How to increase testosterone levels naturally?

From the Guidelines

To increase testosterone naturally, men with testosterone deficiency should be counseled regarding lifestyle modifications, such as losing weight, or maintaining weight within the recommended range, along with increasing physical activity, as these changes have the potential to increase total testosterone levels and/or reduce signs and symptoms associated with testosterone deficiency. According to the American Urological Association guideline 1, lifestyle modifications are recommended as a treatment strategy for men with testosterone deficiency. Some key lifestyle changes that may help increase testosterone levels include:

• Losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight, as high body mass index coupled with low testosterone can increase the risk of cardiovascular events 1
• Increasing physical activity, such as regular strength training exercises 3-4 times weekly
• Maintaining adequate sleep of 7-9 hours nightly
• Reducing stress through meditation or relaxation techniques
• Following a balanced diet rich in zinc, vitamin D, and healthy fats
• Limiting alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy body weight, as excess fat can convert testosterone to estrogen
• Considering intermittent fasting, which may also boost testosterone levels Additionally, supplements that might help include vitamin D (1000-2000 IU daily), zinc (25-30mg daily), magnesium (200-400mg daily), and ashwagandha (300-600mg daily) 1. It's essential to note that while these approaches may help support natural hormone production pathways, reducing factors that deplete testosterone, and providing necessary building blocks for hormone synthesis, results typically take 2-3 months of consistent effort, and it's advisable to get baseline testosterone levels checked before making changes.

From the Research

Testosterone Increase Naturally

• Testosterone levels can be increased naturally through the use of clomiphene citrate, as shown in a study published in 2012 2, where 125 men with hypogonadism and low libido were treated with a daily dose of 25 mg clomiphene citrate for at least 3 months, resulting in a significant increase in serum testosterone levels.
• Another study published in 2018 3 discussed the use of clomiphene citrate as an alternative to testosterone replacement therapy for young hypogonadal men who desire to preserve their fertility.
• A retrospective review published in 2019 4 assessed the long-term safety and efficacy of clomiphene citrate for the treatment of hypogonadism, finding that 88% of men who received clomiphene citrate for more than 3 years achieved eugonadism, and 77% reported improved symptoms.
• A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2022 5 evaluated the effectiveness and safety of clomiphene citrate therapy for men with hypogonadism, finding that total testosterone increased significantly during clomiphene citrate treatment, and that the therapy had few reported side effects and good safety aspects.
• A retrospective study published in 2023 6 evaluated the effectiveness and safety of clomiphene citrate for hypogonadal males, finding that 89% of patients experienced a biochemical increase in total testosterone, and 74% experienced hypogonadal symptom improvement, with few side effects reported.

Mechanism of Action

• Clomiphene citrate works by stimulating the endogenous production of testosterone, as shown in the study published in 2012 2, where serum testosterone levels increased from 309 ng/dL to 642 ng/dL after 3 months of treatment.
• The therapy also increases the levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, as shown in the study published in 2022 5, which can help to preserve fertility in young hypogonadal men.

Safety and Efficacy

• The studies published in 2019 4, 2022 5, and 2023 6 all found that clomiphene citrate therapy had few reported side effects and good safety aspects, making it a viable alternative to testosterone replacement therapy for men with hypogonadism.
• The therapy was also found to be effective in improving both biochemical and clinical symptoms of male hypogonadism, as shown in the studies published in 2022 5 and 2023 6.