You’ve heard of ExtenZe – and its extensive hype. Increase penis length and girth. Last longer. Be firmer. And the product is all-natural and sold over-the-counter.
You may have even been considering trying it… what have you got to lose? If ExtenZe does work for adult men, would it work for teens? It turns out there is more to ExtenZe than just being an herbal Viagra, as its maker might have you believe.
What’s in ExtenZe?
Marketed as “maximum-strength male enhancement,” ExtenZe contains an assortment of herbs, minerals and hormonal supplements to “increase blood flow” and to “strengthen and fortify the erection’s staying power.” The powerhouse of ExtenZe appears to be the hormonal portion of the supplement, which consists of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and pregnenalone. The herbal ingredients of ExtenZe include licorice, pumpkin seed, black pepper seed, ginseng, velvet deer antler, and horny goat weed. The herbal portion of ExtenZe would seem to be less cause for alarm than the hormonal portion (for teens, anyway), although at least one of the ingredients, Xanthoparmelia scabrosa, can be toxic in large amounts (ExtenZe contains only a trace amount).
DHEA Blocks the Teen Dream
DHEA is a common hormonal supplement available at almost any store that sells health supplements. As the precursor of both female and male sex hormones, DHEA is converted by the body into testosterone and estrogen. Contrary to popular belief, DHEA is not an anabolic steroid, but is instead an adrenal steroid. DHEA is often used to boost memory and improve muscularity, as well as to treat heart disease, depression, and even flagging libido. Every bottle of DHEA lists a warning, though: “Not for use by children, teenagers or pregnant or lactating women.” In other words, people with fluctuating hormones who might experience side effects from taking DHEA should stay away from it. And both the NFL and the International Olympic Committee banned DHEA, although it is still sold at your local drugstore.
Does ExtenZe Work?
User feedback on ExtenZe is all over the map—some glowingly positive, some adamantly negative. Among the negatives are those reporting headaches or nausea, and a smattering of “it did nothing for me” commentary. Among the positive reviews, you will find those who swear ExtenZe made a dramatic difference, although one wonders how much of that is psychosomatic (you expect it to do something and, therefore, it does).
Adults vs. Teenagers
Back to the question of whether teenagers should consider trying ExtenZe. Just think. You are in your teens. It’s the most virile and physically adept your body will likely ever be naturally (other than with a great deal of training and enhancement as an adult). And your body is not finished growing yet. Meanwhile, during this volatile stage of development, hormones are erratic at best. Now, into this maelstrom of hormonal upheaval, you want to toss in a hormonal bombshell? Medical professionals agree that while the human body is still growing in stature, it is not a good idea to mess around with hormones. As to teens using DHEA, according to MedicineOnline.com, “the long-term safety . . . is unclear. In the case of DHEA, potential side effects include elevated blood pressure, lowered levels of good HDL cholesterol and liver damage.”
Don’t Test on Yourself
The truth is, nobody knows if ExtenZe works for teenagers. No studies have been done—nor will there ever be—because ExtenZe and any other hormonal enhancers pose a danger for teenagers and the risk is simply not worth it.
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