Are Testosterone Boosters Dangerous For Teenagers? Know science

Testosterone is present in men right from the newborn stage. While it starts functioning from the very time of birth, testosterone is at its peak from the teenage stage to up to mid-twenties in most men. Teenagers, therefore, in most cases have abundant testosterone and it is quite unlikely that they need any extra boost at all.

Furthermore, changing testosterone levels using boosters may have some side effects in adults. Since you are at your highest levels during your teenage, it is likely that these supplements may have adverse effects on the body and create complications. Now, it might strike your mind that what if there is a decline in testosterone levels when you are a teen?

This article has covered some of the important aspects surrounding testosterone and male teenagers like what happens in case of excessive testosterone in teens, side effects, what do various brands recommend, and more. Let’s find out.

Testosterone And Teenagers

As mentioned earlier, testosterone is responsible for the basic sexual development and functionalities in men. This includes testicular descent, healthy sperm production, physical development of the penis and testicles, and libido. Aside from that, it is responsible for controlling various other secondary male traits like the growth of beard and other body hair, deeper voice, growth of muscles, broadening of chest and shoulders, and behavioral changes among other anabolic effects.

A research study has shown that during their puberty stage, boys experience 30X more testosterone production than they have throughout their life. This natural upturn in their testosterone production helps them in their male physiological development. It also at times brings in certain behavioral changes. The latter, however, goes back to normal once the testosterone is regulated naturally.

That said, if certain processes in the body are not carried out the right way, then it may affect testosterone production in teenage boys leading to a condition called ‘hypogonadism’.

The main processes that are responsible for testosterone synthesis are:

• Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG axis) regulates testosterone production in addition to other gonadal functions.
• Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) are secreted by the pituitary gland which is responsible for triggering testosterone production.

Excessive Testosterone Production Can Be Harmful

Excess of anything can have harmful effects on the body and so is the case with hormones. Just like low testosterone levels can lead to malfunctioning of different processes, affect sexual health, and lead to mental and physical and mental fatigue, overloading of it has a harsh impact on the overall functioning of the male body as well.

Oftentimes, the effects as a result of excessive testosterone can be quite challenging to alter leading to significant changes in lifestyle which can then affect the mind and body. It leads to a condition called ‘hyperandrogenic’ where the person develops excessive hair on the body and face, enlargement of the penis and extremely low-pitch sound. Aside from these, it can even lead to serious conditions in some cases like tumors in the testicles, adrenal virilism, hypercortisolism, or Cushing Syndrome.

Overstraining the body with testosterone is usually seen in teenage boys who misuse various testosterone boosters like supplements, anabolic steroids, or other forms of boosters. Steroids, especially, can do greater harm to the body because the body cannot handle so much testosterone together. It can lead to minor health issues to major ones which can even be fatal at times.

That is why, teenage boys who experience the symptoms of low testosterone levels should first get themselves checked by a medical practitioner to see the underlying reason behind hormonal deficiency. Any supplement or other form of testosterone booster must be taken under medical supervision and by appropriately following the dosage as prescribed or recommended by the doctor.

Negative Impacts Of Over-Production Of Testosterone In Teenagers

As discussed earlier, over-secretion or over-production of testosterone can have adverse effects on the body. It can lead to certain unnecessary developments or changes in the body which can be prevented otherwise.

Below are some of the most common issues that may arise as a result of rising testosterone in the body:

Acne

An increase in testosterone concentration in the body beyond normal levels can result in the secretion of sebum, a substance that makes your skin oily. When these oily substances get accumulated in the pores of your skin, it causes painful acne.

Acne can be a common and temporary problem in adolescent boys undergoing physical changes. However, teens who overuse anabolic steroids in any form like boosters or shots have higher chances of their skin getting permanently damaged due to severe acne breakouts.

Enlargement Of Male Breast Tissues

Overloading your body with testosterone can cause another condition called Gynecomastia or Male Breast Syndrome.

When the testosterone exceeds the levels required by the body and consistently maintains the soaring level, it leads to the expansion of male breast tissues as well as mammary glands. This usually occurs in teen males and as the hormone levels come down naturally, the issue subsides. However, in case of overuse of testosterone boosters, it can become a more long-term problem that is difficult to correct unless for a surgical procedure.

This is why it is best for teen boys to stay away from testosterone supplements unless recommended by a doctor for some reason.

Stunted Growth

Testosterone is responsible for various physical growth and development in men. This is why many teenagers might think that administering testosterone in excess may accelerate the male development process. However, it is important to note that excessive testosterone over the required level does more harm than beneficial. They form a barrier to the proper growth of body parts which then affects the bones, muscles, and tendons in young boys.

Hyperactive Libido

Testosterone is the hormone responsible primarily for sexual development in men. It helps increase sexual desire or libido and is also responsible for sperm health. That is why, when its level is at its peak from puberty through mid-twenties in men, it isn’t uncommon to have a high sex drive. However, when this hormonal state is even more boosted with testosterone supplements increasing the levels of testosterone in the body and lowering the estrogen unnaturally, it leads to overly increased sexual desire.

Conclusion

So, to answer the question as to whether testosterone boosters are dangerous for teenagers- yes, it certainly is. In general, these boosters come with some kind of side effects. And when you are loading your body with excess hormones, it can have some serious effects on the functioning of various body processes. These can then lead to long-term health issues and even physical development in teens.

Therefore, if a teenage boy has testosterone deficiency, the best solution to regulate it is through diet and exercise. In most cases, it is pretty easy for younger boys to revive testosterone naturally. In case there is a deficit that is not rectified through natural ways, always consult a health specialist for the safest options instead of trying out things on your own.