Testim

Unlike other products currently available to men for over-the-counter purchase, this product is based on one single ingredient. The inclusion of testosterone in a formula such as this is thought to help restore sexual function by adding more of the male sex hormone to men whose levels may be depleting.

From our experience, this only addresses one aspect of male health.

Testosterone is the principal male sex hormone responsible for regulating sex drive, energy levels and immune system functions. It is thought that use of a supplement containing it may enhance the response of the receptors in the body, allowing the hormone levels to rise within the body. It is absorbed through the mucous membrane when taken orally and then circulated throughout the body; when applied topically, as in this formula, it is absorbed through the skin directly into the bloodstream.

It is suggested by the manufacturer that this gel be applied to clean, dry, intact skin of the shoulders or upper arms. The gel should be used at the same time each day, preferably in the morning after showering. The entire contents of one tube should be squeezed into the palm of the hand and then immediately applied to the skin; it is suggested to rub it in until no gel is left on the skin.

The effects of this product are not described in detail, so it is uncertain what changes will be experienced in the body. Presumably, increasing testosterone will improve muscle tone, endurance and sex drive, but the effects of topical applications have not been researched extensively.

Men may prefer herbal products that include Tribulus Terrestris in the formula; this herb has been clinically shown to enhance testosterone levels and is often included in male enhancement products that are taken as dietary supplements. Ingestion of this herb on a daily basis will help improve testosterone levels on a long-term basis.

• Information on product is available online
• Method of application seems simple

• Could cause skin irritation for some men
• Testosterone could possibly be transferred to others
• No posted research available to support claims of effectiveness of a topical method of increasing testosterone

As stated, this product may help to increase testosterone levels in males, but the effects of a topical gel have not been shown to be as strong as oral supplementation. For men seeking to improve the production of testosterone within the body, a dietary supplement may be more beneficial.

The herbal extract Tribulus Terrestris has undergone clinical trials in which it has been proven to help increase testosterone levels. Products containing this ingredient may be preferable to using a topical and sometimes sticky hormonal gel.

Because this product is applied to the skin and could possibly cause skin irritations for some people, neither the formula nor the method of increasing testosterone appears to be as effective as an oral, herbal supplement taken on a regular basis. Herbal extracts tend to have fewer side effects and, as mentioned, have more evidence to support their overall potential.