We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission or other tangible benefit. Optum Store, Optum Perks, and Healthline Media are owned by RVO Health. Here’s our process.
Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We think Nature Made and NOW Foods make the best supplements to boost testosterone levels. Read on for a few other evidence-backed supplements, along with what to be cautious of.
- Best with vitamin D: Nature Made Vitamin D3 Tablets | Skip to review
- Best with fenugreek: NOW Foods Fenugreek Capsules | Skip to review
- Best with ginger: Pure Encapsulations Ginger Extract Capsules | Skip to review
- Best with zinc: Thorne Zinc Picolinate | Skip to review
Testosterone is an essential hormone for everyone, but its role is more significant in men, who have higher levels of it.
It
Testosterone levels
Various supplements claim to boost testosterone levels, and some people choose to use them in hopes of increasing their levels of this hormone. Here’s our take on the best testosterone-focused supplements.
A note on testosterone booster research
Though many supplements claim to help boost testosterone levels, research on these products is lacking.
Most available studies focus on the effects of individual ingredients rather than proprietary blends.
One review of 37 human studies concluded that
- tongkat ali extract
- horny goat weed
- saw palmetto extract
- boron
- nettle extract
- maca root powder
- ashwagandha root extract
- fenugreek
- bioperine
- DIIM
Testosterone booster supplements may work for some people, but more research is needed to evaluate their safety and effectiveness for the general population.
Here are a few of the factors we considered when choosing the products listed below:
- Vetting: All the products included were vetted to ensure that they meet Healthline’s medical and business standards.
- Research-supported ingredients: Instead of choosing products that feature questionable or unrealistic health claims in their marketing, we chose natural supplements with ingredients backed by research, such as vitamin D, which may enhance sexual function, or ashwagandha, which could help by reducing stress. Still, more research is needed in this area.
- Dosage: These supplements provide a dosage that has been proven safe and effective.
- Third-party testing: Many of the supplements we included have been tested for quality and safety by a third-party organization, such as NSF International, United States Pharmacopeia (USP), or Informed Choice.
Pricing guide
General price ranges are indicated below with dollar signs ($–$$$). One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas four dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Generally, prices range from $0.08 to $0.52 per serving, or $7.59 to $61.80 per container, though this may vary depending on where you shop.
- $ = under $0.10 per serving
- $$ = $0.10–$0.50 per serving
- $$$ = $0.51–$1.25 per serving
- $$$$ = over $1.25 per serving
Why you can trust us
Every brand and product on our list has been reviewed by registered dietitians and vetted to ensure that it aligns with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. Each product in this article:
- adheres to allowable health claims and labeling requirements, per Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations
- is manufactured in facilities that adhere to Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs) established by the FDA
- is produced by a medically credible company that follows ethical, legal, and industry best standards
- is made by a company that provides objective measures of trust, such as having its supplements validated by third-party labs
Testosterone boosters are intended to help optimize levels of testosterone, a hormone that
These supplements include compounds that can either increase testosterone or related hormones directly or help prevent your body from converting testosterone into estrogen.
In theory, maintaining “normal” blood levels of testosterone may help prevent symptoms or conditions associated with low testosterone levels, including:
- low libido
- fatigue
- decreased muscle mass
- erectile dysfunction
- depression
- irritability
However, there’s limited research on whether testosterone boosters actually offer these benefits, especially in people who don’t have a deficiency.
Certain nutrients and herbal extracts often used as testosterone boosters have been linked to additional benefits, including
Still, more research is needed on the effectiveness and potential benefits of these supplements.
A note on language
At Healthline, we respect and acknowledge an individual’s sex, gender, and sexual orientation. Throughout this article, we’re using the term ‘men’ and ‘male’ as the sex assigned at birth as most studies we source use these terms. However, this article pertains to anyone who has a penis, or anyone who’s looking to increase their testosterone levels.
Although various ingredients have been shown to increase testosterone levels, research on the safety and effectiveness of OTC testosterone boosters is lacking.
In fact, one review found that only
Furthermore, many popular testosterone boosters on the market contain a wide range of herbal ingredients or other compounds, some of which could interact with certain medications and health conditions.
Therefore, it’s important to talk with a doctor before trying any testosterone boosters.
Be sure to look for testosterone boosters that contain clinically studied ingredients, such as the ones we’ve included above, and use supplements only as directed.
Additionally, because supplements are not regulated by the FDA, it’s best to opt for products that are third-party tested or certified to help ensure safety.
There are several key factors to consider when shopping for a supplement to help increase your testosterone levels, including:
- Ingredients: Some ingredients meant to increase testosterone levels have more research than others. Be sure to look for products containing research-backed ingredients and steer clear of supplements that contain “proprietary blends” but don’t disclose the specific ingredients they contain.
- Dose: Choose supplements that contain ingredients in doses that have been shown to be safe and effective.
- Quality: Look for products made by reputable, CGMP-compliant companies. When possible, opt for products that are third-party tested to ensure purity and accuracy.
Most importantly, talk with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements.
They can help you choose the best supplement for your individual needs and warn you about any ingredients that may interact with medications you’re taking.
If you’re looking for a simple way to increase testosterone levels naturally, some supplements on this list may be beneficial.
If you’re experiencing severe symptoms of low testosterone, please consult a healthcare professional to discuss possible treatment options.
It’s best to talk with a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms:
- decreased sex drive
- erectile dysfunction
- muscle loss
- hot flashes
- fatigue
A healthcare professional can check your blood levels to determine whether you have low testosterone and develop a treatment plan to address your needs.
They can also evaluate whether other factors or conditions could be contributing to your low testosterone levels and whether those conditions need to be addressed.
It’s a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional before adding any supplements to your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications that could interact with herbal supplements.
What causes low testosterone?
A variety of factors can cause low testosterone levels.
Age is one of the most common causes of low testosterone. According to Dr. Joseph M. Brito, an assistant professor of urology at Yale University School of Medicine, testosterone levels can start to decline as early as age 30.
Men who have had surgery for testicular cancer or are receiving home treatments for conditions like prostate cancer may have lower testosterone levels. In rare cases, pituitary abnormalities or brain tumors may also be a cause.
Brito explains that several other factors can also contribute to low testosterone, including:
- stress
- nutritional deficiencies
- obesity
- lack of sleep
How do I know if I have low testosterone?
Low testosterone levels can cause a wide range of symptoms, many of which could also be caused by other conditions, such as depression or sleep apnea.
According to Brito, some possible symptoms of low testosterone are:
- low energy levels
- decreased libido
- muscle loss
- mood changes
- hot flashes
If you suspect you may have low testosterone, your doctor can check your blood levels.
Home tests are also available, most of which use either a blood or a saliva sample to check your testosterone levels. However, as Brito points out, there’s limited research on the effectiveness of these tests and how they compare with lab tests.
Do testosterone boosters really work?
Though studies suggest that many of the ingredients listed above may improve testosterone levels or other markers of male sexual function, it’s important to keep in mind that the FDA doesn’t regulate OTC supplements in the same way as medications.
For this reason, not all products are created equal and some may not be effective. In fact, one review of 37 studies found that only
Some of these ingredients included included horny goat weed, tongkat ali extract, saw palmetto, and boron, among others.
In addition to choosing products that contain clinically studied ingredients, choosing high quality products that come from a trusted manufacturer and are third-party tested may be beneficial.
Furthermore, Brito notes that some people may need to be cautious when using supplements, especially if they’re taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.
What’s the best testosterone supplement on the market?
Many supplements contain a blend of herbal ingredients and nutrients that can support healthy testosterone levels and promote hormone balance, including our picks for vitamin D3, fenugreek, ginger extract, and zinc. While these are clinically studied ingredients that may help optimize testosterone levels, more research is needed overall on the effectiveness of OTC testosterone booster supplements.
The Ashwagandha Stress & Mood supplement from Garden of Life mykind Organics is our other top pick because it contains both ashwagandha, an herb that
Does zinc boost testosterone?
Some studies suggest that low levels of zinc could
What’s more, one
Still, more research is needed to determine whether zinc can increase testosterone levels in people without a deficiency.
How can I raise my testosterone levels quickly?
According to Brito, “the quickest way to raise testosterone levels is with testosterone supplementation.”
A doctor can prescribe testosterone supplementation in the form of intramuscular injections, topical creams or gels, oral medications, or pellets that are implanted into the skin.
Are there other ways to boost testosterone naturally?
Because low testosterone levels have many possible causes, treating any underlying causes could be beneficial.
In addition to maintaining a moderate weight, Brito recommends engaging in resistance training and addressing health conditions, such as sleep apnea.
Some
Are testosterone supplements legal?
Though testosterone replacement therapy requires a prescription from a healthcare professional, many testosterone supplements are made using herbal extracts or nutrients that have been shown to increase testosterone levels naturally.
These supplements are legal and are available for purchase over the counter.
A wide range of testosterone-boosting supplements is available, but only a few have significant research to support their use. Some may have noticeable benefits only in people with fertility issues or low testosterone levels.
In addition, researchers haven’t yet established the long-term safety of most of these supplements.
To avoid potential side effects, be sure to talk with a healthcare professional before using any of the supplements listed above, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications.
