Can lifestyle changes enhance the effects of testosterone supplements? While many supplements have modest benefits—especially in individuals with deficiencies—results may vary depending on overall health, the quality of the product, and adherence to lifestyle modifications. When compared, these lifestyle interventions complement the effects of natural supplements and often produce synergistic outcomes. Studies suggest that boron supplementation can lead to increased free testosterone and reduced estrogen levels, which in turn may improve overall hormonal balance. Sudden elevations in cortisol can quickly reduce testosterone. Therefore, a nutritious, well-rounded diet based mainly on whole foods is best. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can be very effective as well, although all types of exercise should work to some extent. Exercise is one of the most effective ways to prevent many lifestyle-related diseases. During puberty in people assigned male at birth, testosterone is one of the main drivers of physical changes like muscle development, voice changes, and hair growth. Testosterone is the primary hormone responsible for many vital functions in men, including muscle growth, bone density, libido, and energy levels. Do them consistently, and your hormone health should be fine. Getting better sleep will also help with stress, so make that a priority. Cortisol and testosterone compete for resources in your body. Diet can also help with fat loss, which will help reduce estrogen and increase T. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to get the micronutrients your body needs for hormones. All those little "movement snacks" can keep your body running like a finely tuned machine, including the parts that manage hormones. She also suggests pairing these types of moves with progressive overload, a type of training where you gradually increase intensity from one workout to the next by adding more weight, reps, or sets. "Fat tissue converts testosterone into estrogen, so losing weight, especially trimming your waistline, can help reverse this process." While some studies indicate modest benefits, its effects are often less pronounced than those of ashwagandha or fenugreek. Although DAA shows promise, some users find that its effects plateau after several weeks, which is why it’s often cycled with other supplements for sustained benefits. Trade saturated fats for healthier ones such as olive oil, avocado, and nuts. This mineral helps your body make testosterone. This decline is concerning because strong research shows a link between low testosterone and obesity, increased disease risk, and premature death. Testosterone levels may drop as quickly as 30 minutes after you drink alcohol. Staying active, getting plenty of sleep each night, and practicing some stress-relieving techniques may be beneficial. Interestingly, testosterone also plays an important role in female health and sexual well-being. That said, the following doctor-recommended strategies can help naturally counter low testosterone for many men. Conditions such as hypogonadism may require medical treatments instead to bring testosterone levels back into balance. What’s more, natural approaches can have their limitations, and lifestyle changes may not fully reverse the natural decline of testosterone, says Dr. Hakman. There are natural ways to increase testosterone, according to Sasha Hakman, MD, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist at HRC Fertility Beverly Hills and West Los Angeles. Whether you choose to incorporate supplements like ashwagandha or adopt healthier daily habits, the combined effect can lead to noticeable improvements in physique, mood, and vitality. This mineral blocks a protein from binding with testosterone. Fatty kinds like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are rich with vitamin D. Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument. Heavy alcohol use can lead to reduced testicular function and testicular atrophy. Vitamin D is a micronutrient that plays a key role in many aspects of health. Healthy testosterone levels are also important for people assigned female at birth, along with other key hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Research suggests that excessive alcohol consumption can decrease testosterone levels. Getting good sleep is as important for your health as diet and exercise. In a 2021 study, zinc supplementation increased testosterone levels and improved sexual function in postmenopausal women with low blood levels of zinc. To maintain healthy levels of vitamin D, try to get regular exposure to sunlight or consider taking a vitamin D3 supplement as directed by a healthcare professional. Some research shows that low vitamin D levels may be linked to lower testosterone levels. Testosterone is a steroid hormone that the body mainly produces in the testicles and ovaries. She has served as a health editor at Livestrong.com and currently works as a freelance content strategist for health brands including Peloton, Everyday Health, and Verywell Health. She has been featured on the Physician to Physician Plant-Based Nutrition podcast and given many presentations on lifestyle interventions in endocrine disorders. She is passionate about incorporating lifestyle medicine and plant-based nutrition into endocrinology, particularly for diabetes and obesity management. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t approve supplements for safety or effectiveness, and not every supplement on the shelf is equal.