is testosterone considered a performance enhancing drug

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8 Ways to Naturally Increase Testosterone: Exercise, Diet, Sleep

Postmenopausal Women Are Taking Testosterone Should You?

Stress and high cortisol can also increase food intake, weight gain, and the storage of harmful body fat around your organs. Possible side effects include acne, hair growth on the face and body, male-pattern hair loss, and oily skin. Excessive doses of testosterone can result in irreversible side effects such as enlargement of the clitoris and lowering of the voice. When a patient of mine decides to stop taking testosterone, it is rarely because of side effects and almost always because it simply isn’t working for her. Unlike with estrogen, for which blood levels are rarely required, testosterone therapy requires being tested to make sure yours is in the right range. You see, while men have more of it, testosterone is not a “male hormone”—it is a human hormone that is just as important in women as it is in men.

Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. If you decide to add any supplements to your routine, speak with a healthcare professional first, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Testosterone is vital for male fertility and reproductive function. Abnormal testosterone levels can affect healthy sperm production, sex drive, as well as your ability to achieve and maintain an erection and ejaculation. Between 10% and 40% of adult males in the U.S. have a testosterone deficiency, according to study results presented at a 2020 American Urological Association conference[1]Khahl K. Low testosterone becomes more common as men age, and it can affect health in several ways, including contributing to fatigue and low sex drive. Adequate sleep is essential to maintaining healthy testosterone levels. Studies show that getting less than six hours of sleep each night can decrease testosterone levels by as much as 15% the next day. In addition to adopting a healthy diet and including these foods and herbs, making lifestyle changes can also naturally support healthy testosterone levels.

However, the relationship between sleep and testosterone is not totally understood, and research is ongoing. Alcohol can not only disrupt your REM sleep, it can reduce testosterone directly. For humans, get 30 minutes of sunlight exposure on your skin each day. For sleep, it’s important to get light into your eyes — although don’t look directly at the sun, of course. Simply head out without sunglasses and expose some skin while you’re at it. So, if you’re a shift worker who loves your job, you may not need to worry too much about work impacting your testosterone, as long as you’re keeping your sleep debt low. Finally, the app predicts your circadian rhythm each day, so you can see whether you’re living at odds with it.

While you can take boron in supplement form, foods like avocado and prunes can provide almost as much per serving. However, the testosterone-boosting effects of fruit are usually modest and not immediate. Most research on fruits and testosterone involves long-term consumption rather than short-term boosts.

Although research is limited, there is evidence that fish oil supplementation may boost testosterone production by supporting testicular health. More studies are needed to investigate the direct impact of fish oil on testosterone levels. If you have low testosterone (known medically as hypogonadism), including these 13 foods may bring testosterone levels closer to where they should be for your age and sex. Avoiding alcohol and cigarettes, exercising, and getting ample sleep will further enhance the testosterone-boosting effects of these foods. Additionally, a 2020 review found that taking a vitamin D supplement increased testosterone levels and improved erectile dysfunction. More research is needed, as other studies, such as one from 2023, yield conflicting results.

It’s also important to know the risks and side effects of both testosterone therapy and supplements claiming to help boost testosterone. Fenugreek uses for men include remedying erectile dysfunction and other male problems, such as baldness. That’s because it may increase sexual arousal and testosterone levels. Of course, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before using natural therapies for treating disease or improving sexual performance.

Testosterone boosting supplements, like Testofuel, are also a great option insurance coverage for testosterone replacement optimal testosterone production. Of course, not all cholesterol is created equal, which is why you want to consume foods high in healthy HDL cholesterol such as eggs, which also contain healthy fats and protein. Capsaicin, a common spice, can also help you lose weight, further supporting optimal testosterone production. Eating foods such as red peppers, which contain capsaicin, leave individuals feeling full and satisfied (61).