7 Supplements Proven to Increase Testosterone

Ashwagandha works by reducing cortisol, your primary stress hormone that directly suppresses testosterone production. When cortisol levels drop, your body can produce testosterone more efficiently.

The Science: Clinical studies show KSM-66 ashwagandha can increase testosterone levels by 14-40% in just 8 weeks. Participants also experienced improved muscle mass, strength, and reduced stress markers.

• Dosage: 600mg daily of KSM-66 extract specifically
• Timing: Morning or evening with food
• Benefits: Stress reduction + testosterone boost
• Results: Noticeable within 2-4 weeks

KSM-66 is the most researched form of ashwagandha with the highest concentration of active compounds. Unlike generic ashwagandha, KSM-66 is specifically standardized for bioactive withanolides that deliver consistent results.

Tongkat Ali works through two pathways: it reduces SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) that binds testosterone, making it unavailable, and stimulates LH (luteinizing hormone) production, which signals your body to produce more testosterone.

The Science: Andrew Huberman recommends Tongkat Ali based on studies showing significant increases in free testosterone, the bioactive form your body can actually use. Research shows 200-400mg daily can improve testosterone status in men with low levels.

• Dosage: 200-400mg daily of standardized extract
• Timing: Empty stomach for better absorption
• Cycling: 4 weeks on, 1 week off recommended
• Benefits: Free testosterone increase + libido boost

"Tongkat Ali has good evidence for increasing free testosterone, which is really what you care about."

Traditional Southeast Asian medicine has used Tongkat Ali for centuries to enhance male vitality. Modern research validates this traditional use, showing it's particularly effective for men over 30 when natural testosterone production begins declining.

Fadogia Agrestis works by directly stimulating luteinizing hormone (LH) production in the pituitary gland. LH is the signal that tells your testes to produce testosterone, making this a powerful upstream approach to hormone optimization.

The Science: Research shows Fadogia Agrestis can significantly increase testosterone levels and improve sexual performance. Studies indicate 600mg daily provides optimal results for enhancing natural hormone production without side effects.

• Dosage: 600mg daily of stem extract
• Timing: Empty stomach for better absorption
• Cycling: 4 weeks on, 1 week off recommended
• Benefits: LH stimulation + testosterone boost + libido enhancement

Fadogia Agrestis is particularly effective when combined with Tongkat Ali, as they work through complementary pathways. While Tongkat Ali reduces SHBG to free up bound testosterone, Fadogia Agrestis stimulates the production of new testosterone at the source.

Traditional Nigerian medicine has used Fadogia Agrestis for male fertility and vitality. The stem extract contains bioactive compounds that specifically target the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, making it one of the most direct natural approaches to testosterone optimization.

Mucuna Pruriens contains natural L-DOPA, which reduces prolactin levels. High prolactin acts like a "brake" on testosterone production, so lowering it allows your natural hormone production to increase.

The Science: Studies show that men with elevated prolactin have significantly lower testosterone. Mucuna Pruriens' L-DOPA content naturally reduces prolactin while simultaneously boosting dopamine, improving both hormones and mood.

• Dosage: 300-500mg daily (15% L-DOPA standardized extract)
• Timing: Morning on empty stomach for dopamine boost
• Benefits: Testosterone optimization + motivation increase
• Bonus: Enhanced mood and drive from dopamine support

This supplement offers a unique dual benefit. Not only does it support testosterone production by removing prolactin inhibition, but the dopamine boost improves motivation, focus, and overall drive. It's particularly valuable for men dealing with stress-related hormonal imbalances.

Look for extracts standardized to 15% L-DOPA content for therapeutic effectiveness. Lower concentrations may not provide sufficient prolactin-lowering effects.

Boron works through two critical pathways: it reduces SHBG (freeing up bound testosterone) and inhibits aromatase enzyme activity, which prevents testosterone from being converted into estrogen.

The Science: Research shows 10mg of boron daily can increase free testosterone by 28% within just one week. It also reduces estradiol (estrogen) levels by 39%, creating an optimal hormonal environment for male performance.

• Dosage: 10mg daily (not the 3mg found in most multivitamins)
• Timing: With meals to enhance absorption
• Speed: Effects noticeable within days, not weeks
• Benefit: Immediate free testosterone optimization

Boron is incredibly cost-effective and one of the cheapest testosterone-optimizing supplements with some of the fastest results. The key is getting the therapeutic 10mg dose, not the inadequate amounts found in typical multivitamins.

This mineral is particularly valuable for men over 35 when aromatase enzyme activity increases, leading to more testosterone being converted to estrogen. Boron helps maintain the optimal testosterone-to-estrogen ratio.

Astaxanthin is a unique antioxidant that specifically protects Leydig cells in the testes, which are the cells that actually produce testosterone. It also supports healthy DHT conversion while protecting against oxidative damage.

The Science: Studies show astaxanthin protects testosterone-producing cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can severely damage hormone production. It's 6,000 times more powerful than vitamin C as an antioxidant.

• Dosage: 8-12mg daily of high-potency extract
• Timing: With fats/oils for better absorption
• Benefits: Cellular protection + hormone optimization
• Bonus: Skin protection and anti-aging effects

What makes astaxanthin unique is its specific affinity for protecting the cellular machinery that produces hormones. While other antioxidants offer general protection, astaxanthin concentrates in tissues that matter most for testosterone production.

This supplement offers benefits beyond testosterone as one of the most powerful anti-aging compounds available, protecting skin from UV damage and supporting overall cellular health. It's particularly valuable for active men who generate more oxidative stress.

Why NUTREX HAWAII BioAstin: This Hawaiian-grown astaxanthin is farm-direct from clean Pacific waters, ensuring maximum potency and purity. At 12mg per capsule, it delivers therapeutic doses without synthetic additives. The controlled cultivation process produces higher concentrations of bioactive compounds compared to cheaper alternatives sourced from polluted waters.

Zinc is an essential cofactor in testosterone synthesis. Without adequate zinc, your body simply cannot produce testosterone efficiently. It's required for over 300 enzymatic processes involved in hormone production.

The Science: Zinc deficiency directly correlates with low testosterone levels. Studies show that men with adequate zinc status have significantly higher testosterone than those who are deficient. Supplementation can restore levels in deficient men.

• Dosage: 15-30mg daily (balance with 2mg copper)
• Timing: Away from calcium and iron for better absorption
• Form: Zinc picolinate or bisglycinate for superior bioavailability
• Warning: Don't exceed 40mg daily without copper balance

Zinc is the foundation that all other testosterone optimization efforts build upon. You cannot optimize hormone production if you're deficient in this essential mineral. It's particularly important for men who sweat regularly through exercise, as zinc is lost through perspiration.

Always pair zinc with copper in a 10:1 or 15:1 ratio to prevent copper deficiency, which can occur with high-dose zinc supplementation. Look for chelated forms like picolinate or bisglycinate for maximum absorption and minimal digestive upset.