still the best system we have, and that is why published peer reviewed studies are my litmus tests to evaluate supplement claims.
Have you ever looked into Tongkat?
AMS, yes in passing Tongkat is another name for Eurycoma Longifolia here is a review that discussed this http://supplementclarity.com/triverex-male-enhancement-research-review-side-effects-ingredients/
Viagra Less than 50/50
Viagra, Erectile Disfunction, ED, Testosterone, Sildenafil
Viagra doesn’t seem to always be keeping up its end of the bargain! Touted as a drug that allows you to “take action,” it appears that not every man gets full satisfaction. In fact, less than half of the Viagra (sildenafil) currently being prescribed for men is actually working, according to a study that took place at Good Hope Hospital in Birmingham, England.
The most common sexual issue men visit a doctor about is erectile dysfunction (ED), which is experienced by 40 percent of men over the age of 40. In the United States, it is believed to affect between 15 and 30 million men. However, a caution to all those men — before starting a medication like Viagra, men with ED should go see a urologist. The sexual issues may be a symptom of a larger problem somewhere else in the body. Liver, kidney, and thyroid diseases, hormone imbalances, and blood vessel injuries are just a few of the other ailments that can cause ED and should be checked by a physician. It can also occur as the side effect of some medications.
On the other hand, more than 20 percent of the ED problems in men can be traced back to a testosterone deficiency. Testosterone levels in men peak during their 20s, then slowly decrease over the years. Viagra doesn’t address testosterone issues; it treats circulation problems by increasing the blood flow to the penis. It has no effect whatsoever on testosterone levels, so those men experiencing ED because of low amounts of that hormone are wasting their time and money using the drug. A blood test at your doctor’s office can determine whether testosterone levels are low. The test should be performed in the morning, since that’s the time of day testosterone levels tend to peak.
Another earlier study, conducted by the New England Research Institute, found that the appearance of ED combined with an inadequate sex drive was frequently caused by low testosterone levels. The researchers examined close to 1,500 men living in and around Boston between the ages of 30 and 79. They found that 25 percent of these men had low testosterone levels.
But testosterone is not just about erections. It’s also responsible for a number of roles in the bodies of both men and women. It provides us with energy, gives us a sense of drive, pushes us to succeed, helps us bond with our partners, fuels our sexual desires, escalates our sexual satisfaction, builds muscles, burns fat, and facilitates better circulation. Research has shown that it is not that our bodies produce less testosterone as we get older, but rather, it’s the amount of free circulating (or bio-available) testosterone that decreases — as more and more of it gets bound to both albumin and a natural substance called SHBG (sex-hormone-binding-globulin).
SHBG not only binds to testosterone, it binds to every other sex hormone. It functions as a storage system for excess hormones, but it can cause problems as well. SHBG can bind estrogen or dihydrotestosterone to cell membranes in the prostate stimulating cell growth, while at the same time causing an increase in PSA secretion, which can be a factor in prostate problems including cancer. Herbal formulas can play a major role in alleviating these issues. A good hormone balancing formula for men will contain ingredients such as: Ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, Muira puama, Wild oats, Nettles, Eleutherococcus, Saw palmetto, Sarsaparilla, Catuaba, Damiana, Kola nut, and Ginger.
And herbal formulations are safe to take, whereas Viagra has been known to cause numerous side effects. Those most frequently occurring during clinical trials were headaches, flushed face, and upset stomach. Other common side effects are stuffy nose, diarrhea, dizziness, and heartburn. There are also more serious ailments linked to Viagra use that include severe allergic reaction, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, seizures, loss of hearing or vision, and memory loss.
In contrast, natural herbs offer “side benefits” instead of side effects. Wild oats have traditionally been used to aid the nervous system. Nettle is often taken for the treatment of urinary problems and when the prostate becomes enlarged. Saw palmetto exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on prostate tissue. It also inhibits the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, which causes testosterone to be converted into dihydrotesterone, which as we mentioned earlier stimulates the growth of prostate tissue. Numerous studies have shown saw palmetto to be effective in improving the symptoms of an enlarged prostate by shrinking the inner lining of the prostate.
Used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine, ginseng works as an anti-inflammatory and to increase the body’s resistance to stress. Catuaba can elevate mood, even lessening the symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as offering antiviral and antibacterial properties. And Tribulus terrestris has been found to fight infections and play a role in curing urinary tract infections.
The list of benefits goes on and on. When taken regularly, natural formulas based on these ingredients work to put the body in balance.
Tricia overall I agree wiht a lot of what you said including that ED may be a sign of a bigger issue like heart disease. Heart disease usually starts in the smallest blood vessels of the body – like those in the penis. As such ED may be an early sign of heart disease. While I cant speak to your statisitc that 40% of mine don’t respond to Viagra, its active ingredient – Sildenafil – is a potent compound. If it was not then unscrupulous makers of male enhancement supplements would not be adding sildenafil to their supplements. Here is my review of those types of products along with the FDA alerts on them http://supplementclarity.com/male-enhancment-supplements/
As for the natural products you mentioned, you left out arginine which is one of the most frequently used ingredients because of its vasiodilation effect on blood vessels. Can you show me studies that the ingredients you mentioned have any effect on “balancing” hormone levels in men?
Joe,
Thanks for the write up and especially the comments!
I am 32 years old and about 3 years ago I had a non cancerous tumor removed from my testicles. While in there I also got fixed ( 3 kids already ). My wife, employer and I started noticing that I had lost my fight. I became extremely laid back and lazy. This was bad for my marriage and career. I went to my doctor and after a lot of tests he came to the conclusion that I had low T ( 130) and ADHD. I was prescribed androgel for the low T and concerta for the ADHD.
The androgel made my skin crawl and the concerta made me crazy!!! For a few weeks I was the most miserable psychopath you would have ever ran into…… I have not been back to the dr since. I had heard the commercials and thought that ageless male might had been my ticket. Luckily I had found your review before purchasing and wasting my time, money and health.
If you run across anything that works, please let me know.
Bear, I will definitely keep you posted if I find anything.
I found Dafixer’s comments interesting. His comments about Androgell causing the body to stop/slow it’s own T production I have heard on your site before. Are there any reliable studies that “prove” this? How about the shots? I receive the shots and asked my doctor about this and he said there are no problems he is aware of. He is a good doc but may be out of the loop with the latest studies. Also, how about libido and E.D.? Any supplements you have reviewed that help with these two issues? thanks for all you are doing!
Jim, everything I have ever read and learned about hormones is that the body keeps a tight control on the level of them. when we give the give body extra of a hormone, it decreases its natural production of the hormone. This is why Im usually skeptical of supplements that claim to raise T levels. In biology this is called a negative feedback loop. testosterone does play a role in libido in both men and women so reduced libido may be due to reduced testosterone levels but we man are funny creatures and other things – stress etc – can also contribute to it. So far, I have not come across anything I had faith in, but I always keep and open mind. I suggest you try seeing a urologist and / or endocrinologist who might be able to address your concerns more specifically.
Joe, thanks for a great, HONEST site! So many so-called review sites prove to be just fronts for shills of the various supplement companies. They get affiliate money for steering folks to their products. I saw an ad on TV tonight for “Ageless Male” and decided to check it out online. (Before finding your site!) After doing some poking around, I found the Ageless Male site and couldn’t find anything online about “Re-Setting”, the active ingredient in AM. But I did search for and find the cited report on the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition site (http://www.jissn.com/content/5/1/12) and noticed it’s only a single study, and not a double-blind test, the gold standard for testing. I also noticed it was hosted by the University of Yaounde I in Cameroon, a tiny country in E. Africa. Not exactly what I consider a hotbed of cutting edge medical research. However, some of the ideas in the study, while IMO flawed, do pique my interest. I’d be curious to see if this product really does work for anyone. (Of course, if it did, I’d wonder about their trustworthiness!)
Here’s my story, FWIW. Started noticing libido diminished in my late 30’s. Plumbing works fine, just low libido. When it got really bad (about age 42), a endocrinologist measured my T level and pegged it at “borderline” (less than 300). Of course, with no baseline reading from my earlier, normal years, he couldn’t tell if that was a normal reading for me or not. So I agree with Joe: young guys – get your T tested today! Every guy’s normal level is apparently different.
He put me on AndroGel. Results: T readings went way up, I slept very little (didn’t seem to miss it), had a bit more energy, got new hair growth all over my upper arms, chest, and upper stomach area where I put the gel. No change in libido. First few weeks were okay, felt great, then I started to decline to former feelings. I found out later that inserting exogenous (external) T causes your body to cease producing its own (endogenous) T. So, at first I was feeling the boost to my natural production, but then my natural production shut down. After 6 months, I got off it since it wasn’t helping my libido at all.
Being a “larger” guy, I became interested in articles on PubMed about trying an aromatase inhibitor (anastrozole). Basically, aromatase, which is produced by fat, converts testosterone to estradiol (a form of estrogen, a female hormone), which offsets T. Working with a new, highly-competent, university professor endocrinologist, I tried it for a few months, but no dice there either. We then tried bi-weekly (and often painful) shots of testosterone propionate for about 7 months. Same results basically as the Androgel – no positive changes other than some increased energy. I was really shocked that, again, highly-increased levels of T didn’t positively affect my libido at all. In fact, it seemed to make a little worse. With me at least, there is something else wrong. I’m not sure what to try next, I seem to be out of options. I was thinking a natural T *boost* – not a replacement – would be ideal. But it sounds like Ageless Male is another case of patented snake oil.
In the past I’ve also tried Tribulis Terrestris (no effect), Yohimbe (made me sweat and my heart race), Tongkat Ali (nothing), Horny Goat Weed (nada), etc. I have a drawer full of such supplements. (BTW, I’m not saying these won’t work for *anyone*, they just didn’t work for *me*.)
I hope you guys find your answer! And it you do, please share it with the rest of us.
Dafixer, Thanks for writing and for sharing your journey. Since you said you were a “larger guy”, have you tried to lose weight? There is some evidence of low T levels in even young men who are overweight. This may have to do with the more fat we have the more estrogen we have also. Just a though that occurred to me. I will definitely keep my eyes open for something that works.
i watched the TV spot for ageless male and at first was interested in the product but after reading though your’ site and all the comments i wouldn’t give them the chance to take my money. but that dos bring up another question… is there a real way to raise your’ t levels
Max, why dont you first see if your T levels need boosting. While I am generally skeptical of all Testosterone booster supplements – because I dont see any proof any of any of them work – we should all remember that raising testosterone might increase the size of your prostate or play a role in prostate cancer. Conversely there may be some good reasons to boost T levels (it might help depression) . I think instead of thinking your T levels are low, get them checked out first and then decide what is the best plan of action to improve your health.
I am looking for a cure for fatigue. I am always tired and need to sleep one hour during the day. I walk three miles four times per week and am only 10 pounds overweight. In your opinion, should I have testosterone test before trying this product? Thank you for your assistance.
Hi Beto, yes I would get your T levels tested before trying Ageless Male and also tell your doctor about your sleep patterns. Maybe together you can find out why you only sleep 1 hour a night. Sleep can be funny because a lot of things might disturb sleeping patterns. Good luck and I hope this helps.
I am a veteran and can say the VA will not help with low T. I am 36 and have been using high T from GNC with great results. It is about $50 a month and I use half a dose daily which makes it $25 (I imagine the older you are our lower your level is you would need the full dose). Any other reviews on high T?
Dan, I have not yet looked at “High T” but did you have your T levels tested before and after using high T? did your T levels change? Im sure the VA will cover your testosterone blood test esp if you have been diagnosed with low testosterone. if you have that before and after information I would be very interested in seeing how your T levels changed.
Joe, Thanks for the review. I too was about to purchase ageless male but my experience tells me that these are always a scam. I will not be purchasing ageless male.
I am interested in Andro-Gel but i have a concern that my body will stop producing its on T and become dependent on external source of Andro-Gel.
I feel very unmotivated and I run my own business so this is not a good trait for me. Just being honest here but i also feel that i am not as quick witted as i used to be. I’m 33 years old and I’m 6’3/260lbs My physical appearance is one of a healthy man but i don’t feel that way. Also, I have noticed that my erections are not as strong as years prior. My desire to have sex is still there so that’s good! I’ve also noticed that my memory isn’t quit as sharp.
I tend to think that any man-made product could be harmful in years to come so I am more inclined to think that herbal is the way to go. However, I am not opposed to Andro-gel as i have read good reviews except for one and that is your body may become dependent.
I have never had my t levels checked and I know ill need to do this as my symptoms are indicative of low t.
Does any of the issues that ive mentioned have anything to do with low t and if so would Andro-Gel help?
Sorry for all the issues mentioned but im just worried bc I feel that i am too young to have some of these symptoms
Any help?
Joe, I suggest you go to your doctor and explain to him/her what you just told me and ask to have your testosterone levels checked. I think its important for men in their 20s to get their T levels checked so that when they are our age they have something to compare those levels to. That said your doctor will be able to see how you are doing testosterone – wise. The symptoms you are experiencing may or may not be due to low testosterone levels and since I am not a doctor its hard for me to give you an idea of what might be going on. I hear your frustration and I think writing this is the first step to figuring out what is going on. Also ask your doc for for a TSH test – that will show how your thyroid is doing. I think after your doctor runs some tests he/she will be in a much better position to help you than I can. After you do that, I hope you write back and let me know how things went.
Hey. I saw the commercial and wanted to check out this product. I have low Testosterone. My Dr. diagnosed me a year ago. I brought this product to him and he laughed at me. DO NOT take this if you suffer from Low-T. I was prescribed Andro-Gel. This stuff is approved by the FDA and a real treatment for Low-T. I am commenting to help you guys out!! I have been on it for a year now and it’s great. Not to be to blunt but, I have rock hard erections as opposed to before when they were semi-hard and gone in a minute. I work out on it and it makes me feel like a machine!!! It gives me energy when before I had none and getting up out of bed in the morning was a chore. Only side effect I can see is I have a few hairs growing on my back and I do mean a few. My wife will say “Hey, I see one” and pull it…GONE. Guys listen to me. If you have low-T go to the Dr. and ask for Andro-Gel. They have it in 1% and just put out a 1.6% which I just started taking. With the 1% you give yourself 3-4 single pumps a day. Usually 1 on each upper arm and 1 on each breast. Or instead of the breast, I go 1 on each upper arm and 1 in the center of my stomach. Now I am using the stronger 1.6% and I only need 2 pumps, 1 on each upper arm. It’s alcohol based and dries quickly. You put it on, it dries, and you need to wash your hands right after. Also, you need to cover the area with a shirt because women and/or kids can’t come in contact with the area until it’s good and absorbed. Listen, I don’t usually comment on websites…..BUT DO THIS….IT’S A LIFE/BONER SAVER!!!
I get my DHEA from Designs for Health and Pure Encapsulations. DHEA is pretty cheap so it’s likely that any decent company will get it right. Try 10 mg/day if over 40 and if you are lifting weights, you should notice a power increase in 3 weeks. I do three sets of bench and three sets of free weight squats once a week. On the last set I do as many as I can. Typically I was getting 2-3 reps at 225 bench. This went up to 5-8 reps. In Squats I would generally get 275 4 times. This went to 8 times.
I was very surprised. I didn’t increase my sets, frequency of workout or weights because that would have added another variable. I did not test my blood levels before or after. Had I wanted to take a higher dose I would have. I did not notice any side effects like hair loss, acne, improved fat loss or improved libido. Just increased power using wts.
Thanks for the feedback. I will keep this in mind when I get around to reviewing DHEA in the future. It would be interesting to see how testosterone and estrogen levels change with DHEA supplementation.
Best company to buy from Life Extension . Test were done and true to label.
I am a doc and have an MS in nutritional biochemistry. The DHEA studies have always been equivocal. The one you cite is a summary of studies. I suspect that this is because it won’t work if you are not performing resistance exercises. Anecdotal, it worked for me but only for power increase in weights. That’s why it is BANNED in most sports and the Olympics. HGH might be better for body composition and libido increases. But that’s a bit stronger.
I agree. If U want to take more than 10 mg DHEA check with your MD. Get a physical if you are in poor condition along with some blood work checking T levels.
Agreed about the DHEA studies. what I posted was just something after I did a fast search. I remember reading observational studies from the 80s noting that both smokers and drinkers had higher DHEA levels which I always found amusing if they were proven correct (which If I remember right, they were not). How much DHEA do you take and how long did it take before you noticed a difference? Is there a brand of DHEA that you might feel comfortable recommending? Have you had your DHEA and/or T levels tested pre and post DHEA supplementation?