Supplements for Increased Testosterone

Herbs, Vitamins, and Supplements for Low Testosterone Levels

While many scientific studies and huge amounts of data show the safety of supplemental testosterone in postmenopausal women, only about 50% of women who take it experience a significant increase in sex drive. That’s because while testosterone plays a big role in pumping up sexual desire, it is far from the only thing that drives libido, which means that if yours is lacking, low testosterone may not be your issue. Desire for sexual activity also depends on neurotransmitters, blood flow to the genitals, and the ability to experience sexual pleasure. And plenty of other things can sabotage libido, including painful sex, medications, stress, insomnia, illness, and the monotony of monogamy. All this means that while it could be worth trying supplementation if your sex drive isn’t what you’d like it to be, increasing testosterone levels is not a quick, universal fix. Make the lifestyle habits we’ve discussed a part of your daily routine, and your testosterone levels will be optimized.

However, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before incorporating any new supplements into your regimen. Another study showed that ashwagandha helped to increase not only testosterone but also performance, strength, and fat loss. More studies are needed before researchers can definitively recommend adding ashwagandha to your morning smoothies. D-aspartic acid seems to affect testosterone levels indirectly but in a very important way. A study from the National Institute of Health (NIH) has found that it influences the release of luteinizing hormone, which has the job of signaling the testicles to ramp up testosterone levels [1]. Various supplements and medications may help increase a person’s testosterone levels. However, increasing testosterone can raise the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke.

It’s important to look for supplements that clearly list all ingredients, their amounts, and recommended dosages. Select brands with a strong reputation for quality and transparency, which can be verified through online reviews and brand history. Testosterone therapy appears to benefit people with conditions such as hypogonadism. However, TRT is usually not recommended to treat age-related declines in testosterone unless managing sexual dysfunction. A 2018 review also states there is limited evidence to suggest that DHEA supplementation increases testosterone levels. The authors of a 2013 review examined findings from 25 randomized controlled trials that looked at the side effects from taking testosterone pills of DHEA supplementation in 1,353 men.

Testosterone is also directly responsible for muscle size, growth, and development. Produced in the testes, testosterone is a male sex hormone responsible for the development of male characteristics, which includes the primary and secondary sex organs and the physical traits that make a male. While several common testosterone booster products contain D-Aspartic Acid, it is possible to take as a standalone supplement. This product uses zinc picolinate, which has a higher absorption rate more than other zinc products. Each capsule contains 30 mg of high-quality zinc picolinate, which is equal to 263% of the daily recommended dose. So, which vitamins, minerals, herbs, and supplements are the best for boosting testosterone?

Also, if you think you may have low testosterone, it’s best to speak with a qualified healthcare professional. There are several health conditions that share symptoms of low testosterone as well as diseases that can cause low testosterone, such as hypothyroidism and certain cancers. In recent years, the idea of naturally boosting testosterone that’s lost due to aging, obesity, or lifestyle choices such as drinking alcohol has gained attention.

According to the American Urological Association, there is a significant link between Vitamin D and testosterone, the male sex hormone that fuels sex drive, in 2015. Physicians recommend getting between 1,000 IU –10,000 IU of Vitamin D3 per day, from food, sun exposure, and dietary supplements (if your doctor recommends them). Acebedo says that fenugreek may block both of those processes, therefore increasing free testosterone levels. By decreasing the body’s amount of protein-bound T, more free T becomes available. The makers say that by incorporating Hunter Test into their daily routine over 40 can combat the symptoms of declining testosterone levels and lead a healthier, more active life. At number 7 on my list of the best testosterone boosters is a supplement called Hunter Test and I think this is a great choice for men over 40.

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. We know that diabetes can cause low testosterone levels, which is why it’s much better to stick to complex “good” carbohydrates. While you want to eat more foods that boost testosterone, the following foods you want to avoid in order to support your T levels. The consumption of complex carbohydrates is important for optimizing testosterone levels and maintaining energy. This is especially true for athletes or men who engage in weight lifting. Vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc may also have testosterone-boosting effects. (Vitamin D is essentially a hormone. Zinc and magnesium are minerals).

D-aspartic acid is an amino acid that encourages the brain to release luteinizing hormone (LH), which contributes to testosterone production. It’s one of the most popular ingredients in over-the-counter testosterone supplements. Ginger has a long history of being able to increase testosterone levels in animal subjects. Human research is less extensive, but studies suggest that ginger may improve sperm count, quality, and motility, as well as boost testosterone levels.