Testosterone is a hormone found in the human body. Although both men and women produce it, it’s primarily secreted in the testicles, or organs in the male reproductive system. Testosterone affects a person’s appearance, sexual development, sperm production, and libido.
For older men, it’s fairly common for testosterone secretion to slow down. According to research from 2008Trusted Source, more than 50 percent of men over age 80 experience low testosterone levels.
Hypogonadism, also known as testosterone deficiency syndrome, a condition where the body doesn’t create enough sex hormones, is another reason why testosterone levels may be lower in men.
There are many ways to treat low testosterone levels. Dietary supplements that claim to boost testosterone levels have become increasingly popular for people who have the condition. Testogen, for example, is a pill that men can take every day. The company asserts that it contains all-natural ingredients that help increase production of the hormone.
Overall, we don’t recommend Testogen. While some of the individual ingredients it contains have been found to improve testosterone levels, others may be harmful.
However, the biggest reason we caution against Testogen is that the brand claims it can reverse symptoms of testosterone deficiency syndrome — a claim that’s simply not supported by the current body of evidence.
Testogen is a dietary supplement that comes in capsule form. Testogen is designed to support the production of testosterone, regardless of age, and claims to increase energy levels and libido, beat fatigue, help build muscle and strength, and assist with losing weight or reducing belly fat.
Testogen is made from ingredients that, according to the company, have been “clinically proven to safely and effectively raise [your] testosterone levels.”
Its primary additive is D-aspartic acid, an amino acid that supports the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the pituitary gland. LH is produced by both men and women, but it affects the testes in men. When emitted, it leads to the release of testosterone. Testogen contains 2,352 milligrams (mg) of D-aspartic acid.
Testogen also contains 200 mg of magnesium. Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in your body and has many benefits: It may boost exercise performance, fight depression, and lower blood pressure.
A 2014 reviewTrusted Source of observational and intervention studies found that men with a magnesium deficiency and a testosterone deficiency could use magnesium to improve physical function. That said, the results can’t necessarily be generalized to men with normal or high levels of magnesium or testosterone.
In addition, Testogen has 40 mg of fenugreek extract, a herb commonly found in Indian dishes and Chinese medicine to treat skin conditions. It might be a good source of nutrition for breastfeeding babies, and limited research suggests that it can boost testosterone levels and sexual function in men.
While more research needs to be done to conclude how fenugreek seeds affect testosterone production, a 2010 studyTrusted Source found that 500 mg improved lower and upper body strength in men who regularly did resistance training.
Other elements include zinc, vitamin D3, Korean red ginseng extract, boron, nettle leaf extract, vitamin B6, vitamin K1, and BioPerine, a form of black pepper.
According to Jillian Kubala, MS, RD, Testogen contains ingredients that have “little to no clinical evidence backing their effectiveness.” Kubala doesn’t recommend Testogen and supplements like it, as there’s limited research surrounding its efficacy.
Although there are some ingredients in Testogen found to help with low testosterone levels, “The amounts used are much lower than the levels suggested to be effective.”
For instance, there has been minimal research done to suggest that fenugreek, one of the herbs in Testogen, can increase testosterone in men. While some studies have found that it’s beneficial, the 40 mg found in the supplement would not be enough to affect users.
Similar to the 2010 study referenced above, a 2017 studyTrusted Source concluded that 500 mg of fenugreek was largely effective for improving testosterone levels in participants.
Kubala says, “Not only are the ingredients in Testogen likely ineffective for increasing testosterone, but some of the ingredients may be harmful.”
For example, Korean red ginseng, one of the additives in the supplement, can interact poorlyTrusted Source with commonly prescribed medications.
It’s also important to note that Testogen, like other supplements, isn’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Kubala states that even though it’s “marketed as a ‘safe’ and ‘natural’ way to increase testosterone levels, there is no evidence backing” it.
Currently, Testogen has a 3.9 out of 5-star rating on Amazon from more than 1,500 buyers. Reviews are generally mixed, with one user claiming they feel more energized and focused after 3 days of consumption, while others described the supplement as a “bad deal.”
The U.K.-based company doesn’t have a Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation. The capsules also aren’t approved by the FDA. But they’re manufactured in FDA-approved facilities.
Additionally, despite Testogen’s ingredients being natural, the company notes that some herbs might be banned in certain countries.
Still looking to add a testosterone-supporting supplement to your daily routine? The three products below are similar to Testogen. But one big difference is they don’t claim to reverse the symptoms of testosterone deficiency syndrome, which is partly why we recommend them.