6 Best Ways to Increase Testosterone Levels Naturally

Increasing testosterone can be as simple as a supplement or a lifestyle tweak. Luckily, for many men, taking the pharmaceutical route to fix low testosterone isn’t necessary, says Himanshu Arora, Ph.D., an assistant professor of urology at the University of Miami. If you have low T, testosterone replacement therapy is an option, but it’s not a quick fix and comes with potential side effects. Fatty fish have a lot going for them in the testosterone department. Leafy greens like spinach, kale and collard greens contain a lot of magnesium, which can help regulate total and free testosterone. Your needs will vary depending on your age, health conditions and hormonal status. Your body’s ability to produce testosterone is directly linked to your overall well-being. For men, the hormone testosterone is a major driver of these feelings. Patients should be informed that “T booster” supplements may not have components with mechanisms to support their claims. Despite the FDA statement against the use of supplements to treat conditions, 90% of “T booster” supplements claimed to boost T. It's important to note that testosterone levels can vary throughout a person's life and can be influenced by factors such as age, genetics, health status, and lifestyle choices. Testosterone is a sex hormone responsible for regulating libido, muscle mass, sperm count, fat distribution, and bone health. Research shows peak production happens after 3 hours of deep sleep, so make sure you get enough uninterrupted sleep to take advantage of this natural boost. Honey is another natural ingredient often used in Indian households. They provide a gentle and natural approach rather than quick fixes. It contains compounds like allicin that support overall balance in the body. White button mushrooms, commonly available across India, may not only add flavour but also contribute to hormone regulation. Balanced hormone function often requires effective metabolism of excess oestrogen, and these vegetables are thought to help in that process. Most likely, you know that some fats are bad for your heart, but did you know they also affect your testes? “I just saw a man who lost 6.5 pounds over six months and raised his T levels from just below normal to within normal range, and he feels fantastic.” But Anawalt also notes that weight loss doesn’t have to be that dramatic to improve well-being. And often, switching to a healthier lifestyle is enough to improve testosterone levels naturally. This powerful blend of natural herbs and extracts is clinically shown to boost testosterone levels, promote lean muscle growth ... A testosterone booster is a medication or supplement intended for elevating low testosterone levels in the blood for natural increases in performance, energy, and strength. Men with naturally lower testosterone levels will likely see the most weight loss benefits from such a supplement. These ingredients combined can support healthy testosterone levels allowing you to gain muscle and strength. Some foods also contain parabens as a preservative. Homosalate, which is a UVB blocker, is also commonly used and linked to hormone disruption (35). Research shows that BPA-free plastic has similar estrogen-like effects on the body. For these reasons, we’re going to look at ways to reduce estrogen levels.

Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate

There are many natural ways to address low testosterone. So make sure you don't boost your levels too much. A general way to do it is to make healthy choices. But taking testosterone supplements can give you the support you need. That means that even with your best effort, your testosterone might not increase as much as you like. For these men, a healthcare professional, thorough evaluation, and, if warranted, testosterone therapy can be life-changing. In addition, the boost someone might get from a supplement pales in comparison to the six pieces of advice above, or to testosterone therapy. As a certified health coach, it’s out of your scope of practice to recommend supplements to treat a condition like hypogonadism. So, aim for the stress sweet spot where you feel energized and engaged with life but not so busy and harried that you have no time to relax, sleep, or enjoy life. Some can raise it temporarily, including exam stress or exercise.16

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In this study we sought to evaluate the composition of “T booster” supplements, their advertised claims, and we compared this with the published literature and RDA. Herbal supplements designed to increase T are poorly studied yet remain popular among aging men who seek to increase their T without standard TRT. Supplements contained a median 1,291% of the RDA for vitamin B12, 807.6% of vitamin B6, 272% of zinc, 200% of vitamin B5, and 187.5% of vitamin B3. For 27 individual supplements (24.8%), there was data showing an increase in T with supplementation. Regarding the results of our PubMed review, there were no studies looking at the effect of the individual supplements on T levels for 67 of the supplements (61.5%). However, not all short-term stressors dampen testosterone. (This visual eating guide can help you choose the best foods for your body.) “Mediterranean diets are also known to promote heart health,” says Dr. Asafu-Adjei.
  • They always start with a free personalized TRT evaluation that consists of a testosterone test, followed by a 1-on-1 video call with a Fountain provider to go over results
  • A lot of common bodybuilder diets out there recommend 20% fat for your total calories.
  • While TRT may have these effects, the FDA states that “Unlike drugs, supplements are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent, or cure diseases.
  • A healthy balance of your macronutrients will help ensure your hormone levels are optimized for performance and support overall health.
  • Weight training boosts muscle strength and natural testosterone production.
  • Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about boosting your testosterone naturally.
It's important to note, however, that although testosterone may influence certain aspects of sexual response, large studies in women of all ages have not identified a clear link between testosterone levels and sexual desire and satisfaction. Unfortunately, women suffer from declining testosterone levels as they age and will have lost over half of their testosterone by menopause. Some of the best activities to increase testosterone in women include running and lifting weights. A combination of fenugreek, Ashwagandha, D-aspartic acid, green tea extract, vitamin D, zinc, black pepper extract, and others, it is perfect for women with low testosterone. Ranked as the best overall testosterone booster, it contains all-natural ingredients that are safe for women. Supplemental doses of elemental zinc show benefits, particularly for those with deficiencies. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before adding it to your regimen. While some participants experienced increases, the changes weren't always significant compared to placebo groups. Aim for 7-9 hours per night to keep your hormones in check. Could skipping meals occasionally benefit your hormones? One unique ingredient in this supplement that isn't typically found in all test boosters is DIM (Diindolylmethane), an aromatase inhibitor that can prevent the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. While losing weight mainly revolves around eating fewer calories than you burn to promote a caloric deficit, your hormone status also influences your ability to lose weight. Many of the testosterone boosters on the market cost a pretty penny, and the cost is especially impactful if you plan on taking it for an extended period. We like that this supplement supplies many of the top testosterone-boosting ingredients in science-based doses, and it's meant for men of all ages, whether they're beginners or seasoned pros. In most cases, men with low testosterone will benefit most from such a supplement, whereas results will be smaller in those who start out with normal levels. When you’re under stress (be it from lack of sleep, workplace stress, emotional stress, stress from a bad diet, overtraining, etc.), your body releases cortisol. Research shows that men who supplemented with Vitamin D had significant increases in testosterone levels after one year (19). Also, Vitamin D increases testosterone levels. Studies show that the good old squat made the body produce more growth hormone and testosterone than a machine working similar muscles (18).

Why are high levels of testosterone beneficial?

Pete, our team’s certified nutrition coach, tested this testosterone booster. We worked with a certified nutrition coach to test and evaluate which testosterone boosters stand up to current scientific research and include ingredients that are worthy of investment. For leaders seeking to maintain cognitive sharpness, boost resilience, and optimize decision-making in high-pressure environments, taking a testosterone booster may be helpful. Lifestyle habits killing testosterone can significantly impact your health and vitality. The article you just read explains how these natural ingredients can support men’s health.
Testosterone 101: Ways to Boost It Naturally and What It Does
  • “There is a lack of regulation of dietary supplements,” adds Wells.
  • Even though testosterone boosters are available over the counter, it’s important to talk with your doctor before starting to take a testosterone boosting supplement.
  • Any balanced diet that includes testosterone-friendly foods is a good option.
  • Most notably, the women had significant increases in sexual function, including improved sex drive.
  • Given the well-established intramuscular anabolic, proteolytic, myogenic, and inflammatory signaling responses to exercise and feeding (33, 57, 61), the possibility exists that testosterone administration promotes lean mass accretion by modulating these pathways under postexercise and postfeeding conditions.
  • For most men, Clomid is a good treatment option for low testosterone.
  • Proof we are supposed to have hard bodies, University of Pittsburgh researchers found that fat blokes have more oestrogen.
  • That’s because it’s loaded with beneficial saturated fatty acids that aid in testosterone production.
  • “The best way to fix this is to learn how to manage stress so that the body is not always in fight-or-flight mode, feeling like you are under attack all the time.”
Avoid too much tofu; soy products can send your T levels plummeting (8). Eating enough protein can also help you drop extra pounds, which is important since obesity holds the title as the most effective predictor of low testosterone in men (6). Free T floats around and binds to the right receptors to keep your body in optimal condition. It NEEDS fat to be produced in the first place. Testosterone is a lipid-based hormone. In this episode, we’re taking things even deeper, and exploring ten evidence based protocols, you can utilize to up-regulate testosterone functioning! Want more information on male health? A 26% boost over 12 weeks, combined with my ongoing clients' successes with these products leads me to place these herbs in the 'Should Do' section. I personally use Thorne Magnesium and also a transdermal lotion which I apply to my body each night. So if you are drinking, consider taking a zinc supplement or eating some oysters. Also, it's important to note that one side effect of drinking alcohol is zinc depletion. Weightlifting, in particular, is known to increase testosterone in both the short and long term. Over the counter and commercially available testosterone supplements are readily available too, but have no proven benefit and oftentimes can cause harm. (It’s also essential to your overall health!),” Garcia stresses. “Dehydration can negatively affect hormone production so it’s important to stay hydrated. Processed, greasy fried foods may hit the spot for a late-night treat or when you’re watching sports with friends, but they aren’t doing your body any favors. Unlike most minerals, zinc doesn’t have its own storage spot in the body, meaning you must eat foods with zinc every day to keep things thrumming. The connection between testosterone and a diet heavy in processed meats, such as sausage, bacon, and hot dogs, is indirect, but the connection to sperm health is direct. “Alcohol has a toxic effect on the testes and on testosterone production,” says Anawalt. Harry Cox, founder of London’s elite ClubQ training facility has years of experience working with stressed out men at all stages of life. “In daily life, men often describe feeling less assertive, less focused, and more fatigued, which can affect productivity, creativity, and leadership in professional or high-pressure environments.” “It also supports bone density, allowing the body to handle heavier loads and intense training without injury. An article from the journal Current Opinion of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity relays that getting enough sleep and at the right times are two of the most effective natural ways to raise testosterone. If you can, get out in the sun 20 to 30 minutes each day to increase your vitamin D levels. In fact, interval training has been proven to not only boost T levels, but it helps keep your testosterone elevated and can prevent its decline. Lifting heavy weights for six to 12 reps with larger muscle groups like your quadriceps, hamstrings, back, shoulders and chest will help your body pack on the maximum amount of muscle. An unexpected natural way to increase testosterone is intermittent fasting. Any day that you don’t get 20 minutes of direct sunlight on your skin, you want to supplement with 5,000 international units of vitamin D3. Refined grains have a low nutritional value, and studies show that, like sugar, they can negatively impact blood sugar levels and lead to insulin resistance. According to the American Diabetes Association, for example, type II diabetics are twice as likely to develop low T levels.
Focus on nutrition and healthy fats
Using testosterone without medical supervision can lead to serious health risks. Some men may experience side effects such as acne, sleep apnea, or an increased risk of cardiovascular issues, making it vital to weigh the benefits against the risks. It is essential to approach testosterone therapy under the guidance of a healthcare professional. After puberty, testosterone does not increase penis length or girth. If you are struggling with low testosterone levels, there are thankfully many things that you can start doing as soon as today to naturally increase testosterone. The best types of exercise to increase your testosterone levels are weightlifting and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Supplements aren't the only way to increase your testosterone levels naturally. When we talk about boosting our body’s levels of anabolic hormones, we’re usually talking about testosterone. TESTOSTERONE (tes TOS ter one) is used to increase testosterone levels in your body. It also helps you gain lean muscle mass - another great way to increase your testosterone levels. Even appropriate levels of healthy fat are correlated with higher testosterone. Unfortunately, too much stress can also cause weight gain, increased body fat and overeating. While testosterone naturally decreases as you age, lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, stress and sleep can also impact testosterone levels. Focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise to achieve a healthy weight and boost testosterone levels. To achieve a healthy weight and boost testosterone levels, focus on a balanced diet that includes plenty of healthy fats, protein, and complex carbohydrates. Combined with a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and hitting the weights, a testosterone booster may help increase your T-levels. Most importantly, lifestyle habits like regular exercise, good sleep, a nutritious diet, and limiting alcohol can help you regulate stress — and support healthy testosterone levels — in the long term, says Kotlyar. We’ve compiled the best food and lifestyle choices, as well as supplements, to boost your hormone levels and get the most out of your workouts. If you’re looking for ways to increase testosterone naturally, we have the answers. The good news is you can bring your hormone levels to a healthy balance without medication. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in men. Effects of progressive resistance training on growth hormone and testosterone levels in young and elderly subjects. What Can Go Wrong With Your Feet As You Age However, the hormone’s role in penis size is mostly tied to development during puberty, not adulthood. During puberty, testosterone helps boys develop adult male features, including growth of the penis and testicles. Bodybuilders frequently use them to help acquire greater muscle mass although they don't actually work. Testosterone levels in men often decrease with age. Hard flaccid syndrome is a rare sexual health condition affecting young men. The idea of boost testosterone food is best understood as part of an overall lifestyle approach that includes good sleep, regular movement, and stress management. Magnesium plays a key role in energy production and maintaining muscle function, which ties back to hormone health. They are rich in healthy fats, magnesium, and boron — a trace mineral that has been linked to testosterone metabolism. "Very low-fat diets can be problematic. Fats, especially those from whole food sources, provide cholesterol, a crucial building block for hormone production," Reeder said. Oats are one of many great foods that are great for raising testosterone levels because they are a great source of a variety of B Vitamins. There are numerous different B vitamins, many of which are present in diets that increase testosterone. Porridge oats are rich in B vitamins which are essential for healthy testosterone synthesis. The body produces the most testosterone during deep sleep, particularly during REM cycles. Testosterone, a crucial hormone in the body, plays a significant role in muscle mass, bone density, and overall well-being for both men and women. Learn what it takes to boost energy, maintain strength, and stay healthy longer—delivered to your inbox every Monday. Men with diabetes are twice as likely to have low testosterone levels (34). Studies have shown that supplementing with five grams of Ashwagandha for three months increased testosterone between 10 and 22%7. Another way to increase testosterone for women is by taking Supplements to Increase Testosterone. A study from 2015 at the University of North Texas measured bloodwork before and after weight lifting and confirmed a rise in testosterone post-workout. As we mentioned, if you are worried about low testosterone, there are plenty of ways to keep your hormones balanced without invasive medical treatment. Eating disorders, such as anorexia, can also lead to a testosterone deficiency because of the disruption of fatty tissue.
  • In this article, we’ll explore 10 proven ways to increase testosterone naturally in males, covering everything from diet and exercise to stress management and supplements.
  • These techniques are not only effective but also align with a holistic approach to health and fitness.
  • Many testosterone boosters require you to take multiple capsules per day, which means you may need to buy them more frequently than once every few months.
  • But more is not always better; your protein intake should depend on how much exercise you get.
  • But daytime testosterone levels can drop up to 15% when you get only 5 hours of sleep.
  • 'The main culprits include lack of sleep, excessive stress, too little or too much exercise and too little or too much body fat.
  • Yes, chronic stress can significantly lower testosterone levels due to elevated cortisol levels.
Testosterone levels are typically higher in men than in women, but both sexes have some level of testosterone. From low libido to weight gain, low testosterone can put a damper on your self-confidence, mood, and general wellbeing. For many of my patients in my telehealth functional medicine clinic, low testosterone is something that can significantly impact their lives to the point where daily activities are no longer enjoyable. To help streamline your search, the ACTIVE Reviews Team has curated a list of the best vitamins for energy in 2023. With the endless vitamin products on the market, it can be a daunting task to comb through them to find the best one for your goals. Even so, there may be some cases in which you'd want to supplement with certain vitamins separately. While these vitamins can be supplemented individually, many multivitamins do a good job of including the proper amounts of each of them. Our bodies derive their energy from the food and nutrients we consume on a daily basis, so a well-balanced diet is key. Although men also have female hormones like estrogen, the amounts are significantly less, compared to females. The same adrenal gland that makes testosterone also makes cortisol. Allicin, a substance found in garlic, is helpful in lowering cortisol levels. Instead, it may raise your risk of developing more severe health conditions, such as colon cancer. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your health regimen. It's best to discuss with a healthcare provider before starting any fasting protocols. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen. Prioritize good sleep hygiene for optimal results. These natural strategies may support hormonal balance in women, too.
  • Sure, “testosterone support” pills are all over the shelves.
  • However, for men with low testosterone, exercise alone will most likely not suffice to raise basal testosterone to healthy ranges.
  • There are lots of “natural” or “herbal” remedies that are touted on the internet as testosterone boosters.
  • However, just because testosterone can fuel prostate cancer, that doesn’t mean you need to worry about testosterone levels from a cancer prevention standpoint.
  • Aside from giving you increased muscle mass, every kind of exercise helps you address low testosterone levels.
  • Are you eating a balanced diet?
  • Real-time health answers powered by AI—because your health matters now.
You can find it in foods like pumpkin seeds, spinach, and black beans. Unlock the link between magnesium and better sleep Explore how protein rebuilds muscles after your workout It's the result of excessive workouts with inadequate rest that impacts hormonal, mental, and immune system health. Physically active men have a better testosterone profile compared to those more sedentary.

Testosterone-Boosting Foods

There are also numerous studies showing the effects on improving testosterone in infertile men (ref 80). Well, there are animal studies that show it does benefit testosterone (ref 76). However, these supplements do not have enough research for me to confidently say they will work. There are a few herbs out there which have some positive studies in the literature in regards to improving testosterone. Terrible Ways Overeating Takes A Toll On Your Body For both optimal health and hormone levels, you should try to reduce repetitive stressful situations in your life. Stress and high cortisol can also increase food intake, weight gain, and the storage of harmful body fat around your organs. However, research demonstrates that sufficient healthy fats are also beneficial for testosterone and health. Even though testosterone boosters are available over the counter, it’s important to talk with your doctor before starting to take a testosterone boosting supplement. When it comes to taking testosterone boosters, it’s essential to read the directions on the label of the product as instructions may vary. Scientific reviews show that the evidence for most testosterone boosters is weak and inconsistent. Many testosterone boosters require you to take multiple capsules per day, which means you may need to buy them more frequently than once every few months. Your doctor may also want to run a hormone panel to see what’s most advantageous for your body.
  • We will look through the tried and tested ways you can naturally increase testosterone levels without medical intervention.
  • Some studies show that grain consumption in healthy people does not lead to inflammation (53).
  • Testosterone levels tend to drop with age, causing some additional problems due to the loss of muscle mass and bone density.
  • Zinc is necessary for testosterone production and overall health.
  • However, there’s a more direct correlation between sleep and testosterone levels.
  • There are plenty of reasons why you should be getting enough sleep (12), particularly if you are engaged in vigorous weight training.
  • Unfortunately, a lot of men have less than ideal T levels and don’t know what they’re missing out on.
Causes of primary male hypogonadism
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) In another clinical trial, a blend of pomegranate and cacao extracts resulted in a 48% increase in free testosterone after 8 weeks. The most important deficiency to worry about in relationship to testosterone is vitamin D deficiency. Because elevated cholesterol may not readily convert pregnenolone to produce all the other hormones, testosterone included. Research shows that not getting enough protein when exercising may decrease testosterone, but also getting too much protein with too little exercise can a negative impact on your testosterone. This doesn't mean that older men should stop resistance training; this type of exercise is excellent for overall health, strength and metabolism. Some common reasons include too much time spent on screens at night, feeling stressed or anxious, or a bedroom that is too hot or too cold. Yet one in three American adults says they don’t get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Excellent sources include fatty fish (think salmon, sardines, and trout), olives, nut butters, chia seeds, and avocados. Leydig cells are those in the testes that are vital for making testosterone. Turns out that both trans-fatty acids and refined omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids — think soybean, corn, and sunflower oils — build up in the testes. A study linked TRT to higher chances of venous thromboembolism, a potentially fatal type of blood clot. In 2014, the FDA ordered that a warning label must accompany TRT prescriptions, alerting men to the possibility that TRT increases the chances of heart attack and stroke. Then, over the next 3 years, the number of men taking it dropped by half as studies revealed potential risks, particularly to heart health. Getting enough of the minerals and vitamins that help estrogen levels If you struggle with obesity, getting your weight under control can help you break this pattern. It also increments the body’s inflammatory reactions and worsens insulin resistance and diabetes . Sleep deprivation is linked to decreased testosterone, but you might be surprised at how fast this problem can appear . Need a boost? However, this form of estrogen may not have a negative impact on your health. Drinking large amounts of alcohol even converts testosterone into estrogen, which may increase your risk of prostate cancer. Sleep apnea commonly affects those who are overweight or obese, another common cause of low testosterone. In one study, for example, a group of 20 male college students were followed to measure the impact of weight lifting on testosterone. By cutting back on highly processed and high glycemic foods like white breads, you can help reduce the odds of hypogonadism and other health complications in the long run. Including stress-reducing practices like meditation, yoga, or even a short daily walk can help manage this balance. Yes, limiting highly processed snacks, excess sugar, alcohol, and packaged foods stored in plastics may be helpful. These provide nutrients that may help the body maintain hormonal balance. What Lifestyle Changes Should Be Made to Have the Optimal Levels of Testosterone? Yes, I am saying that going for a swim, playing basketball, and taking a vacation are amazingly natural ways to increase testosterone. Oysters are so rich in zinc they can actually boost your testosterone in minutes. Because zinc is a metal, concentrated supplements can have severe side effects on the body. Cooking with and adding extra virgin olive oil to your food are natural ways to increase testosterone. One of the most comprehensive, natural ways to increase testosterone is consuming coconuts or coconut oil. One study showed mucuna pruriens (MP) increased testosterone in healthy males by 27% (ref 75). It is clear that if you lose body fat, chances are good that your testosterone will increase. It has been shown that overweight males have lower testosterone levels (46). Competing and winning in competitions has been shown to increase testosterone levels.
  • ZMA, short for Zinc Magnesium Aspartate, is a popular supplement that contains three ingredients linked to increased testosterone production (7).
  • BPA-containing plastics have been linked to disrupted hormones, so it’s better to opt for glass whenever possible .
  • When you consider the effects that insulin resistance and poor sleeping habits have on testosterone, this makes perfect sense because they are all closely knit together with obesity.
  • The reason for this may be that probiotic microbes convert stress-related cortisol into testosterone derivatives, as found by Phillip Hylemon at Virginia Commonwealth University.
  • Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone produced in the testes, and it plays a critical role in male health and development.
  • Testosterone is a hugely important hormone — not just for men’s health and not just for your sex life.
  • That said, while this product provides 91% of your daily zinc value, this ingredient alone won’t produce muscle gain.
  • You can’t overestimate the power of a good night’s sleep.
It’s not like the guy who’s on 28nM is on too much or the guy that’s on a level of eight is on too little, because that’s where his body is set to.” As men age there may be a small, gradual drop in testosterone, but this is often due to the effects of other conditions such as obesity or diabetes1. Testosterone levels in men peak during adolescence and early adulthood. Adequate hydration is paramount for sustaining testosterone levels, emphasizing the crucial interplay between hydration and hormonal health for overall physiological balance. During sex-related activities such as arousal and exposure to erotics, a man’s production of hormones is stimulated, making it a pleasure-filled way to boost testosterone. Not only will you feel better, but properly managing weight gain has been shown by NIH to facilitate the production of testosterone, keeping your hormones in balance . Also high intensity interval training (HIIT) is excellent for testosterone. Those with significant medical conditions, including heart or back problems, may not be able to exercise or may be limited. Also, please consult your doctor about your general health and ability to work out. Fish oil may be found in foods like salmon, tuna, seeds, and nuts. Foods with magnesium include green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and certain seafoods.
  • Middle-aged and older males see their testosterone levels decrease by 0.4% to 1.6% per year, and many are the males who experience lower-than-average levels even in their 30s.
  • Bananas contain B vitamins, potassium, and the bromelain enzyme.
  • Diet is one of the most natural ways to support healthy hormone function, and certain foods stand out when it comes to supporting testosterone balance.
  • Workouts which are unnecessarily long and include excessive rest periods can lead to increased cortisol levels, which subsequently decrease testosterone levels.
  • Your diet should include plenty of vegetables and fruits and a balance of healthy fats, proteins, and complex carbohydrates.
  • A zinc supplement can improve your body’s natural defences to get your hormone levels back up naturally.
  • A 2022 study looked at testosterone levels of 1,486 men between the ages of 20 and 44 .
This conversion reduces testosterone and increases estrogen, leading to fat deposition in female areas and an increased risk of prostate enlargement and cancer. Belly fat increases the activity of the enzyme “aromatase,” which converts testosterone to estrogen. If symptoms persist, a blood test can confirm blood testosterone levels, helping determine the next steps. Recognizing these causes is the first step in improving testosterone levels. Testosterone levels naturally decline as men age.
  • Optimizing your testosterone levels is critical to looking, feeling, and performing at your best.
  • The women participants' testosterone levels dropped significantly after the stress respons6.
  • A man who eats well but sleeps poorly or lives under constant stress will struggle to maintain optimal testosterone.
  • Although product recommendations are only our opinions, this research-backed page has been fact-checked and reviewed by a certified nutritionalist or health specialist.
  • As reported in the Sports Medicine journal, after the age of 40 men’s testosterone levels decline by 1%-3% per year.
  • Different herbs, like fenugreek and ashwagandha, compare their effectiveness in boosting testosterone by showing more significant results in scientific studies.
  • Illustrating this, a 2017 case report described new-onset, bilateral pulmonary embolisms secondary to over-the-counter fenugreek-extract-containing T supplements .
  • I also recommend pairing your Vitamin D with another fat-soluble vitamin like K2 to increase absorption.
However, once growth plates in the bones fuse, testosterone no longer affects height. Testosterone doesn’t increase height after puberty. Smoking damages blood vessels, reduces oxygen flow, and can lead to chronic health issues. After peaking, levels gradually decline over the next few days. If you’ve been experiencing these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider. Cortisol triggers your body's fight or flight response. But chronic stress will cause elevated cortisol for long periods of time. She is a certified personal trainer, nutritionist and health coach with nearly 10 years of professional experience. Anna Gora is a health writer at Live Science, having previously worked across Coach, Fit&Well, T3, TechRadar and Tom's Guide. According to a meta-analysis published in the Sleep Medicine journal, sleep deprivation lasting more than 24 hours may be particularly harmful. Below, we’ll explain how you can increase your testosterone naturally and how the RISE app can help. Dr. Diamandis says that consuming testicle-based meat dishes, such as Rocky Mountain oysters (also known as prairie oysters), moose testicles, kakashere porkolt or criadillas, will lead to a brief boost in your own testosterone levels. Again, these substances show promise, but the studies referenced above all conclude that more research is needed to understand how and to what degree they might increase testosterone levels. “I tell men who want to know that if they don’t address their belly fat, their testicles will shrink, they’ll lose their erections, and their libido will disappear,” says John La Puma, MD. We’re talking visceral fat, which nestles deep in the abdomen amid the organs. We’re not talking pinchable back fat or squishable love handles. Given the risks of supplementation, lifestyle changes are a great place to start if you are feeling depressed, have difficulty concentrating, or have a loss of libido, all of which can be signs of low testosterone. Explore how Kegel exercises can enhance men's health, improve pelvic strength, and boost confidence. Explore how common men's health issues like ED, hair loss, low testosterone, and stress are all connected. Learn how weight loss can lead to hair loss, its underlying causes, prevention tips, and recovery strategies to maintain healthy, strong hair.