If you could increase your strength, stamina, and all-around performance with something as simple as a testosterone booster supplement, would you try it?
In recent years, the use of various herbs and supplements to raise testosterone levels naturally has become increasingly popular among women.
Even if these so-called “testosterone boosters” fall short of what they claim in terms of effectiveness on its own merits—there remains one undeniable truth: leveraging the power of natural ingredients can help optimize your body’s hormonal balance.
This begs the question: What are the best testosterone booster supplements available on the market today? Let’s take a deep dive into this amazing world.
15 Best Testosterone Booster Supplements
- Best Testosterone Booster Overall – Hunter Test
- Best Testosterone Booster for Building Muscle – Testogen
- Best Testosterone Booster for Sex Drive and Libido –Prime Male
- Best Testosterone Booster for Increased Vitality – Centrapeak
- Best Testosterone Booster for Men Over 50 – Hunter Test
- Best Testosterone Booster Value – Super Test
- Best Testosterone Booster on a Budget – Prima Surge
- Best Test Booster with Ashwagandha –TestoPrime
- Best Stackable Testosterone Booster – Test Freak
- Best Test Booster in Powder Form – BSN Evotest
- Best Testosterone Supplement for Sports Performance – P6 Black
- Fastest Reported Results – Black Onyx Test HD
#1. Hunter Test
Best Overall Testosterone Booster
Topping off our list, we have Hunter Test. What sets Hunter Test apart? The formula is designed with extremely potent dosages, making it one of the most effective testosterone boosters out there.
The roster of ingredients is no joke, featuring a power combo of zinc, boron, vitamin K2, magnesium, vitamin D, and D-aspartic acid.
But they don’t stop there; this blend also includes ginseng for added energy and performance, ashwagandha for stress reduction, and indole-3 carbinol for hormone balance. And yes, all of these are packed in responsibly—no soy, no gluten, and absolutely no GMOs, preservatives, or artificial colors.
But what does all this mean for you? In simple terms, Hunter Test is like your personal life coach in capsule form, designed to make you feel stronger, more energetic, and yes, even more virile. It’s that extra push you need, whether you’re grinding out a workout or just grinding through life.
While the pricing may lean on the premium side, remember that quality often comes at a price. To make it a bit easier on your wallet, the brand offers bulk discounts and expedient shipping options.
If you’re looking for a testosterone booster that actually delivers on its promises, Hunter Test is the real deal. With its high-impact formula and a myriad of benefits, you’re not just investing in a supplement; you’re investing in a better you.
Pros
- Strong dosages
- Great for older guys
- Loaded with quality ingredients
- Buying in bulk lowers the price
- Increases energy and libido
Cons
- Premium priced
#2. Testogen
Best For Building Muscle
Another testosterone booster that gave me some really nice strength gains in the gym was Testofuel. If your goal is to enhance your testosterone levels and build muscle mass, this supplement is a game-changer. Not only is it popular among athletes, weightlifters, and bodybuilders, but it is also suitable for individuals who are just starting their fitness journey and aspire to achieve impressive gains.
Testogen stands out as a versatile supplement that can be used both independently and as a pre or post-workout aid. Its natural formulation adds to its appeal, ensuring that you can achieve your fitness goals without compromising your overall well-being. I have witnessed firsthand the incredible impact Testogen has had on my strength and performance, making it an invaluable addition to my fitness regimen.
Ingredients
In terms of the included ingredients, Testogen comes with some noteworthy inclusions like D-aspartic acid, fenugreek extract, zinc, Korean red ginseng, vitamin D3, nettle leaf extract, boron, magnesium, Bioperine, as well as vitamin B6 and K1. On top of that, their ingredients list is entirely transparent with no proprietary blends or hidden artificial ingredients to deal with. In fact, Testogen is GMO-free as well as gluten-free, chemical-free, and even dairy-free. It’s even caffeine-free.
The Testogen supplement is meant to be taken daily alongside a gym routine for the max results and can take between a week to two weeks before you start noticing some of the effects, with much of the time being based on your fitness routine.
While I didn’t notice the increased libido and energy I felt with Testofuel, I definitely noticed the strength gains. If you want a test booster that will have you crushing the weights and building muscle, then this one is the best option.
Pros
- Great For Building Serious Muscle
- Can See Results In As Early As Two Weeks
- Ideal Alternative To Most Anabolic Steroids & Other Synthetic Muscle-Building Treatments
- Is Entirely Natural & Free Of Any Fillers
- Can Help You Reduce Body Fat
- Made To Boost Testosterone Levels Naturally
Cons
- Didn’t do much for libido or energy levels
- Can Be A Bit Pricey
#3. Prime Male
Best For Libido & Sex Drive
Another testosterone booster iI have had success with is Prime Male, I can say that most men choose to take a testosterone booster like Prime Male to boost their energy levels and regain the strength and vitality of their youth. However, I also wanted to reignite the passion in my relationship and add some excitement to the bedroom, which is why I chose Prime Male as the best option for me.
I can confidently say that Prime Male worked wonders for me in terms of increasing my energy levels. But what really impressed me was the effect it had on my sex life. The ingredients in Prime Male target SHBG and help reduce its levels in the body, which leads to increased free testosterone levels. This, in turn, translated into better performance in bed and a more satisfying experience for both me and my partner, not to mention a large increase in libido.
Ingredients
Some of the different ingredients that are included are boron, luteolin, nettle root, D-AA-CC, zinc, as well as a list of different vitamins including vitamins K2, D3, and B6. There’s also Asian red ginseng. The various vitamins and red ginseng ingredients are shown to help produce free testosterone levels in the body, while D-AA-CC and zinc work to produce luteinizing hormones which work to combat SHBG. Similarly, nettle root and magnesium both work as binding agents to free testosterone, further hindering SHBG. Even the inclusion of boron is ideal as it keeps the estrogen levels lowered by as much as 39%.
While each of these things works great on its own, when combined, the effects are incredible, effectively turning you into an animal of passion which it did for me. I didn’t see any strength gains while I was using it, though if I’m being honest. If you are looking to build
Pros
- Ships All Around The World
- Great For Increasing Blood Flow
- An Ideal Option For Those With Erectile Dysfunction
- Worked Great To Improve Libido & Sexual Desire
Cons
- Didn’t Do Anything For Strength Or Muscle Gains
- Focuses Almost Exclusively On Libido & Energy And Endurance
#4. Centrapeak
Best Testosterone Booster for Increased Vitality
For those looking for an increase in vitality and virility, few can quite match what’s offered with Centrapeak. Its ingredients not only help with the production of free testosterone, but they also help improve your strength, energy, and power levels to a much greater degree than a majority of its competitors.
Ingredients
Meant to focus on energy as well as power, Centrapeak’s ingredients include ashwagandha, panax ginseng, vitamins K2, B6, D3, phosphatidylserine, zinc, rhodiola rosea, and magnesium. Not only are all of these ingredients effective, but they are scientifically backed and shown to help improve strength, stamina, libido, and energy while also helping one’s mental well-being.
Pros
- Great For Improving Energy & Vitality
- Ingredients Are All Scientifically Backed & Researched
- Increases Muscle Growth As Well As Libido In Addition To Energy Levels
- Has Some Ideal Bulk Purchase Options
- Increases Free Testosterone Levels
Cons
- Fairly Pricey Compared To Other Supplements (Though It’s Worth It)
#5. Hunter Test
Best For Men Over 50
We talk a lot about how testosterone begins to drop once you’re in your 30s, and while that’s certainly true, it gets even worse by the time you hit your 50s and 60s. At that point, unless you’re actively taking steps to maintain healthy testosterone levels, it’s likely you’ll experience many of the negative effects that come with lowered testosterone, including weakened bones, increased tiredness, and lack of sexual desire.
The good news is that a testosterone supplement like Hunter Test makes a point of helping older men in particular, get their mojo back even in their senior years.
Ingredients
Hunter Test comes with specific ingredients that are meant to help those 50 years old and higher improve their testosterone levels and reverse many of the issues that come with low T levels. Not only are the dosages doubled as other products on this list, but the ingredients are all soy and gluten-free while also steering clear of any GMOs, preservatives, or artificial colors.
Inside each capsule are zinc, boron, vitamin K2, magnesium, vitamin D, D-aspartic acid, ginseng, ashwagandha, as well as indole-3 carbinol. Not only are all of these ingredients important for improving energy, muscle mass, and performance, but because they are offered at such a high dosage, the effects are incredibly high compared to most others.
Pros
- Twice As Potent As Others On This List
- Great For Seniors Who Have Steeper Drops In Testosterone Levels
- Ashwagandha Is Great For Stress Reduction
- Comes With Bulk Discounts & Fast Shipping Times
Cons
- Price Is A Bit Steep
- Requires Bulk Purchases To Be Effective
Related: 8 Reasons To Buy/Not Buy Hunter Test
Related: 11 Best Testosterone Boosters for Older Guys
#6. Super Test
Best Overall Value
Created by the company Beast Sports, Super Test makes a point of offering an incredible value of a ton of testosterone for only $60. In fact, one could argue that Super Test is one of the few natural estosterone supplements with a value for money that high.
Ingredients
In addition to some of the more standard ingredients like boron, pumpkin seed extract, DIM, ashwagandha, shilajit extract, and fenugreek extract, the Super Test supplement comes with a variety of more unique options such as bulbine natalensis, Japanese knotweed, and S7. S7 is particularly noteworthy as it acts as a patented blend of different antioxidants and nitric oxide to greatly improve your next workout, giving you more time in the gym before becoming exhausted.
The Super Test is great for building muscle while also working as an ideal pre-workout supplement, making it ideal for bodybuilders and weight lifters looking for an anabolic supplement that they can use while at the gym.
The supplement comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee as well as expedited shipping and is GMP-certified. This all speaks to the impressive quality offered at, again, only $60.
Pros
- Incredible Value For Money
- Great As A Pre-Workout Supplement
- Can Help Increase Muscle Mass
- Comes With 60-Day Warranty
Cons
- Bulk Orders Don’t Have A Discount
- Doesn’t Have A Strong Impact On Libido Or Virility
Check Price
#7. Prima Surge
BestTestosterone Booster On A Budget
A favorite here, Jacked Factory has some awesome supplements on their list, all at an amazing price. Here, the Prima Surge follows that tradition, acting as an effective testosterone booster that works well also as a pre-workout. More than virtually any other option on the list, Prima Surge almost requires itself to be taken alongside an exercise routine, especially if you’re trying to get the absolute most out of your supplement. As a result, you’re liable to experience the highest amounts of muscle gain, fat loss, and improved libido.
Ingredients
Prima Surge is known for using shilajit, a compound known for helping with the synthesis of protein along with ATP as well as testosterone. In addition, each capsule includes boron, Eurycoma Longifolia, Bioperine, Safed Musli, and ashwagandha. All of these things work towards amping up your testosterone levels to a similar level to that of your mid-20s.
In addition to the various ingredients used, Prima Surge’s budget makes it great for stacking with other supplements, allowing you to get even more out of your workouts.
Pros
- Incredibly Affordable
- Has A Good Mix Of Natural & Effective Ingredients
- Made By A Well Known Brand (Jacked Factory)
- Great As A Pre-Workout Supplement
Cons
- Despite Workout Connotations, Don’t Expect Anything More Than Lean Muscle Growth
- Because Of Price, It Doesn’t Have All Of The Ingredients That Others On This List Might
#8. TestoPrime
Best Test Booster That Includes Ashwagandha
As you’ve gone through this list, odds are you’ve come across the word “ashwagandha” more than a few times. While a good number of experts may already be in the know about how this ingredient works, there are probably a lot more people that are more confused than anything else.
Ashwagandha is what’s called an “evergreen plant” that is used often in Ayurvedic medicine (also known as naturopathic medicine). It consists of many powerful anti-inflammatory properties along with various antioxidants. It’s also been linked with an improvement in men’s health and is known to greatly improve the amount of total testosterone in men while also increasing their immune system to various diseases.
Ingredients
If you thought everything ashwagandha offers on its own was great, you’ll be amazed at how TestoPrime takes these benefits and amplifies them to a whole other level. Included in each supplement are boron and shilajit, with both having been known to decrease cortisol and estradiol. Considering these are testosterone-binding agents, their reduction in the body only results in higher amounts of free-moving testosterone. Again, while this would be great on its own, when combined with ashwagandha, the result is the body being put in what’s known as an anabolic state, allowing it to produce high amounts of testosterone.
The results are not only very potent but also very fast, often being reported to take only about a month before they become overtly visible. Users have noted increased strength and muscle growth, an improved immune system, improved memory, and a reduction in stressors for the body.
Pros
- Its 3-In-1 Formula Makes It Effective For Handling Cortisol As Well As SHBG
- Produces High Amounts Of Free-Moving Testosterone
- Only Uses Natural Ingredients
- Has The Highest Amount Of Ashwagandha Of Nearly All T-Boost Supplements
- Made To Boost Testosterone Levels Naturally
Cons
- May Potentially Produce Some Side Effects
- Is Only Available Online, Making It A Bit Difficult To Purchase
#9. Test Freak
Best Testosterone Booster For Stacking
If you’re someone that loves to optimize their gains and see as much benefit as possible in as short a time as possible, then you’re definitely going to like Test Freak. Produced by the company Pharmafreak, Test Freak works to amp up your testosterone levels while helping you gain lean muscle mass. Meant to be used alongside Anabolic Freak, these two supplements are known for producing fairly noteworthy increases in T-levels, while essentially opening the door to even greater benefits when used alongside other supplements.
Ingredients
Whereas their original version of Test Freak was claimed to have some of the most active ingredients in a booster, this newest version instead opts for using some of the most advanced and effective ingredients, all of which are backed by science. Just a few of these ingredients include selenium, aloe vera gel, and NAC just to name a few. These work to stimulate the production of Leydig cells while helping jump-start your reproductive cycle, with many other ingredients working to handle cortisol and help with the promotion and production of free testosterone.
Pros
- Great On Its Own & Even Better When Stacked With Other Supplements
- Is Known To Help Increase Muscle Mass
- Works Better Than Original Recipe
- Helps Produce High Amounts Of Free Testosterone In The Body
Cons
- Is Meant To Be Used With Anabolic Freak
- Doesn’t Mention If It Helps With Improving Virility Or Fat Burning
#10. BSN Evotest
Best Testosterone Booster In Powdered Form
Unlike virtually all of the other options on this list, BSN Evotest understands that it can get annoying having to constantly pop pills every four or so hours. Instead, they’ve gone with a simplified and easier-to-consume option – powdered. In fact, not only is BSN Evotest one of the only brands to do this, but they have effectively become the best of that small few.
Now, depending on where you stand with taking a powder vs a capsule or pill, this may or may not be ideal for you. Generally, it depends on whether having to swallow a pill is more of an inconvenience compared to the extra minute or two of measuring, mixing, and drinking a powdered substance. For many that don’t like the process of swallowing a pill, this option is great, especially if you’re interested in combining it with any other powdered supplements, turning your water into a mini nutrient-dense supplement cocktail, stacking it for the most gains and development.
Ingredients
While not normally ideal, the BSN Evotest uses a proprietary blend known as “X-Shock composite” combined with “Endura Force Matrix”. I’m not a fan of proprietary blends in the vast majority of cases since you don’t know exactly what’s in what you’re swallowing (or in this case, drinking). And while that’s true even now, I can give it a bit of a slide since it comes with a lot of great ingredients that are well on display.
Some of these ingredients include things like NAC, cordyceps extract, D-aspartic acid, magnesium, ginkgo extract, vitamin D, suma root, as well as linum usitatissium seed. All of these ingredients have some great health benefits, with many of them being wholly unique compared to most other testosterone boosters.
The supplement also (because it’s a powder) comes with an orange flavor so that it doesn’t taste terrible while drinking. I wouldn’t say it tastes “bad” but I also would caution you from expecting it to be particularly “good” when you first try it out. Each serving is a single scoop which you’ll mix with a six-ounce glass of water. They recommend that you take it as part of your eight daily glasses of water, requiring you to stop for two weeks after your third week of taking it. This will ensure your testosterone levels while on it stay at their absolute peak without any potential dips.
Pros
- Powdered Form Is Great For Those That Don’t Like Capsules
- Ideal For Athletes & Gym Enthusiasts
- Doesn’t Cake Up When Mixed With Water
- Has High Amounts Of Vitamin D & Magnesium
Cons
- Contains Proprietary Blend (With Potentially Artificial Orange Flavoring)
- Takes A While To Get Used To Taste
#11. P6 Black
Best For Sports Performance
Technically rebranded as “P6 Original”, Cellucor’s P6 Black may have one of the more confusing marketing brands but it’s also one of the more effective options when it comes to offering free testosterone for the body.
Ingredients
P6 Black’s ingredients are some of the more extensive and varied options out there, with things like ovine placenta powder, ashwagandha, and long jack extract. It’s able to use these ingredients in tandem with one another to help pull in free-moving testosterone to help with building lean muscle mass as well as improve strength and virility, offering to give you the body you had in your 20s.
And while ashwagandha is fairly well-known, the same isn’t quite true of either long jack extract or ovine placenta powder. Well, they both have been used in clinical trials and have been reported to show observable improvements in sports performance, helping the body reach and maintain an optimal level of anabolic growth. As such, this makes P6 Black an exceptionally useful supplement for gym enthusiasts and athletes, as it can greatly help them achieve their fitness goals much quicker and easier than before.
Pros
- Great For Athletes & Sports Enthusiasts
- Offers A 120 & 180-Capsule Bottle
- Is Great For Lean Muscle Strength & Development
- Has A High Amount Of Free Testosterone Production
Cons
- Branding Is Needlessly Complicated
- While Great For Lean Muscle Growth, This Isn’t For Those Looking To Bulk Up
- Expensive
#12. Black Onyx Test HD
Fastest Reported Results
Muscletech’s Black Onyx Test HD is easily one of the coolest testosterone boosters on this list. With a super good-looking case and a bevy of scientifically proven all-natural ingredients, it’s clear that they are making their presence known in the T-boosting supplement space. Probably the biggest benefit, however, is the fact that they’re reported to offer noticeable results as early as seven days, something that is pretty much unheard of when it comes to testosterone boosts.
Ingredients
The included ingredients have many of the expected options on the list, including things like D-aspartic acid as well as ashwagandha. In addition to these, Black Onyx Test HD also has shilajit, and a long jack just to name a few. Their ingredients list is all super transparent with absolutely no fillers or stimulants thrown into the mix.
The supplement is great, both as a pre-workout option to get your body prepped for an intense time in the gym, as well as on its own as just part of your daily routine.
Pros
- Reported To See Results In As Early As A Week (Seven Days)
- Caplets Are Very Small, Making Them Easy To Swallow
- Offers Exceptionally High Levels Of Testosterone
- Includes Ashwagandha And D-Aspartic Acid For Boosting Testosterone Production
- Can Be Used As Pre-Workout Supplement
Cons
- Other Options Tend To Offer Better Muscle Growth
- Doesn’t Have Some Of The Main Ingredients Found In Other Boosters
- Hard To Find
#13. Hypertest XTR
Best For Purchasing Online
Created by Axis Labs, Hypertest XTR acts somewhat similar to that a multivitamin. While still a testosterone booster, Hypertest XTR offers a ton of different ingredients that help boost the production of one’s total testosterone as well as available free testosterone levels. It’s also great for controlling your cortisol while also having some essential anabolic minerals in tow.
Ingredients
In terms of what each bottle contains, Hypertest XTR’s ingredients include many of the expected options. For example, one of the standard ingredients includes D-aspartic acid, nettle root, Eurycoma Longifolia, vitamin B6, zinc, and magnesium. In addition, Hypertest XTR has made a point of giving you the exact amount of each ingredient to ensure your cortisol is handled while also helping maintain the right amount of available free testosterone.
The daily dosage for these is a fair bit more than is otherwise expected, requiring roughly six capsules to be consumed per day for roughly eight weeks. In exchange, you can be expected to see reduced body fat, increased vitality, lean muscle mass, as well as an increase in libido and sex drive.
Pros
- Very Easily Available Online
- Offers Staggered Payments, Making It Highly Accessible
- Has A Great Mix Of Ingredients For Boosting Testosterone Levels
- Great For Neutralizing Cortisol Levels
Cons
- A Bit Too Pricey
- Requires Six Doses Compared To The Standard Four
#14. Prime-T
Best For Working Out
When looking for some of the best testosterone options out there, it was a real shock to find that RSP Nutrition’s very own Prime-T was so able to effectively make the list. The reason why is that the supplement, while very good, is also much more affordable than most of the other options on this list. More often than not, the cheaper a product is, the less effective it’s likely to be. Yet that wasn’t the case here. Prime-T manages to offer some great value even at its price point, making it a great option for bundling up with other supplements you’re interested in.
Ingredients
Still, while it’s a great option overall, that doesn’t mean it should necessarily be your first choice. The biggest setback here is the ingredients, which while great on paper, have some glaring issues, primarily with the dosage.
Each capsule contains some of the expected standards like vitamin D, zinc, fenugreek, D-aspartic acid, as well as boron. Prime-T also contains ingredients like safed musli, DIM, as well as folate, all of which have some great benefits for the body.
The challenge is that, while these are all great ingredients with a serious improvement to one’s physical body if taken right, the dosage presented is way beyond what’s recommended, often resulting in a high amount of excess material that your body simply can’t utilize, essentially causing you to pee and sweat it out. This makes stacking virtually impossible meaning any other supplements, vitamins, or minerals you have may be a waste of time taking.
For those that do manage to get the right balance, you should see some serious improvements in muscle growth, libido, as well as strength & vitality.
Pros
- Very Affordable
- Has Great Ingredients Included
- High Dosage For Some Very Needed Ingredients
- Is Able To Take Your Place As A Workout Supplement
- Great For Improving Libido
Cons
- Not The Most Potent Testosterone Booster
- Is Sold Out Faster Than Others, Making It Difficult To Get
Check Price
#15. Total T
Best For Vitamin B12
Easily one of the better options, both in value, as well as brand recognition, Nugenix’s Total T, makes it clear from the very beginning that it plans on offering a clean and transparent product. Where many other options come with some good and some bad, Total T has absolutely none of the junk in it. That means zero fillers and zero stimulants. It also makes a point of only using the most optimally effective ingredients so that you’re getting the best results possible.
Ingredients
In terms of the included ingredients, as mentioned earlier, Total T knows what they’re doing. Not only does it come with many of the staple ingredients you’d expect, but each bottle also comes with zinc, boron, as well as vitamins B6 & B12. In addition, they also include elevATP, Eurycoma Longifolia, fenugreek extract, and L-Citrulline malate. The only thing this thing is missing is Bioperine, which would have greatly increased the supplement’s absorption rate. Still, for what it offers, it’s really impressive.
The above ingredients have a total daily value of roughly 100%, meaning that if you take the three daily doses, you’ll end up with more free testosterone in your system than you would with other testosterone supplements at a much faster rate.
Pros
- Offers Absolutely No Fillers Or Stimulants
- Has High Amounts Of Vitamin B6 & B12
- Only Requires Three Capsules Per Day (Instead Of Four)
- Ingredients Result In Free Testosterone Faster Than Most Competitors
- High Brand Recognition
Cons
- Muscle Growth Isn’t As Impressive As Other Options
- Lack Of Bioperine Means Slower Absorption Rate
How We Decided
As you’d expect, when it comes to offering solutions for how to boost testosterone production, there are more than a few brands out there claiming they’ve got all of the answers. With the number of people who are suffering from a reduction of testosterone levels, it’s clear that it would be an incredibly popular niche to exploit, often by companies that simply wanted to make a quick buck. As a result, while there are countless testosterone boosting supplements available, only a fraction actually do what they claim or are backed by scientific evidence.
To determine the supplements that would actually work compared to those that were essentially just selling snake oil, we spent time focusing on the different ingredients and how they stacked up with most scientific and medical literature. We also spent time reviewing what the effective dosage amount was before comparing it to what the supplements called for. Finally, we took at the price as well as the manufacturer’s reputation before lastly determining whether or not you’d need a prescription to buy it.
This has led to the above list and how we came to each entry. While there are certainly other great products out there, this list is made up of the 15 best options based on all five of these important factors.
Dangers Of Low Testosterone
While your testosterone levels tend to spike during puberty, at around 30, testosterone levels decrease slowly, with lowered levels often leading to the following negative side effects.
The symptoms of low testosterone levels include:
- Decreased Energy
- Depression
- Low Self-Esteem
- Lowered Sex Drive
- Increased Weight Gain
- Weaker Bones & Lower Bone Density
- Thinning Of Hair
- Difficulty Concentrating Or Remembering Things
- Irritability
- Erectile Dysfunction (Men) / Hot Flashes (Women)
Men share the bulk of these negative side effects, but women can also suffer if their levels get low enough. You can supplement your testosterone by working out and consuming high amounts of protein, but as you get older your levels will only continue to decrease. The only surefire way to maintain high amounts of testosterone for your body is to use testosterone boosters.
RELATED: Best Pre-Workout Supplements with Testosterone
RELATED: Best Fat Burning Supplements For Men
What Are Testosterone Boosters?
There are many different forms of testosterone boosters available based on your situation and how serious your T-levels are. For individuals that have slightly reduced levels, or otherwise want to further elevate their existing levels, there are natural testosterone boosters. People that have significantly lower T-levels or testosterone production may have to consider testosterone replacement therapy.
Natural Testosterone Boosters
Considered the safer, albeit less effective of the two, natural testosterone boosters are supplements made up of naturally-occurring ingredients including different vitamins and minerals which work together throughout your body to boost testosterone production.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is considered an option ideally meant for people with a considerable drop in T-levels, to the point where your health and quality of life are being deeply affected.
Rather than using natural ingredients (like vitamins and minerals) TRT instead administers artificial testosterone into the body via injection, oral, or applied on the skin as either a skin patch or a gel. TRT, while seen as the more effective of the two, is known for producing a lot of side effects, which is something to consider.
What Are The Downsides To Testosterone Boosters?
Natural Testosterone Boosters
The downside to natural testosterone boosters is the fact that, while they have little to no side effects on the body during or after treatment, the amount of testosterone you’ll be getting isn’t going to be exceptionally high.
While yes, you will see a healthy increase in testosterone production, natural testosterone boosters work by elevating your blood concentration levels. This naturally is something that will elevate your testosterone levels.
Unfortunately, this means that people with abnormally low testosterone levels may have to use much more of the product to see any real results. They may also have to look into alternative treatments in addition to natural testosterone boosters depending on how low the levels are.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Of the two, TRT is considered the much more effective option in raising your testosterone levels. This is due to it directly administering artificial testosterone into the body rather than stimulating the body’s innate ability to produce its own testosterone. However, it’s because of this reason that TRT can lead to a lot of unintended side effects.
The initial side effects that are produced can include fluid retention as well as oily and rash-prone skin, as well as active shrinkage in testicles as well as semen and sperm production to the point of potentially becoming impotent.
The reason for this is that, while the body is getting the recommended amounts of testosterone, because it is coming from artificial means and not directly from the testes or ovaries, it can cause your body to essentially “turn off” its natural production of testosterone, greatly shrinking your testes (and their sperm & semen production) in the process.
The biggest downside to TRT, however, is the fact that it completely turns off your body’s ability to produce testosterone on its own. Not only are you then entirely dependent and reliant on these artificial methods (forcing you to pay exorbitant fees to maintain your levels) to the point that your levels will almost instantly plummet the moment you stop taking them.
There is also a risk of exacerbating any existing illnesses you may have, such as some cancers such as prostate or breast cancer. It is also shown to worsen sleep apnea in older individuals.
What Ingredients Your Best Booster Supplements Should & Shouldn’t Have
No matter what option you end up choosing, if you’re looking at a natural testosterone booster pills over TRT, you want to first and foremost make sure the supplement you’re getting is natural.
One of the big things you’ll notice with most natural testosterone supplements, regardless of what they are trying to help with, is that the vast majority of them will have a litany of different artificial ingredients and chemicals included.
These are often much cheaper than natural ingredients but can result in the supplement either having virtually no positive effect on the body or more often coming with a ton of negative side effects you’ll have to deal with.
What It Should Have
- Boron: Boron has been shown as an effective method of improving the absorption rate of other ingredients into the bloodstream. This works by reducing the amount of sex hormone binding globulin in in the blood, making other supplemental ingredients that much more effective [1]. It also has been shown to help free testosterone levels by upwards of 25% [1].
- D-Aspartic Acid: An amino acid in the body, D-Aspartic acid has been shown to play a significant role in testosterone synthesis, showing upwards of a 60% increase in sperm motility for men aged between 27 and 43 [2]. In fact, it also showed a 27% increase in pregnancies for the partners of men who took it.
- Ginseng: While not quite as well known when it comes to testosterone levels, ginseng has been shown to help stimulate sperm mobility as well as stimulating natural testosterone production in men [3].
- Oyster Extract: You’ve probably heard of oysters as an aphrodisiac and that it’s one of those things that help you perform well in bed. Well, as it turns out, that’s true! Oysters contain zinc, which has been shown to help improve testosterone levels in men [4]. Oysters have also been reported to have higher amounts of vitamin B12 as well as iron and selenium. B12 is known for helping the nervous system as well as the metabolism while iron helps carry proteins throughout the body [5][6]. Selenium is a mineral that works to maintain a proper metabolism while also protecting your body from oxidative stressors like free radicals [7].
- Stinging Nettle Root: A fairly well-known ingredient in most testosterone and protein-based supplements, stinging nettle root has been reported to help bind with globulin in place of testosterone. This allows for more free testosterone to run through the body helping further boost testosterone production [8].
- Vitamin D3: We all know the overall benefits when it comes to vitamin D3. Not only is it shown to help fight different illnesses, diseases, and infections, but it also has been shown to help improve and regulate one’s mood as well as reduce one’s depression. It’s in addition to that, however, that vitamin D3 has proven to help release the luteinizing hormone and assist in the release of free testosterone as well as HGH [9].
- Zinc: We’ve already talked much about the benefits of zinc with the oysters so it’s obvious that it is incredibly beneficial for boosting testosterone levels. One study showed that, in only six weeks of taking zinc, men showed significant increases in their free testosterone levels [10]. Interestingly enough, it also showed that, by withholding zinc, men showed a marked decrease in testosterone levels [11]. This shows that not only is zinc an important factor when it comes to normal testosterone levels, but it is virtually essential in keeping and maintaining them as well.
What It Shouldn’t Have
When it comes to what you should be avoiding, the obvious is any chemical or artificial ingredients. Those are easy enough to spot. However, the big thing you want to avoid if possible is the inclusion of the term “proprietary blend”. That and “proprietary ingredients” both speak to a serious issue you want to steer clear from.
The reason why is that “proprietary blends” are a way companies can get away with including a variety of different ingredients without disclosing what they are or how much is included. As a result, you could be given a cocktail of artificial ingredients without knowing they were included or how much you were actually taking per dosage.
FAQs
Is There A Difference Between Natural Testosterone Boosters & Steroids?
Wondering about the difference between testosterone booster supplements and steroids?
Natural testosterone supplements can provide a multitude of positive benefits without any risk of nasty side effects, unlike synthetic steroids that aim to artificially increase testosterone levels.
Steroids may be linked to serious issues such as acne, liver damage, decreased libido and infertility, making natural testosterone boosting supplements the much safer choice for anyone looking to improve their hormone balance. [12].
How Often Should You Take Testosterone Boosters?
Have you ever considered the potential effects of testosterone boosting supplements? For those looking to improve their hormone balance and enjoy the various benefits that can come with it, natural testosterone boosters may be a viable solution – without any of the serious side effects associated with synthetic steroids. But how often should one take testosterone booster pills to really see results?
Generally, it’s recommended to consume one or two capsules per day with meals, being sure not to exceed the dosage instructions on the product label. Furthermore, cycling off a testosterone supplement every 6-8 weeks is crucial in order for your body’s internal hormones to find a healthy equilibrium again.
Do Testosterone Booster Pills Help With Libido?
Because having healthy testosterone levels have a strong impact on one’s sexual urgency (and desirability) the higher one’s T-levels are, the higher their libido will be. As such, testosterone boosters can be great for increasing one’s libido.
Keep in mind that some options work better than others and you’ll want to look for certain brands that may emphasize that for the most results. As an example, Testogen is a great option for improving one’s libido while TestoFuel will have a greater impact on one’s muscle growth.
Which Helps With Muscle More – Testosterone Boosters Or Creatine?
When it comes to specifically improving muscle mass, while testosterone has a lot of positive effects, it isn’t on the same level as creatine. That said, many weight lifters and fitness enthusiasts often take both to see even greater effects. Also, while creatine is ideal for building muscle, it will not help with any of the other benefits that come from a higher testosterone level.
Can Testosterone Boosters Help Me Grow A Beard?
While many brands may claim that their product can improve one’s beard, the truth is that there is little correlation between testosterone levels and beard growth. In one recent study, they determined there was no relation between beard length and testosterone levels whatsoever [13].
Conclusion
Testosterone boosters are, without a doubt, one of the better options out there when it comes to quickly and easily improving one’s testosterone levels. And while this is certainly true for those taking TRT, you ideally want to make sure you’re using natural methods which use vitamins, minerals, and whole food sources to avoid any negative side effects.
By going through the list above, you should be aware, not only of the many benefits that come from an increased testosterone level but also of which product will work best for you, both from an effectiveness standpoint, what you’re specifically looking for in a supplement, as well as in terms of pricing and overall budget.
Remember to always check with your doctor before taking any additional supplements or treatments to ensure you don’t suffer from an allergic reaction. You should also be sure to spend a bit of time looking into any of the brands you’re most interested in to make sure they’re exactly what you want, specifically when it comes to their effectiveness.
Take some time, to go over these points a bit before making your decision. Trust me, once you’re on a regular schedule with the right testosterone booster supplement, you’ll be amazed at just how high your T-levels get as well as how young, vibrant, and full of energy you’ll feel.
Reference Links
- Pizzorno L. Nothing Boring About Boron. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2015 Aug;14(4):35-48. PMID: 26770156; PMCID: PMC4712861.
- G. D’Aniello, S. Ronsini, T. Notari, N. Grieco, V. Infante, N. D’Angel, F. Mascia, M. Fiore, G. Fisher and A. D’Aniello, “D-Aspartate, a Key Element for the Improvement of Sperm Quality,” Advances in Sexual Medicine, Vol. 2 No. 4, 2012, pp. 45-53.
- Leung KW, Wong AS. Ginseng and male reproductive function. Spermatogenesis. 2013 Jul 1;3(3):e26391. doi: 10.4161/spmg.26391. Epub 2013 Sep 13. PMID: 24381805; PMCID: PMC3861174.
- Prasad AS, Mantzoros CS, Beck FW, Hess JW, Brewer GJ. Zinc status and serum testosterone levels of healthy adults. Nutrition. 1996 May;12(5):344-8. doi: 10.1016/s0899-9007(96)80058-x. PMID: 8875519.
- Wong CW. Vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly: is it worth screening? Hong Kong Med J. 2015 Apr;21(2):155-64. doi: 10.12809/hkmj144383. Epub 2015 Mar 10. PMID: 25756278.
- Moustarah F, Daley SF. Dietary Iron. [Updated 2022 Oct 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-
- Nessel TA, Gupta V. Selenium. [Updated 2022 Apr 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan
- Hryb DJ, Khan MS, Romas NA, Rosner W. The effect of extracts of the roots of the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) on the interaction of SHBG with its receptor on human prostatic membranes. Planta Med. 1995 Feb;61(1):31-2. doi: 10.1055/s-2006-957993. PMID: 7700987.
- Pilz S, Frisch S, Koertke H, Kuhn J, Dreier J, Obermayer-Pietsch B, Wehr E, Zittermann A. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in men. Horm Metab Res. 2011 Mar;43(3):223-5. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1269854. Epub 2010 Dec 10. PMID: 21154195.
- Netter A, Hartoma R, Nahoul K. Effect of zinc administration on plasma testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and sperm count. Arch Androl. 1981 Aug;7(1):69-73. doi: 10.3109/01485018109009378. PMID: 7271365.
- Prasad AS, Mantzoros CS, Beck FW, Hess JW, Brewer GJ. Zinc status and serum testosterone levels of healthy adults. Nutrition. 1996 May;12(5):344-8. doi: 10.1016/s0899-9007(96)80058-x. PMID: 8875519.
- Park HJ. Anabolic steroid-induced hypogonadism: a challenge for clinicians. J Exerc Rehabil. 2018 Feb 26;14(1):2-3. doi: 10.12965/jer.1836036.018. PMID: 29511645; PMCID: PMC5833963.
- Park HJ. Anabolic steroid-induced hypogonadism: a challenge for clinicians. J Exerc Rehabil. 2018 Feb 26;14(1):2-3. doi: 10.12965/jer.1836036.018. PMID: 29511645; PMCID: PMC5833963.
Ryan is a former college wrestler and lifelong fitness fanatic. He has run half marathons, done mud runs, placed in body transformation contests, coached wrestling, and now coaches girls’ soccer. Not to mention he has also tried literally hundreds of supplements over the years and has a vast and thorough supplement knowledge. He has written for Muscle & Strength, Testosterone Junkie, The Sport Review and other publications. He is also the editor-in-chief of this website and has over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry. Feel free to connect with him on his LinkedIn page below.
I have had aa great experience with Prime Male myself. I am glad it made the list. I noticed quite an increase in libido after just the first week, definitely glad I started taking it. I have to disagree with the author about it helping increase muscle mass though because I actually have added some muscle as well. Overall a really great product. It do wish it was cheaper but it’s still worth it.