Testosterone is an androgen, a male hormone, although it is also present in females, but much less. Testosterone is responsible for the male organs growth and development, as well as other male characteristics that develop. Testosterone pills or injections are prescribed in many cases and for different reasons, according to a physician's recommendation. Testosterone pills may have serious side-effects, as well as lesser side-effects, and prescribed testosterone must be directed and closely monitored by a doctor.

Medical uses include hormone replacement therapy, to treat erectile dysfunction and infertility problems, to treat a reduction in libido, to promote penis enlargement, encourage height growth, to treat osteoporosis, to stimulate the appetite, to increase bone marrow production, and to treat anemia, and used in transsexual therapy.

Besides the medical reasons for testosterone use, another type of testosterone product is very popular in today's market - testosterone pills or testosterone boosters that are designed to promote the production of testosterone in the body. These pills can be made from synthetic ingredients or from natural ingredients such as herbs, minerals, vitamins. These products do not supply the actual hormone; they promote its production in the body or decrease the production of estrogen, a female hormone that is also present in males. Most side-effects are associated with the prescribed version of the testosterone pills, and not the supplement booster form.

Testosterone pills are used to help build muscle, increased muscle size, increase energy and endurance, increase sexual performance and libido, reduce cholesterol, reduce fat and promote muscle growth and development, enhance mood, improve the firmness and duration of erections, improve sleep, to promote strong and dense bones, and even improve heart health and lung function.

Most pills that are popular with body builders and athletes are the anabolic kind and are designed to increase muscle and bone density, and increase strength and stamina. These are used in conjunction with compound exercises to promote the muscle enhancement and growth. Many women use these pills to promote a sexual desire or libido. Older men use them to promote sexual endurance and as an energy booster. Many who have trouble with erections rely on these pills to have erections that last longer and are more firm.

As with any supplement, natural or not, there are warnings and side-effects. People who have breast cancer or prostate cancer, as well as people who have cardiac problems, or women that are pregnant or trying to conceive are advised to stay away from these pills. These pills can be purchased online, at the drug store, or at a health and fitness store, as they are not the prescribed type. Prescription pills for testosterone must be ordered thru a pharmacy. Since the market is saturated with so many testosterone booster products, pricing and brands, as well as name vary considerably. Ingredient content varies, as well as dosage. Pricing may start under $10 for this type of supplement and go up to over $99. The important issue is the source, as you want to obtain a pure product that has the correct amount of active ingredient and from a reputable company.