01Markers · Hormones
Testosterone
A steroid hormone made mainly by the testes in men and in smaller amounts by the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. Tests measure total testosterone and sometimes the free share not bound to proteins.
- Measured in
- Blood (serum)
- Units
- ng/dL, nmol/L
- Also called
- total testosterone, free testosterone
AWhat moves Testosterone
22 of 27 studied
In human studies, 9 of the 27 supplements and practices researched so far lowered testosterone, 7 raised it and 3 changed it without a clear direction. 3 showed no change. 5 were never studied for it.
Moves it19
Human studies found a change. The grade reflects the studies behind it, from A (strongest) to D.
MelatoninRaisesGrade A
Melatonin raises testosterone.
Meta-analysis or review · 15 studies linked
- Impact of melatonin administration on sperm quality, steroid hormone levels, and testicular blood flow parameters in small ruminants: A meta-analysis. (2024)
- Effect of melatonin supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors, oxidative stress and hormonal profile in PCOS patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. (2024)
- Radio-protective effects of melatonin therapy against testicular oxidative stress: a systematic review and meta-analysis of rodent models. (2024)
- Adjuvant melatonin therapy during exercise prescription in breast cancer survivors on physical and anthropometric parameters, quality of life, and hormonal response. A randomized controlled trial. (2025)
- Effects of melatonin administration on testicular hemodynamics, echotexture, steroids production, and semen parameters during the non-breeding season in Ossimi rams. (2022)
- Sexual behaviour, semen quality and fertility of young Border Leicester rams administered melatonin during spring. (2021)
- +9 more studies
Vitamin ELowersGrade A
Vitamin E lowers testosterone.
Meta-analysis or review · 13 studies linked
- Vitamin E supplementation improves testosterone, glucose- and lipid-related metabolism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. (2022)
- Effect of vitamin E supplementation on chicken sperm quality: A meta-analysis. (2022)
- Effect of vitamin E supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory and oxidative markers and hormonal functions in PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome): a systematic review and meta-analysi (2022)
- The Effects of a Novel Fortified Dairy Product on Weight Loss, Metabolic Profiles, and Endocrine Hormones in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. (2025)
- Comparison of L-Carnitine vs. Coq10 and Vitamin E for idiopathic male infertility: a randomized controlled trial. (2022)
- Synergy Between Dietary Quercetin and Vitamin E Supplementation in Aged Hen's Diet Improves Hatching Traits, Embryo Quality, and Antioxidant Capacity of Chicks Hatched From Eggs Subjected to Prolonged (2022)
- +7 more studies
ZincChangesGrade A
Zinc changes testosterone.
Meta-analysis or review · 10 studies linked
- Correlation between serum zinc and testosterone: A systematic review. (2023)
- Evaluating the Effect of Oxytocin and Zinc Sulphate on Reproductive Indices in Opiate-Addicted Men Receiving Methadone Maintenance Therapy: A Randomized, Double-Masked Clinical Trial. (2025)
- Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Supplementation on Performance, Digestibility, and Blood Biochemistry of Californian Male Rabbits Under Hot Climatic Conditions. (2023)
- Effect of Zinc on Testosterone Levels and Sexual Function of Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. (2021)
- Advancement of puberty and enhancement of seminal characteristics by supplementation of trace minerals to bucks. (2018)
- Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Endocrine Outcomes in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. (2016)
- +4 more studies
HIITLowersGrade A
HIIT lowers testosterone.
Meta-analysis or review · 7 studies linked
- The Effects of Different Exercises on Insulin Resistance and Testosterone Changes in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Network Meta-Analysis Study. (2025)
- High-intensity Interval Training and Mindfulness Breathing Induce Hormonal, Metabolic, and Anticarcinogenic Effects in Obese Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial (2025)
- Effects of eight-week regular high-intensity interval training and hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed on total testosterone level among sedentary young males: double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical (2024)
- Optimizing Short Sprint Interval Training for Young Soccer Players: Unveiling Optimal Rest Distributions to Maximize Physiological Adaptations. (2024)
- Impact of a 4-Week Intensified Endurance Training Intervention on Markers of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and Performance Among Well-Trained Male Cyclists. (2020)
- Effectiveness of exercise interventions on androgen and sex hormone-binding globulin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. (2025)
- +1 more studies
BerberineLowersGrade A
Berberine lowers testosterone.
Meta-analysis or review · 5 studies linked
- Berberine as adjuvant therapy for treating reduced fertility potential in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (2024)
- The Effect of Berberine on Reproduction and Metabolism in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials. (2019)
- Effect of Berberine on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: A Mechanistic Randomized Controlled Trial. (2021)
- The use of berberine for women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing IVF treatment. (2014)
- Berberine Phospholipid Is an Effective Insulin Sensitizer and Improves Metabolic and Hormonal Disorders in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A One-Group Pretest-Post-Test Explanatory Study. (2021)
NACRaisesGrade A
NAC raises testosterone.
Meta-analysis or review · 5 studies linked
- Effects of N-acetyl-cysteine supplementation on sperm quality, chromatin integrity and level of oxidative stress in infertile men. (2019)
- Involvement of GRK2 in modulating nalfurafine-induced reduction of excessive alcohol drinking in mice. (2021)
- Liu Y et al. (2023)
- Shahveghar Asl Z et al. (2023)
- PubMed 23177517
Zone 2 cardioLowersGrade A
Zone 2 cardio lowers testosterone.
Meta-analysis or review · 3 studies linked
- High-intensity interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training for polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (2025)
- Effects of high-intensity interval and continuous moderate aerobic training on fitness and health markers of older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (2024)
- The Release of Lipolytic Hormones during Various High-Intensity Interval and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training Regimens and Their Effects on Fat Loss (2024)
AshwagandhaRaisesGrade A
Ashwagandha raises testosterone.
Meta-analysis or review · 2 studies linked
CreatineRaisesGrade B
Creatine raises testosterone.
Human trials · 10 studies linked
- Effects of Pork Protein Ingestion Prior to and Following Performing the Army Combat Fitness Test on Markers of Catabolism, Inflammation, and Recovery. (2025)
- Does creatine cause hair loss? A 12-week randomized controlled trial. (2025)
- Supplementing With Which Form of Creatine (Hydrochloride or Monohydrate) Alongside Resistance Training Can Have More Impacts on Anabolic/Catabolic Hormones, Strength and Body Composition? (2024)
- Effects of Four Weeks of Beta-Alanine Supplementation Combined with One Week of Creatine Loading on Physical and Cognitive Performance in Military Personnel. (2022)
- Amino acid supplements and recovery from high-intensity resistance training. (2010)
- Three weeks of creatine monohydrate supplementation affects dihydrotestosterone to testosterone ratio in college-aged rugby players. (2009)
- +4 more studies
Omega-3RaisesGrade B
Omega-3 raises testosterone.
Human trials · 5 studies linked
- Dietary supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid rich fish oil increases circulating levels of testosterone in overweight and obese men. (2020)
- Dietary supplementation with flaxseed oil as source of Omega-3 fatty acids improves seminal quality and reproductive performance in aged broiler breeder roosters. (2019)
- Demonstration of docosahexaenoic acid as a bioavailability enhancer for CYP3A substrates: in vitro and in vivo evidence using cyclosporin in rats. (2006)
- The Effects of Flaxseed Oil Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation on Metabolic Status of Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. (2018)
- Ohlsson C, Nilsson ME, Vandenput L, et al. (2020)
Milk thistleChangesGrade B
Milk thistle changes testosterone.
Human trials · 3 studies linked
- Semen quality, antioxidant status and reproductive performance of rabbits bucks fed milk thistle seeds and rosemary leaves. (2017)
- Use of selenium-silymarin mix reduces lower urinary tract symptoms and prostate specific antigen in men. (2013)
- The safety and efficacy of a silymarin and selenium combination in men after radical prostatectomy - a six month placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial. (2010)
MagnesiumLowersGrade B
Magnesium lowers testosterone.
Small effect · 1 study linked
Free androgen index reduced in PCOS Mg trials; total testosterone changes inconsistent.
Vitamin K2LowersGrade B
Vitamin K2 lowers testosterone.
Human trials · 1 study linked
Vitamin CChangesGrade C
Vitamin C changes testosterone.
Human trials · 3 studies linked
- Mitigation of endogenous oxidative stress and improving growth, hemato-biochemical parameters, and reproductive performance of Zaraibi goat bucks by dietary supplementation with Chlorella vulgaris or/ (2023)
- Protective effect of vitamin C against thiamethoxam-induced toxicity in male rats. (2023)
- Vitamin C and vitamin E supplementation alleviates oxidative stress induced by dexamethasone and improves fertility of breeder roosters. (2016)
CollagenLowersGrade C
Collagen lowers testosterone.
Human trials · 1 study linked
Finnish saunaLowersGrade C
Finnish sauna lowers testosterone.
Human trials · 1 study linked
Red yeast riceLowersGrade C
Red yeast rice lowers testosterone.
Human trials · 1 study linked
Ubiquinol (CoQ10)RaisesGrade C
Ubiquinol (CoQ10) raises testosterone.
Human trials · 1 study linked
TaurineRaisesGrade C
Taurine raises testosterone.
Lab or animal studies · 0 studies linked
This result is graded, but no study is linked to it yet. Treat it as unconfirmed.
23 corpus studies. Gonadoprotective effects in animal toxicity models (azathioprine, cisplatin). Human applicability unknown.
Studied, no change3
Studies looked and found no meaningful change. That is a result, not missing data.
L-carnitineNo changeGrade A
Studies of L-carnitine found no change in testosterone.
Meta-analysis or review · 16 studies linked
- Effect of L-carnitine supplementation on fertility outcomes among patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. (2025)
- Prenatal Insecticide Exposure and Adverse Birth Outcomes: Evidence for Mediation via Disruptions in Amino Acid and Acylcarnitine Metabolism. (2025)
- Comparison of nutritional supplements in improving glycolipid metabolism and endocrine function in polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. (2023)
- Efficacy Of Combined Nutritional And Pharmacological Interventions In PCOS: A Six Month Randomized Controlled Trial. (2026)
- Evaluation of monotherapy of Coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine or combined therapy on semen parameters in idiopathic male infertility: A placebo-controlled double blind randomized clinical trial. (2026)
- Dietary supplementation with L-carnitine and L-arginine improves testicular development and reproductive potential on aged broiler breeder roosters. (2026)
- +10 more studies
Vitamin D3No changeGrade A
Studies of Vitamin D3 found no change in testosterone.
Meta-analysis or review · 9 studies linked
- Impact of Vitamin D (2025)
- Effects of Vitamin D3 Treatment on Polycystic Ovary Symptoms: A Prospective Double-Blind Two-Phase Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. (2025)
- Effects of vitamin D on sex steroids, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone to luteinizing hormone ratio in 307 infertile men. (2024)
- Androgens and hirsutism score of overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome improved after vitamin D treatment: A randomized placebo controlled clinical trial. (2021)
- The effects of Vitamin D3 supplementation on Spermatogram and endocrine factors in asthenozoospermia infertile men: a randomized, triple blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. (2021)
- Dehydroepiandrosterone potentiates the effect of vitamin D on thyroid autoimmunity in euthyroid women with autoimmune thyroiditis: A pilot study. (2021)
- +3 more studies
ResveratrolNo changeGrade A
Studies of Resveratrol found no change in testosterone.
Meta-analysis or review · 7 studies linked
- Effects of resveratrol on polycystic ovarian syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (2024)
- Efficacy of resveratrol in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. (2023)
- Resveratrol thyro-protective role in fluorosis rat model (histo-morphometric, biochemical and ultrastructural study). (2023)
- Effects of resveratrol on VEGF & HIF1 genes expression in granulosa cells in the angiogenesis pathway and laboratory parameters of polycystic ovary syndrome: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial. (2019)
- Effects of Resveratrol on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial. (2016)
- Resveratrol reduces the levels of circulating androgen precursors but has no effect on, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, PSA levels or prostate volume. A 4-month randomised trial in middle-aged men. (2015)
- +1 more studies
Not studied5
No usable human study has measured Testosterone with these. A gap is not a negative result: nobody has looked.
BThe molecule
Sex hormone-binding globulin with dihydrotestosterone
SHBG carries much of the testosterone in blood. This structure holds dihydrotestosterone, which binds the same pocket.
Coral: dihydrotestosterone, a testosterone metabolite, in its binding pocket. Amber: calcium.
Structure: PDB 1D2S · X-ray, 1.55 Å · Grishkovskaya et al., EMBO J 2000. Rendered from atomic coordinates in Blender; 2,696 atoms, about 7.7 nm across. Highlight source.