Introduction
Low testosterone levels (“low T”) is becoming further highlighted as a growing concern among men (rightfully so) aka hypogonadism/androgen deficiency/andropause, affecting energy, mood, muscle growth, and libido. Fortunately, testosterone boosters offer a solution. This guide explores the best testosterone boosters, comparing their benefits, ingredients, and effectiveness to help you make an informed decision.
What Are Testosterone Boosters?
Testosterone boosters are supplements and medications designed to naturally or synthetically increase testosterone levels in the body. These boosters are popular for:
- Improving energy and stamina.
- Supporting muscle growth and recovery.
- Enhancing libido and mental clarity.
- Promoting bone mineralization and fat loss.
How We Selected the Best Testosterone Boosters
Our top 10 list is based on:
- Scientific research: Ingredients backed by clinical studies.
- Customer reviews: Real feedback from verified users.
- Safety and side effects: Prioritizing safe formulations.
- Affordability: Balancing price with value.
- Ease of use: Simple dosages and regimens.
The Top 10 Testosterone Boosters
1. Testosterone Injection
Description: Intramuscular testosterone injections are the most direct and predictable way to increase T levels. Formulations have been around for a long time with proven, repeatable, tried and tested regimens.
Pros: Once a week or every two-weeks dosing. Titrates with precision to attain personal specific goals, given the multiple options and dosage of administration including, anti-aging, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), andropause curation, anabolic growth and athletics performance enhancement. Can see effects as early as 3-4 weeks.
Cons: Weekly injections can be painful if high volumes are needed. Will require in-person clinic visits if person is not able to self-administer injections. Exogenous testosterone can cause fertility suppression and testicular volume decrease, requires adjuvant estradiol and gonadotropic management.
Price: $80-800/month, depending on formulations, dosage, and strength.
Trade names: Testosterone Cypionate, Testosterone Enanthate, Testosterone Propionate, Depo-Testosterone, Undecanoate
Where to Buy: Buy TRT: Testosterone online
2. Testosterone oral and transdermal
Description: Oral pills, skin patches, and skin gels/creams are another effective method of increasing testosterone through direct application.
Pros: Achieve benefits of TRT without having to use needles. Can see effects as early as 3-4 weeks.
Cons: Requires daily dosing. Oral: some formulations are known to be hepatotoxic and increase cardiovascular disease, may require up to 3 times a day dosing. Transdermal patches/gels: can cause skin irritation. Transdermal gels/creams: may cause transference to children, significant others, anyone who comes in close contact and rubs up against the application. Labile absorption.
Price: $10-700/monthly. Creams/gels/patches are the cheapest. Oral pills are more expensive.
Trade names: Oral: Jatenzo, Kyzatrex, Tlando, Undecatrex, undecanoate. Gel: AndroGel, Testim, Vogelxo, Axiron, Fortesta
Where to Buy: Buy Oral TRT online
3. Enclomiphene
Description: Oral medication that is the active and “pure” isomer of popular clomiphene citrate. Part of a family of medications that are nonsteroidal selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM) – blocks estrogen receptors in brain. Instead of exogenous testosterone, stimulates the body’s natural production of testosterone.
Pros: Raises serum total testosterone levels while maintaining sperm count, it doesn’t stop the body from making its own hormones. Frequently used for increasing fertility. Can be used additively with exogenous testosterone.
Cons: The degree of testosterone increase can be limited by body’s physiologic limits of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
Price: $75-250/month.
Trade names: Enclomifene, Enclomiphene citrate
Where to Buy: Buy Enclomiphene Online
4. Clomiphene citrate
Description: Clomiphene is a compound consisting of two isomers, one of which is Enclomiphene, and the other being Zuclomiphene. Oral medication, a SERM that works similarly to Enclomiphene, although with a different side effect profile.
Pros: Can be used additively with exogenous testosterone. Has been around longer.
Cons: The presence of the Zuclomiphene isomer carries potential side effects, most notably mood alterations or emotional disturbances. The degree of testosterone increase can be limited by body’s physiologic limits of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. More expensive.
Price: $200-400/month.
Trade names: Clomiphene citrate, Clomifene, Clomifene Citrate, Clomid
Where to Buy: Buy Natural T Booster online
5. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
Description: A natural hormone that acts like luteinizing hormone (LH). LH stimulates Leydig cells in the testicles, which results in the production of testosterone.
Pros: Maintains body’s natural testosterone and sperm production. Can be used additively with exogenous testosterone to maintain testicular volume.
Cons: Can require up to three injections a week. Limited availability in certain states due to regulatory laws. Need to mix it.
Price: $600-1000/month.
Where to Buy: Buy hCG
6. Sermorelin Peptide
Description: Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) secretagogue that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce more human growth hormone (GH) and testosterone.
Pros: Uses the body’s natural hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Additional benefits of GM increase include anti-aging, reduction in osteoporosis, and helps weight loss. Can be used in conjunction with exogenous testosterone.
Cons: Requires multiple injections a week. Need to mix it.
Price: $200-400/month.
Where to Buy: Buy Ssermorelin online
7. Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali)
Description: A natural herb that has the most evidence in research studies suggesting that it helps to stimulate the production of free testosterone and reduce stress-related cortisol levels, promoting hormonal balance.
Pros: Natural herb, not expensive, very low side effect profile.
Cons: Herbal supplements tend to have not a lot of research, although this has had support showing increased T levels in measured subjects.
Price: $10/month.
Where to Buy: Tongkat Ali Complex 1020 mg Capsules
8. Vitamin D3
Description: Vitamin D, being one of the fat-soluble vitamins body needs for essential functions, helps in production of steroids in the body and provides one of the building blocks for testosterone.
Pros: Also promotes absorption of calcium which helps augment bone mineralization. Can obtain prescription grade vitamin D supplementation in consultation with physician.
Cons: In individuals that are prone to having kidney stones, can cause exacerbation if levels are not adequately monitored.
Price: < $5/month.
Where to Buy: Vitamin D3 with Sea-Iodine
9. Fenugreek
Description: Another natural herb that has long been used for increasing hormonal balance, with now recent supporting evidence that shows early evidence of increase in testosterone levels.
Pros: Natural herb, not expensive, very low side effect profile.
Cons: May cause digestive discomfort in some users and has a strong herbal taste. Low powered studies due to small sample size for supporting evidence.
Price: < $5/month.
Where to Buy: Fenugreek by NOW Foods
10. Ashwagandha Root
Description: Ashwagandha root is an herbal supplement known as an adaptogen that is known for reducing cortisol and subsequently, helps the body use cholesterol for production of testosterone steroids.
Pros: Reduction of cortisol and helps has other benefits for the body including calm and recovery. Natural herbs, not expensive, have a very low side effect profile.
Cons: Results are gradual, and it may cause mild stomach upset in some individuals. Studies attribute many effects due to decreased cortisol so exclusive effects on T levels are not attributed.
Price: < $5/month.
Where to Buy: Full Spectrum Ashwagandha
Natural vs. Synthetic Testosterone Boosters
Natural boosters use body’s functioning organ and hormone system, augmenting certain portions of the feedback system and pathway to stimulate testosterone production, while synthetic boosters provide direct hormonal supplements. Choose based on your goals:
- Natural: Best for gradual improvements in health and have fewer side effects.
- Synthetic: More effective for severe deficiencies but requires medical supervision.
Do Testosterone Boosters Work?
Studies show that testosterone boosters can significantly improve symptoms of low testosterone. Once starting therapy, repeat T levels can be measured which provide real-time feedback to guide further treatment along with daily impacting effects including:
- Increased energy within weeks.
- Improved gym performance.
- Enhanced overall mood.
Potential Side Effects and Safety Tips
Each therapy has its own side effect profile. While generally safe, potential side effects include:
- Hepatotoxicity
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Decreased libido
- Hair loss
- Infertility
- Mood swings
Consult your doctor before starting any prescription strength testosterone booster.
How to Maximize the Effectiveness of Testosterone Boosters
Combine supplements with:
- Diet: Include zinc-rich foods like oysters.
- Exercise: Focus on weightlifting and interval training.
- Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours per night.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take for testosterone boosters to work?
Most users report noticeable changes within 2-4 weeks.
2. Are testosterone boosters safe?
Yes, when used as directed. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
The right testosterone booster can transform your energy, mood, and health. Explore our top picks and find the one that suits your needs. Ready to take the next step? Check out our recommended T boosters.
References:
- Lazarev A, Bezuglov E. Testosterone Boosters Intake in Athletes: Current Evidence and Further Directions. Endocrines. 2021; 2(2):109-120. https://doi.org/10.3390/endocrines2020011
- Skrzypiec-Spring M, Pokrywka A, Kuliczkowska-Płaksej J, Szeląg A, Bolanowski M. Withania somnifera and Trigonella foenum-graecum as ingredients of testosterone-boosting supplements: Possible clinical implications. Adv Clin Exp Med. 2024 Apr 17. doi: 10.17219/acem/185743. PMID: 38628109.
- Wu FC, Tajar A, Pye SR, Silman AJ, Finn JD, O’Neill TW, et al. Hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis disruptions in older men are differentially linked to age and modifiable risk factors: the European Male Aging Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008;93:2737-45
- Dickinson A, Blatman J, El-Dash N, Franco JC. Consumer usage and reasons for using dietary supplements: report of a series of surveys. J Am Coll Nutr 2014;33:176-82.
- M. I. B. M. Tambi, M. K. Imran, R. R. Henkel, "Standardised water-soluble extract of Eurycoma longifolia, Tongkat ali, as testosterone booster for managing men with late-onset hypogonadism?" Andrologia. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01168.x
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/216318s002lbl.pdf#page=16