What Are Natural Testosterone Boosters | Are They Legal | How Does It Work | Testosterone Booster VS Pro Hormone | Testosterone Boosters Vs Ecdysterones | Natural Testosterone Booster Ingredients | Natural Testosterone Booster Products | Warnings And Side Effects | Disclaimer
When it comes to working out and getting results, we’re all looking for an edge to take ourselves further. But outside of the gym there are always ways we can naturally improve our day-to-day lives. One of those ways is through improving our hormone function. In this guide we’re going through the basics of supplementing with natural testosterone boosters!
While we will attempt to answer general questions regarding this subject and about specific compounds/products, its important to save your medical questions for your physician. We are happy to provide guidance on dietary supplements, but your we cannot provide specific advice for your individual health inquiries.
Why Do Testosterone Levels Matter?
Testosterone is commonly referred to as the “male sex hormone”, but it is much more than that. For starters, it plays a key role in metabolism and functioning of multiple bodily systems. This includes bone health, pain, well-being, cardiovascular function, cognitive health, as well as the musculoskeletal system and endocrine system. And that isn’t exclusive to men. Testosterone plays an important role in women as well. (1,2,3)
Testosterone is synthesized in the body from cholesterol. However, your testosterone levels are regulated by the pituitary gland in the brain. So having high cholesterol won’t influence your testosterone levels to be high. (4)
How Do You Know When Testosterone Levels Are Low? (4,5)
In men, testosterone levels tend to drop gradually each year as they age. During which, the testes produce less testosterone due to fewer signals from the pituitary gland. Additionally, protein SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) increases with age. The combination of these reduces the active form of testosterone (free testosterone).
Symptoms of testosterone deficiency in adult men include:
- Reduced body and facial hair
- Loss of muscle mass
- Low libido, impotence, small testicles, reduced sperm count and infertility
- Increased breast size (gynecomastia)
- Hot flashes
- Irritability, poor concentration and depression
- Loss of body hair
- Brittle bones and an increased risk of fracture
- Decreased energy
- Increased body fat
Women can also struggle with low testosterone and experience similar symptoms. Including low libido, reduced bone strength, poor concentration or depression.
Testosterone Levels Ranges: (6,7,8,9,10)
If you feel you might be struggling with low testosterone, your first step should be to make an appointment with your doctor and get blood work done.
There isn’t a standardized range for testosterone, but your total testosterone can be divided into 3 categories.
- Tightly bound testosterone
- Loosely bound testosterone
- Free testosterone
The combination of your loosely bound and free testosterone make up the available testosterone in your body. Unfortunately, because there isn’t a standardized range for testosterone, different labs can list different ranges. Its important to consider how you feel and get rechecked when appropriate.
According to the Endocrine Society clinical practice guidelines, normal range T in men is generally between 300 and 1,000 ng/dl and hypogonadism has been defined as total T < 300 ng/dL.
What Are Testosterone Boosters:
Testosterone boosters generally refer to herbal supplements and compound that aim to elevate testosterone levels and reduce symptoms of low testosterone. A natural testosterone booster is not a steroid or the same as testosterone replacement therapy. Instead, natural testosterone boosters can be a combination of dietary supplements and lifestyles changes to support your body’s ability to produce testosterone.
Are They Legal?
Yes! Natural testosterone boosters often feature a combination of herbal extracts and amino acids. However, if you’re an athlete or if your profession limits what kind of supplements you can take; we would advise you to speak to your governing body or with your doctor before taking any supplements.
When it comes to sports, the USDA states, “If an ingredient causes an increase in testosterone levels, then it would have similar biological effects on the body as listed Anabolic Agents and would therefore be prohibited.“(11)
How Does It Work?
Natural testosterone boosters can have a variety of pathways depending on the specific compounds in the formula. But there are other ways to naturally improve your testosterone levels without taking a dietary supplement.
Factors that can influence testosterone levels include: (12,13,14,15,16,17)
- Age
- Overtraining/Undertraining
- Diet
- Sleep
- Stress
Natural Testosterone Booster VS Pro Hormones:
When it comes to searching for the right supplement for you, you may be confronted with confusing options. A pro hormone is a precursor for specific target hormone. The main difference between a natural testosterone booster and a pro hormone is the how the body metabolizes it. For example, many androgenic pro hormones are derived from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA is a naturally occurring steroidal hormone produced by men and women. DHEA is converted into androstenedione in the adrenal cortex, where it can convert in the liver to testosterone. (18)
A natural testosterone booster comprising of herbal extract will not convert to testosterone. However, the phytochemicals and secondary metabolites such as saponins, polyphenolic compounds, and alkaloids may support functions of testosterone. So a natural testosterone booster may not directly increase testosterone levels, but may assist with alleviating symptoms of low testosterone. But, there are studies that look indicate the combination of resistance training and some herbal testosterone booster may increase testosterone levels. (19,20,21)
So why take a natural testosterone booster?
Because testosterone levels can be influenced by several factors, a natural testosterone booster may be beneficial for individuals looking for testosterone support. For example, zinc is a common in testosterone booster. In one study, men with a deficiency in zinc supplemented this mineral for six months and found an increase in serum testosterone. (22) However, a separate study did not find these results when the men were not deficient. (23)
This provides further evidence speaking with a physician and getting blood work should be a priority when considering testosterone boosters.
Natural Testosterone Boosters Vs Ecdysterones
Outside of natural testosterone boosters, herbal compounds and alkaloids are common for promoting exercise performance. This can include plant hormones/steroids like laxogenin or ecdysterones like turkesterone.
These types of compounds are popular for the androgenic-like effects without side effects common to steroids/prohormones. In fact one study found ecdysterone induces hypertrophy of muscles with a comparable or even higher potency than anabolic androgenic steroids, SARMs or IGF-1. (24) Unlike in anabolic androgenic steroids and some pro hormones, ecdysterones are mediated by estrogen receptors not androgen receptors. (25)
However, despite how ecdysterones may stimulant protein synthesis and promote muscle growth, it does not increase testosterone. This means products like turkesterone are better suited for individuals looking for muscle growth, improving recovery, or boosting endurance. Additionally, it can be take by men and women due to its lack of hormonal effects in humans. (26)
Again that means for testosterone support, a natural testosterone booster may be a better option. And often natural testosterone boosters feature blends and may include plant steroids.
For more information on laxogenin, click HERE.
Natural Testosterone Booster Ingredients: (27)
Now that we’ve gone over the basics, let’s dive into researched backed natural testosterone booster ingredients.
A study done in 2020 did a survey of natural testosterone booster ingredient commonly in formulas and cross referenced those ingredients with research on their influence on testosterone. Below is a list of supplements this study identifies may assist with increasing testosterone.
Unfortunately, not all the current research aligns with this list. In fact, many studies only worked with animal models making it difficult to assume if the results would apply to us or at what dosage. But, while reviewing the list and cross referencing it with other articles, we found some great studies on ingredients that may be worthwhile.
Anacyclus Pyrthrum
Anacyclus pyrthrum (Akarkara) was traditionally used in medicine for the treatment of several diseases such as cancer, rheumatism, epilepsy, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, research also indicates other biologic properties from this herb, including aphrodisiac properties. (28,29) However, more human research will be need to assess for clinical dosing.
Bulbine Natalensis
Similarly, Bulbine Natalensis has been researched for its medicinal properties, but is often used for it’s aphrodisiac properties to treat sexual dysfunctions. However, research on this plant does appear to be limited to animal models. (30)
Horney Goat Weed Extract
While Horney Goat Weed aka epimedium extract has aphrodisiac properties, research on how it effects testosterone are lacking. (31)
- Horney Goat Weed Extract By Now Foods
- Horney Goat Weed Gummies By Force Factor
- (Capsules) Horney Goat Weed By Force Factor
While these ingredients may be beneficial for improving libido, there will need to be more research on whether they can also boost testosterone.
Epicatechin
This ingredient got some mixed feedback from many articles. While some suggest it may be beneficial for improve muscle growth factors through decreasing myostatin and β-galactosidase. (32) But the research for increasing testosterone is lacking. However, other flavonoids such as chrysin and apigenin may increase androgen production and inhibit of the enzyme aromatase, which converts testosterone into estradiol. Similarly, EGCG, isolated from green tea, may inhibit estradiol and progesterone production. (33)
L-Arginine
L-arginine is a popular amino acid for pre workouts. Because this amino acid has a vasodilator effect it can help improve physical performance. This effect can help increase blood flow, which can then help bring oxygen to your muscles while removing waste. This may help support libido as well as endurance. Outside of this, L-arginine may stimulant growth hormone release. This release can help stimulant cell growth and promote muscle hypertrophy. (34,35)
Eurycoma Longifolia Extract (Tongkat ali)
Eurycoma longifolia Jack or Long Jack (Tongkat ali) in addition to having antidiabetic and antibacterial properties, may also increase testosterone levels and be an aphrodisiac. Additionally, in one study, when the combination of Eurycoma longifolia Jack with resistance training improved peak power output. (36)
- Tongkat Ali By Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals
- Longjack Tongkat Ali By Force Factor
Fenugreek Extract
Results from four trials on Fenugreek extract indicates this extract may improve/raise total serum testosterone. Additionally, research indicates it may support androgenic and anabolic effects. (37,38)
- Fenugreek Seed By Nature’s Way
- Fenugreek By Now Foods
L-Carnitine
L-carnitine similarly is popular with other dietary supplements such as fat burners. One of the main functions of L-carnitine is to transport long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix for their conversion in energy. But it also plays a role in endocrine function and skeletal muscle protein balance. Additionally, in animal modals, L-carnitine may support an increase in Follicle-Stimulating Hormone, Luteinizing Hormone, and Testosterone. (39,40)
Magnesium
In one study, 30 participants were divided into 3 equal groups to assess for the effects of magnesium and exercise on testosterone levels. The results showed the groups that took magnesium had an increase in free and total testosterone. (41) Additionally, a separate animal study focused on magnesium, zinc, and selenium found that serum testosterone levels were highest in their group being supplemented with all 3 minerals rather than the individual mineral groups. (42)
Mucuna Purine
Mucuna purine, also known as Velvet Bean, is popular in dietary supplements for supporting brain function, muscle health and libido. But, in addition, to this it may even have diuretic effect and increase testosterone levels. (43,44)
- Dopa Mucuna By Now Foods
Shilajit
One study of using Shilajit (Ayurvedic Rasayana) treated men between 45-55 years old for a consecutive 90 days at 250 mg twice a day. The results of this study indicate shilajit increased total testosterone, free testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS). (45)
- Shilajit Extract By Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals
- Shilajit Extract By Swanson
According to the article on published natural testosterone boosters (28), this next set of supplements may assist with increasing testosterone, but have conflicting evidence. Meaning while some studies indicate there was a raise in testosterone, other studies indicated there was no change. Interestingly, these ingredients are more often featured in testosterone boosters. We’ll be going over them in specific formula in the next section.
Its important to understand dietary supplements can and will affect everyone differently. So while some individuals may benefit from ingredients in this article, its also possible these ingredients had no effect on others. Now that doesn’t mean these ingredients won’t help at all, it just means they’re no guarantee they’ll boost your testosterone. So you may want to look for products that in the very least, feature a combination of these lists.
What About Estrogen?
Testosterone is converted to estradiol through a process called aromatization. Sometimes natural testosterone booster feature more ingredient to inhibit this conversion in order to indirectly increase testosterones concentration. These products and ingredients are commonly known as aromatase inhibitor (AI) or estrogen blockers.
Similar to natural testosterone boosters, extracts from many natural sources and nutrients may have aromatase inhibition activity. This includes plant species such as Araliaceae, Loranthaceae, Santalaceae and Zingiberaceae families, all flowering plants. Additionally, several flavonoids were identified to be equal or better aromatase inhibitors in comparison to the anti-aromatase drug aminoglutethimide, including flavones, flavanones, resveratrol, and oleuropein. Other studies report high anti-aromatase activity in chrysin. (46)
Considerations:
When considering a dietary supplement, no matter what your goal is, the supplement comes “in addition to” not “in place of”. So if you’re current lifestyle is not supporting a positive change for your testosterone levels, its unlikely a supplement will benefit you. Likewise, a fat burner will not promote maintainable fat loss without adjusting your diet and introducing an exercise regimen.
So let’s take a look at the other influential factors when it comes to testosterone levels.
Age:
Testosterone levels generally peak at around 18 years of age in men. Where as at around 45 years old, about 40% of men have low testosterone. But only around 10% of men have symptoms of low testosterone. What does that mean? If you have symptoms of low testosterone but your testosterone levels are not considered low, there’s likely other things going on. Additionally, if you have low testosterone, but without symptoms, you may not need to boost your testosterone levels as everyone is different and your “normal” may just be on the lower end of the range. (10, 47)
Overtraining/Undertraining:
As we mentioned earlier, resistance training made the difference for the effectiveness of a herbal ingredient and its effect on testosterone. But in general, obesity is inversely related with testosterone concentrations in men. Where some studies identify obese men with having elevated circulating estradiol. (48)
Contrastingly, overtraining can also negatively influence your testosterone levels. In fact, several studies indicate that with increasingly heavy training loads, testosterone can become reduced. Some studies indicate this may be the result of increasing cortisol levels. Whereas other studies indicate prolactin, another hormone stimulated by exercise, can induce reductions in testosterone levels. (49) It important to allow yourself enough time for recovery to avoid overtraining and to benefit from your training.
Diet:
When it comes to dietary influence on testosterone, there are some conflicting results from studies. While some studies that indicate low-fat diets may play a role in reducing testosterone (50), others indicate the opposite. However, in the later, the increase in testosterone may be influenced by the combination of a low-fat, low-calorie diet, and weight loss. (51) Other foods can also negatively impact your testosterone levels, like alcohol and foods that cause high blood sugar levels. (52,53)
Sleep:
Sleep deprivation can be a contributor to many health issues including endocrine disturbances, metabolic, immune and cardiovascular deregulations. Some studies indicate lower daytime testosterone levels after one night of sleep deprivation in young men. After one week of restricting participants to 5 hours of sleep for 8 consecutive days, there was a decrease of about 10 to 15% in daytime testosterone levels (compared to levels after a normal night). (54)
Stress:
Natural Testosterone Booster Products:
In this section, we’re going to dive into some of our popular natural testosterones boosters and breakdown their formulas!
- Test-RX By Formutech Nutrition
- Status By Blue Star Nutraceuticals
- Thunderstruck By Psycho Pharm
- Apex Male By Blackstone Labs
- Alpha King By Force Factor
But these aren’t the only great testosterone booster available. You can view other products HERE.
Test-RX By Formutech Nutrition
| Serving Size: | 1 Tablet | |
| Serving Per Container: | 60 Tablets | |
| Ingredients: | ||
| Zinc Citrate | 50mg | ✔ |
| Test-RX™ Proprietary Blend: | ||
| Pinus Sylvestris Pine Pollen | 1362.5mg | |
| Dioscorea Nipponica Makino Extract | ||
| Pedalium Murex Extract | ||
| DHEA Acetate | ✔ | |
| DHEA | ✔ | |
| Andrographis Extract | ||
| Anacyclus Pyrethrum Extract | ✔ | |
| Epiandrosterone | ||
| Apium Graveolons Extract | ||
| Molusca Powder | ||
| Massaluria Acuminata | ||
Customer Review By: Alex “I’m a big fan of this test booster. I noticed a difference in my physique while taking it, but more importantly I felt energized. It’s a great boost for the gym and just day-to-day.” Posted on 2/2/22
Status By Blue Star Nutraceuticals
| Serving Size: | 3 Capsules | |
| Serving Per Container: | 90 Capsules | |
| Ingredients: | ||
| Magnesium | 450mg | ✔ |
| Zinc | 30mg | ✔ |
| Vitamin B6 | 10.5mg | |
| KSM-66® Ashwagandha | 600mg | ✔ |
| Longjack Extract | 300mg | ✔ |
| 3,3′ Diindolymethane | 108mg | |
| TestoSURGE® (Trigonella foenum-graecum) | 100mg | ✔ |
| XD Delivery Technology Complex™ | 61mg | |
Customer Review By: Tony “Love this product. I have been taking it for years.” Posted 7/16/20
Thunderstruck By Psycho Pharma
| Serving Size: | 4 Capsules | |
| Servings Per Container: | 30 Capsules | |
| Ingredients: | ||
| Shilajit | 240mg | ✔ |
| Magnesium Citrate | 160mg | ✔ |
| Vitamin B5 | 25mg | |
| Zinc Citrate | 20mg | ✔ |
| Astragin (Panax Notoginseng) | 50mg | ✔ |
| Boron | 10mg | ✔ |
| Vitamin D3 | 125mcg | ✔ |
| TestoSurge™ Double Fermented Fenugreek Extract | 500mg | ✔ |
| SA3X™ Spilanthes Acmella | 400mg | |
| KSM-66® Full-spectrum Ashwagandha | 300mg | ✔ |
| Stinging Nettle | 250mg | |
| Eurycoma Longifolia Extract | 250mg | ✔ |
| 3-3-Diindolylmethane (DIM) | 100mg | |
| Smilaxsieboldii (std. 99% 5A-Hydroxy Laxogenin) | 100mg | |
| S7 Plant Blend | 100mg | |
| Androsta-3, 5-Diene-7, 17-Dione | 75mg | |
Customer Review By: N/A “I am on my 2nd bottle and I definitely notice a difference this is helping me I added 15 lbs of muscle on in a month! Let’s Go Don’t you Quit!” Posted 2/12/21
Apex Male By Blackstone Labs
| Serving Size: | 4 Capsules | |
| Servings Per Container: | 60 Capsules | |
| Ingredients: | ||
| Vitamin D3 | 1250IU | ✔ |
| D-aspartic Acid | 1500mg | ✔ |
| Bulbine Natalensis | 500mg | ✔ |
| Fenugreek Extract | 125mg | ✔ |
| Tribulus Terrestris | 125mg | |
| Maca Extract | 125mg | ✔ |
| L-Tyrosine | 125mg | |
| DIM (Diindolylmethane) | 100mg | |
| Prunella Vulgaris | 75mg | |
| Epimedium Extract (Horny Goat Weed) | 75mg | ✔ |
| N-methyl D-aspartate | 15mg | ✔ |
| Bioperine™ (Black Pepper Fruit Extract) | 5mg | |
Bioperine™
Customer Review By: Joshua “It’s early to really make an in-depth review but with exercise and diet, I am seeing results. Will have to do another review further down the road.” Posted on 5/6/21
Alpha King By Force Factor
| Serving Size: | 1 Capsule | |
| Servings Per Container: | 30 Capsules | |
| Ingredients: | ||
| AlphaFen Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) | 400mg | ✔ |
| Tribulus terrestris Extract | 150mg | |
| Black Maca | 100mg | ✔ |
| DIM (Diindolylmethane) | 100mg |
Customer Review By: John “Within a few days I noticed a change in my energy and also gains in both muscle and fat reduction. I will continue using this product for cycles to come as well as recommending it to friends and family.” Posted on 9/4/20
Wrapping Up!
This wraps up our guide on Natural Testosterone Boosters. Thank you for reading! And as always, if there was something that wasn’t clear, another question you want addressed, or if you have another idea for a blog, email us here! If you’re interested in reading more about prohormones, we discuss different types of prohormones in our prohormone guide HERE.
Looking for more to read?
Checkout some of our other blogs!
- Top Immune System Boosters You’re Missing Out On
- Spirulina VS Chlorella: Do You Need Superfoods In 2021?
- Ephedra VS Ephedrine
- Are You Mesomorph?
Warnings And Side Effects:
Test-RX
This product (Test RX) may contain shellfish.
Blue Star Status
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. Not intended for use by persons under 18. Consult a health care provider before use if you have been treated for, diagnosed with, or have a family history of any medical conditions, or if you are using any prescription or over-the-counter medications. Consult a health care provider before starting any diet or exercise program.
Do not exceed recommended serving. Improper use of this product will not improve results and is not advised. Use only as directed. Do not use if safety seal on this package has been broken. Store in a cool, dry place (60° to 80° F).
This product contains ingredients that may be banned by some sports organizations and/or increase risk of false positive on a drug test. Please consult with your sport organization or physician before taking this product.
ALLERGY WARNING: Processed in a facility that processes milk, egg, soy, wheat, peanut, tree nut, fish, crustaceans, and shellfish ingredients.
Thunderstruck
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. NOT FOR USE BY INDIVIDUALS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS. Consult a physician or licensed qualified health care professional before using this product if you have, or have a family history of:
- Prostate cancer
- Prostate enlargement
- Heart disease
- Low “good” cholesterol (HDL)
- Are using other dietary supplements
- Are taking prescription medications
- Taking any over the counter drugs
Do not exceed recommended serving. Exceeding recommended serving may cause serious adverse health effects. Possible side effects include:
- Acne
- Hair loss
- Hair growth on the face (in women)
- Aggressiveness
- Irritability
- Increased levels of estrogen.
Discontinue use and call a physician or licensed qualified health care professional immediately if you experience rapid heart rate, dizziness, blurred vision, or other similar symptoms. This product contains steroid hormones that may cause increased facial and body hair, voice deepening. If you are at risk for prostate of breast cancer, you should not use this product. Do not use if governed by any body that prohibits hormone use.
Apex Male
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. You must be 18 years of age or older to take this product. Do not use this product if you are at risk for or are being treated for high blood pressure, heart, kidney, thyroid or psychiatric disease, anxiety, depression, seizure disorders, strokes, or any other medical conditions.
Do not take this product if you are using anti-depressant, MAO/MAOI inhibitors or any other prescription drugs.
This product may elevate serum hormone levels which could produce positive results if you are subject to NCAA testing. For use by healthy individuals only. Consult your medical professional before taking this product.
ALLERGEN WARNING: Manufactured on shared equipment that also processes eggs, wheat, and soy (lecithin).
Alpha King
This product contains ingredients that may be banned by some sports organizations and/or increase risk of false positive on a drug test. Please consult with your sport organization or physician before taking this product.
Disclaimer:
†PLEASE NOTE: The intention of the information provided is for reference only. We are in no way providing medical advice or instruction. The information provided in this guide is based on anecdotal information and available studies/reviews. It is our goal to maintain and display accurate information. Yet, we can’t guarantee it represents the latest formulation of the product or information. If you have any concerns, please visit the manufacturer’s website. Also, the information above is not a representation of our views at Same Day Supplements. Rather, these are the views and information provided by the manufacturers and users. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. Finally, the intention of these products are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.
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