Hypogonadism, low testosterone (low T), and erectile dysfunction (ED) are related but distinct conditions.
Hypogonadism is a medical condition in which the testes do not produce enough testosterone or sperm. Low testosterone is a more general term that refers to low levels of testosterone in the blood, regardless of the cause. Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which a man is unable to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
Low testosterone can lead to ED, but ED is not always caused by low testosterone. In fact, the majority of cases of ED are not caused by low testosterone. There are many other potential causes of ED, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain medications.
It is important to see a medical attention if you are experiencing ED, even if you think you may have low testosterone. Over-the-counter (OTC) testosterone supplements are not a safe or effective treatment for ED, and they can actually be harmful. You need to know the underlying cause of your ED and then the best course of treatment can be sought.
ED can be a sign of underlying cardiovascular disease, so it is important to get evaluated by your pcp or your cadiologist if you are experiencing ED, even if you are otherwise healthy.
Not all supplements I listed here are safe.
Fenugreek is a clover-like herb native to the Mediterranean region, southern Europe, and western Asia. Its seeds, which have a maple syrup-like smell and taste, have been used in cooking and as medicine for centuries. Fenugreek is a common ingredient in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, and is also used in curry blends and other spices.
Fenugreek has a variety of potential health benefits, including:
Increasing testosterone levels: Fenugreek may help to increase testosterone levels in men. This may improve sexual function and fertility.
Lowering blood sugar levels: Fenugreek contains compounds that can help to slow the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream and improve insulin sensitivity.
Improving cholesterol levels: Fenugreek may also help to reduce total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
Boosting milk production: Fenugreek has been traditionally used by women who are breastfeeding to increase milk supply. There is some scientific evidence to support this use, but more research is needed.
Reducing inflammation: Fenugreek contains antioxidants and other compounds that can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Where to buy: You can buy from Amazon as a supplement.
The Goji berry, also known as wolfberry or Lycium barbarum, is a bright orange-red berry that comes from a shrub native to China. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is now gaining popularity around the world as a superfood.
Goji berries are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are particularly high in vitamin C, which is an important nutrient for immune function and wound healing. Goji berries also contain beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, which is essential for vision and skin health.
Goji berries have been shown to have a number of potential health benefits, including:
Improving heart health and then sexuality: Goji berries may help to improve heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation. It is belived to improve both man and woman sexuality.
Boosting the immune system: Goji berries are rich in antioxidants and other compounds that can help to boost the immune system and protect against infection.
Improving eye health: Goji berries contain beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for good vision and can help to protect against age-related macular degeneration.
Protecting against cancer: Goji berries contain antioxidants and other compounds that can help to protect against cancer by reducing inflammation and damaging free radicals.
Lowering blood sugar levels: Goji berries may help to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. This may be beneficial for people with diabetes or prediabetes.
Goji berries can be eaten fresh, dried, juiced or making tea. They can also be added to yogurt, smoothies, or oatmeal.
Where to buy: You are able to buy from Asian grocery stores, but you can also buy from Amazon for convenience.
Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that grows in Asia and Africa. It is a member of the nightshade family and is also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry. Ashwagandha has been used in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) for centuries to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration.
Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen, which means that it helps the body to cope with stress. It does this by balancing the body's stress hormones, such as cortisol.
Some of the main functions of ashwagandha include:
Reducing stress and anxiety: Ashwagandha is one of the most well-known herbs for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. It has been shown to be effective in reducing stress levels in people with chronic stress, anxiety disorders, and other stress-related conditions.
Improving sleep quality: Ashwagandha can also help to improve sleep quality. It has been shown to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve sleep quality in people with insomnia.
Boosting the immune system: Ashwagandha has also been shown to boost the immune system. It has been shown to increase the number of white blood cells and improve the body's response to infection.
Improving cognitive function: Ashwagandha has also been shown to improve cognitive function. It has been shown to improve memory, attention, and reaction time in people with cognitive impairment.
Increasing muscle mass and strength: Ashwagandha can also help to increase muscle mass and strength. It has been shown to be effective in increasing muscle mass and strength in people with sarcopenia, a condition that causes muscle loss.
Increase T levels by improving sleep quality and reducing stress.
Where to buy?
You can buy Ashwaganda as supplement from Walgreen and other supplement store, or Amazon.
I cannot recommend a specific brand for T booster / ED supplements for the following reasons:
There is no one-size-fits-all supplement. What works for one person may not work for another.
The quality of supplements can vary widely. Not all supplements are created equal. Some supplements may contain low-quality ingredients or may not be as effective as they claim to be.
Some supplements may interact with medications or have other side effects.
Some brand might contain some hidden drug ingredient, eg some male performance products were found to have ingredient for Viagra.
Instead of recommending a specific brand, I can recommend some general tips for choosing a T booster / ED supplement:
Look for supplements that contain ingredients that are backed by scientific evidence. The products list above has certain degree of scietific evidence.
Choose supplements from a reputable brand that has a good track record.
Read the product label carefully and follow the dosage instructions.
Talk to your supplement specialist.