I'm also 36, and agree that if your in your 20's, it is a waste of money.
I only take the stuff 1 hour prior to my workouts, and can say that not using the product is not an option. Use the Brands that are reliable, and you probably will notice a bit of a difference.
Again, your not adding test, the natural levels in the body are heightened by the added substance (tribulous).
Yes, as you and several other posters on this thread have pointed out, Tribulus only serves to increase your body's natural test production. It does not replace it.
Trib is NOT an artificial hormone. It does not carry the side effects of synthetics, and its results are not as dramatic as synthetics. But it can help certain individuals.
I understand that certain people here have tried it and experienced "0" results. Alternatively there are those who have used it with success.
I don't know all the specifics surrounding these trials, but here's my experience:
I'll be 28 in March.
I began using ON's Tribulus 625 on Jan. 9 of this year.
Initially, I used as directed (2 caps/day).
After appx. 2 weeks, I began substituting 1 ABB Tribulus Shot for one of the caps - only on training days.
This increased my daily trib. doseage by about 35% on those days (1 Tribulus Shot has just over double the Trib as 1 cap).
Currently, I am taking 3 caps on rest days, while still taking 1 cap & 1 drink on lifting days.
At this point I have experienced noticeable improvement in ALL of my lifts. Not dramatic, but NOTICEABLE.
Even people I see on a regular basis have told me I look a bit fuller, and my Chiropractor has commented that my back feels more dense and solid.
I will provide one final, detailed account at the end of the "cycle."