ExtenZe is a DHEA-containing herbal supplement produced by Biotab Nutraceuticals, it is intended to treat Erectile dysfunction and its sources. Some of its ingredients have been shown through research to be effective in treating some of the causes of Erectile dysfunction.
Around 40 percent of men over 40 have mild to moderate ED. And your chances of developing mild to moderate ED increase by about 10 percent each decade as you get older. Many causes of ED as you age stem from changes in your hormones, blood flow, and overall health. All of these contribute to erectile function.
ExtenZe women pills are also available to enhance female libido and sexual satisfaction, this pill also contains the steroid DHEA which can cause higher-than-normal levels of male and female hormones, according to Health Canada. Both products are sold online and at other retail outlets in the United States and Canada.
What are the active ingredients in ExtenZe?
Some of the active ingredients in ExtenZe have indeed been used as natural remedies to treat ED for centuries. Some have research to back them up. But others are only supported by anecdotal evidence. Still others may even have unwanted or dangerous side effects if you take too much.
Here’s a list of ingredients commonly found in ExtenZe and what they’re purported to do:
Yohimbe
Yohimbe, or yohimbine, is an herbal supplement made from the bark of the Pausinystalia johimbe tree and common in traditional West African medicine used to treat male infertility. It’s thought to be effective in treating ED because it blocks alpha-2 adrenergic receptors that usually prevent erections and help produce nitric oxide, which improves blood flow to the penis.
L-arginine
L-arginine is an amino acid that’s been found to be useless against ED in some studies, but it may be effective in high doses to help with blood flow. It can cause dangerous side effects if taken with Viagra.
Horny goat weed
Horny goat weed contains an ingredient called icariin. This blocks an enzyme called protein phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) that can stop arteries in your penis from dilating, which is necessary for enough blood to flow in and make you erect. A study on rats found some improvement in ED with horny goat weed, and another study showed that icariin could block PDE5.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that’s important to your diet. Some research provides evidence that taking 30 milligrams of zinc and magnesium a day can increase testosterone levels.
But other research found this to be true only if you’re not already getting enough zinc, so taking extra zinc won’t have any effects on your ED.
Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone is a naturally occurring hormone that helps your body make testosterone and many other hormones. But there’s no evidence that taking supplements has any effect on ED or sexual function.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
DHEA is a naturally occurring substance in your body that helps it produce other hormones like testosterone. It has shown some promising results in small amounts for treating ED. But your body won’t make any extra DHEA if you take it in a supplement, and DHEA supplements can have dangerous interactions with certain medications.
However, the Food and Drug Administration is advising consumers not to purchase or use Extenze Plus, because laboratory analysis confirmed that Extenze Plus (LOT H061084) contains sildenafil, the active ingredient in the FDA-approved prescription drug Viagra, used to treat erectile dysfunction. This undeclared ingredient may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs, such as nitroglycerin, and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates.
How are ExtenZe pills taken?
According to the manufacturer, users should take one liquid gel capsule of ExtenZe pills daily in the morning with breakfast for best results. ExtenZe Pills are not for use by individuals under the age of 18 years.
What If I took two ExtenZe pills in one day?
According to Public health information, taking more than the recommended 1 pill of ExtenZe can cause priapism, a painful erection that lasts longer than 4 hours. This can damage penis tissue because blood stored in the penis isn’t receiving any oxygen. Taking 2 ExtenZe women pills can cause general weakness, palpitation, headache, dizziness, a hot sensation on the face, and abdominal fullness.
Do not take ExtenZe pills if you’re taking any medications that can interact with any of its ingredients. These interactions can cause dangerous side effects that can be deadly. Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interact with ExtenZe. If you’re unsure whether your current medications may interact with ExtenZe, talk to your doctor.
Get emergency treatment right away if you or your loved one has overdosed on ExtenZe pills. Call Poison Control at 800-222-1222 (in the U.S.) even if the person has no symptoms. Your doctor, your local poison center, or the emergency department of your local hospital may be able to help determine the seriousness of a suspected ExtenZe overdose.
Potential side effects and precautions
Natural ingredients found in supplements like ExtenZe have documented side effects, including:
- nausea
- cramps
- diarrhea
- headache
- trouble sleeping
- gastrointestinal problems like stomachaches
- gynecomastia
- seizures
- a decline in testosterone production
Alternatives to ExtenZe
There’s no reliable evidence that ExtenZe or any related supplements work at all. They may even have the opposite effect. Undeclared ingredients may be harmful and interact with your body and other medications. Always talk to a doctor first before trying any of these supplements.
Try one or more of the following remedies to address possible causes of ED symptoms:
• Reduce or quit smoking cigarettes or other products that contain nicotine. Quitting can be difficult, but a doctor can help you develop a cessation plan that’s right for you.
• Reduce or stop drinking alcohol. Heavy consumption can increase your risk of ED.
• Lose weight if you’re overweight or have obesity. This can improve ED symptoms.
• Do more physical activity and eat a healthy diet. Both of these have been demonstrated to reduce ED symptoms. Meditate or spend time relaxing each day to reduce stress or anxiety that may cause ED.
• Improve communication with your partner. Unresolved or underlying relationship issues may be affecting your ability to be intimate with them.
• Have sex regularly (more than once a week). This can reduce your chance of developing ED.
See a counselor or therapist if you believe that underlying mental or emotional issues may be resulting in ED symptoms
