It is associated with male sexual development and characteristics.
Weight Loss
Aromataseis an enzyme produced by the body that converts testosterone into the hormoneestrogen.
Weight loss is a remedy for this.
Prathan Chorruangsak / Getty Images
About BMI
BMI is a dated, flawed measure.
It does not take into account factors such asbody composition, ethnicity, sex, race, and age.
Exercise
A combination ofaerobic exerciseandresistance (weight) traininghas been shown in multiple studies to increase testosterone production.
Diet Changes
There is no such thing as a “testosterone diet.”
Stress Management
Stress can affect T levels by stimulating the release of the stress hormonecortisol.
This hormone triggers thefight-or-flight response,which helps the body better cope with real or perceived threats.
To better manage stress and reduce cortisol levels:
5.
Supplements
The evidence supporting the use of dietary or herbalsupplements to boost T levelsis generally weak.
Even so,T boostersremain popular with consumers who seek a more “natural” solution to raising testosterone.
This is especially true with older men whose T levels are generally 35% lower than their younger counterparts.
That’s not to say that some supplements may not help.
Healthcare providers measure testosterone levels with a blood test called atotal testosterone (TT) test.
Diagnosing hypogonadism is complex.
Changing Other Medications
Opioid drugs sometimes prescribed to treat chronic pain are known to decrease T levels.
This included opioids like:
The effect of these drugs on testosterone is almost immediate.
Summary
If your testosterone levels are low, there are ways to boost them.
Testosterone boosters and supplements, while popular with consumers, have little strong evidence to support their use.
MedlinePlus.Could you have low testosterone?
Aguirre LE, Colleluori G, Fowler KE.
Published online January 21, 2025. doi:10.1210/clinem/dgaf038
Veterans Administration.Improving low testosterone naturally.
Endocrine Society.Clinical practice guideline: androgen therapy in women: a reappraisal.
