Vitamin D. Your body naturally produces vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. However, a subsequent study showed that taking 3 grams of D-aspartic acid did not affect testosterone levels. A recent study found that it may increase levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Also called androgen replacement therapy, this is a medical treatment your doctor may prescribe if blood tests show unusually low levels of testosterone. Some lifestyle changes and healthy habits can also boost your testosterone. More than 33% of men over 45 may have lower than normal testosterone levels. Some older people on testosterone therapy could face increased cardiac risks. When symptoms do occur, low testosterone can cause a range of effects. A "feedback loop" carefully monitors levels of this hormone in the blood. Signals from the brain to the pituitary gland regulate testosterone production in men. Your doctor can prescribe testosterone therapy as part of gender-affirming treatment. Women and people assigned female at birth also produce testosterone. Cortisol is a hormone that works against your testosterone. However, obesity may also increase the likelihood of having low testosterone. Some people may prefer self-care strategies for boosting testosterone. The body produces this steroid hormone in the adrenal glands. Overweight, middle-aged men with prediabetes are also likely to have low testosterone levels. Therapy isn’t usually recommended, however, if your testosterone levels fall within the normal range for your age. Research suggests that after males start testosterone therapy, libido increases over 3–6 weeks and then levels off. Some research has found that males maintaining low fat diets have lower testosterone levels, regardless of their body mass index and physical activity levels. Severe disruption to sleep may affect testosterone levels, which could lead to issues with sexual function. Some research has found that DHEA could increase testosterone levels and may be especially beneficial for females. You can also get vitamin D by eating whole-food sources, including cod-liver oil, and fatty fish, like sardines and canned salmon; choosing foods fortified with the vitamin, like dairy products; or by taking a daily supplement. Along with low T, a vitamin D deficiency can contribute to weak bones, heart disease, and depression. About one in four Americans doesn’t get enough of the vitamin. Other zinc-rich foods include whole-grain cereals, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and legumes. It’s worth noting that the European Union banned the practice decades ago out of concern for human health. In the United States, most cattle receive a cocktail of anabolic sex steroids, including estrogen and testosterone, for two to three months prior to slaughter. Additionally, a 2015 study also found that ashwagandha increased testosterone levels in males over an 8-week period. This section looks at supplements that may help increase testosterone levels. If a person is transitioning, they may increase their testosterone levels to make certain aspects of their body — those that society considers masculine — more apparent. A doctor may prescribe testosterone replacement therapy if testosterone levels are low due to a medical condition. A person with a testosterone deficiency can also make lifestyle changes that may help increase their testosterone levels. According to one 2022 study, chronic alcohol use can lead to low testosterone levels due to the effects it has on the body, including hormonal reactions and cell damage. Because of its diverse role, low levels of testosterone can cause a wide range of symptoms including erectile dysfunction, low libido, and decreased muscle mass and strength. In this article, we look at how testosterone levels change with age, how to check your testosterone levels, and when it’s worth exploring further. But testosterone levels vary significantly between men — so knowing how to tell if your testosterone is high or low is not always straightforward. Lifelong Prostate Support supplements often contain a blend of natural components that are claimed to aid in the support of prostate health and function. Supplements can help, but they can’t replace a healthy lifestyle. The interventions discussed in this article will work best for men with low testosterone, but they can also help men with normal testosterone to sustain their levels, year after year. Only a few supplements have been shown to benefit testosterone production.