You've been putting in the hours at the gym. Your nutrition is on point. Your supplement stack includes all the essentials. Yet somehow, the gains just aren't happening, or at least not as fast as they should. 

If any of this sounds familiar, there is a good chance your testosterone levels aren't optimal.

Testosterone is the primary hormone responsible for muscle growth, so even if you're doing everything right, deficient testosterone levels can drastically hinder your efforts to gain muscle. 

Testosterone boosters are a popular way to help your body produce more testosterone naturally. These supplements don't contain hormones; they are formulas with natural ingredients designed to support your body's own ability to produce testosterone. 

Whether you're a young man still in your prime (yes, testosterone can decline for many reasons, not just with age), a man stepping into mid-life, or even a woman looking to optimize hormone balance for better aesthetics (women need optimal testosterone levels too), some testosterone boosters can provide benefits for muscle gain.

That is... if they have the right science-backed ingredients! 

Today, we'll tell you how testosterone boosters support natural testosterone production and benefit muscle gain. We'll also give you the key ingredients to look for in a testosterone booster to ensure you aren't wasting your money on a testosterone supplement that doesn't work. 

What Are Testosterone Boosters?

Testosterone boosters aren't synthetic hormones or steroids; they are natural dietary supplements formulated to help your body produce more of its own testosterone. The best way to describe them is a support system for your body's natural testosterone-producing ability.

Unlike testosterone replacement therapy, which requires a prescription and might not even be necessary in some cases, or anabolic steroids that contain high doses of testosterone that can potentially come with serious side effects– a quality testosterone booster simply supports what your body already does (or should be doing) naturally.

With a testosterone booster supplement, you're giving your body the support it needs for your testosterone levels to stay within your body's natural range or just at the higher end of what is safe and often needed to fully unlock your potential for muscle gain. 

This is important because while too little testosterone can hinder muscle growth (as well as potentially cause a laundry list of other annoying symptoms like low sex drive), pushing too much artificial testosterone into your system, especially if your body doesn't need it, can lead to unwanted side effects and even health issues. 

Testosterone boosting supplements aim for that "sweet spot.” To achieve that, they contain a blend of specific vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other natural compounds that work together to create the optimal environment for testosterone production.

Or, they should. Not all testosterone boosters on the market are equal.  We'll tell you exactly what ingredients to look for in a quality testosterone-boosting supplement that works a little further down. First, let's talk about how testosterone boosters work in the body for muscle gain. 

How Testosterone Boosters Can Help Promote Muscle Growth

Testosterone boosters don't add any type of hormone to your body. They simply provide the support your body needs to be able to produce testosterone naturally. Depending on the ingredients (we will go over the important ones next), testosterone boosters work in several ways to promote natural testosterone production and benefit muscle gain.

First, they provide the essential building blocks your body needs to make testosterone. Just like you need protein to build muscle, your body needs certain nutrients to be able to produce hormones like testosterone.

Second, they can help reduce substances in your body that convert testosterone into estrogen (the primary female hormone). This is crucial because when testosterone converts to estrogen, you're not just losing beneficial testosterone – you're actually creating a hormone that works against your muscle-building goals.

Higher estrogen levels in men can lead to increased fat storage (especially in areas like the chest), water retention that masks muscle definition, and decreased strength and recovery. By helping maintain a healthier testosterone-to-estrogen ratio, quality test boosters help ensure more of your natural testosterone stays as testosterone.

Last but not least, and probably one of the most beneficial ways some testosterone boosters can help with muscle gain is its ability to help manage cortisol– your body's stress hormone.

Chronically elevated cortisol is a well-known testosterone killer, and it's not only everyday stressors or lack of sleep that can cause a spike in cortisol that leads to declines in testosterone production. If you are chasing gains a little too hard (overdoing it in the gym without enough recovery), that is also a form of stress on the body that can cause elevated cortisol levels and drain your natural testosterone production.

Some testosterone boosters also work by enhancing your body's sensitivity to luteinizing hormone (LH) – the messenger that tells your testes to produce more testosterone. Other ingredients help free up testosterone that's bound to proteins in your blood, making more of it available for your muscles to use.

There's also the recovery angle. Optimal testosterone levels help you bounce back faster between workouts, allowing you to train more frequently and with greater intensity. This creates a positive feedback loop: better recovery leads to better workouts, which stimulates more natural testosterone production, which further enhances recovery and results in greater gains.

The goal of a well-formulated testosterone booster is to work with your body's natural processes rather than overriding them. It's about helping your body function the way it was designed to (or better) so you can achieve the physique you've been working for.

Who Can Benefit From Testosterone Boosting Supplements?

Testosterone boosters can benefit almost anyone with reason to believe their natural testosterone production isn't optimal. If you are wondering how to know if your body isn't making enough testosterone, keep reading; we'll go over some signs to watch out for a little further down.

Whether you're a young man in his late 20s or 30s trying to build muscle, a man entering mid-life or later hoping to reclaim the testosterone levels of your younger years, or even a woman who dreams of a more toned physique, a properly formulated testosterone booster can help restore your body's natural testosterone to an optimal level– which is one of the most critical factors in muscle growth. 

Yes, we said women! As we touched on earlier, while females naturally have about 15-20 times less testosterone than men, they still need optimal testosterone levels and can experience declines that lead to the same negative symptoms men experience, including the inability to build or maintain muscle mass.

Don't worry, ladies. These supplements won't make you bulky or masculine when dosed appropriately. Male or female, 30 or 70, boosting testosterone within your natural range will simply improve your strength, recovery, and body composition without unwanted side effects.

How To Know If Your Testosterone Levels Need a Boost 

Aside from trouble putting on or maintaining muscle, there are other common signs that your testosterone production might not be ideal.

These might include:

• Unexplained weight gain

• Decreased sex drive or libido

• Difficulty concentrating or "brain fog"

• Difficulty sleeping or poor sleep quality

• Increased body fat, especially around the midsection

• Persistent fatigue or low energy levels, even with adequate sleep

• Unexplained mood changes, including low motivation, irritability, or depression

• Reduced strength and endurance during workouts

• Joint pain and reduced bone density

• Slower recovery after workouts

• Irregular menstrual cycles (in women)

• Hair loss (in men)

• Erectile dysfunction (in men)

• Hot flashes or night sweats (in men; in women, this could be a sign of low estrogen and/or progesterone)

If you are having several symptoms that your body isn't producing enough testosterone, it can't hurt to try a testosterone booster consistently for a few months to see if your symptoms improve.

However, it is important to note that a comprehensive hormone blood panel is the only way to know for sure if your testosterone production has slowed or if you have other hormone imbalances that might be impacting your testosterone levels.

If you decide to have your testosterone levels checked, be cautious of the company you use. Always consider it to be a red flag if they do not require an in-person consultation with a trained and licensed hormone specialist to discuss your first lab results.

You will also want to ensure the person interpreting your results is knowledgeable in the way hormone lab testing works. If a medical provider isn't fully educated on hormones and hormone testing, they might read your results and tell you that you are “fine” because your testosterone is "within normal range." 

While they might be "technically" correct according to the lab's range, that level might be far from optimal for you. That's because most standard reference ranges are based on population averages that often include people of all ages and health statuses. This means the "normal" range can include levels from a 20-year-old athlete to an 80-year-old sedentary man.

This matters because what's considered "normal" might not be optimal for your fitness goals or overall well-being. A testosterone level that's "technically" within range but on the lower end might be okay for some people but insufficient for those hoping to build muscle mass, especially if you have symptoms of low testosterone.

Look for a healthcare provider who specializes in hormone health and understands the difference between "normal" and "optimal" hormone levels. Your body's needs are unique to your age, activity level, and fitness objectives, not to a broad statistical average that includes men who aren't remotely similar to you. You should be treated as an individual, not a lab number.

Key Ingredients in an Effective Testosterone Booster

Not all testosterone boosters are created equal. Many products on the market make big promises but contain ineffective ingredients or mystery proprietary formulas.

Here is a breakdown of ingredients to look for in an effective testosterone booster that delivers results. The formula doesn't have to contain all of these ingredients, but it should have at least a couple in the correct ratios and amounts.

Fadogia Agrestis

This Nigerian herb has generated significant interest in the fitness world for good reason. Research suggests that Fadogia Agrestis may help boost testosterone levels by supporting your body's natural production pathways.

What makes it particularly interesting is how it works with luteinizing hormone (LH) – the chemical messenger that tells your testes to produce testosterone. Fadogia appears to improve your body's sensitivity to LH, essentially making your system more responsive to your body's own testosterone-boosting signals.

Tongkat Ali (Longjack Root Extract)

Also known as Malaysian Ginseng, Tongkat Ali has a two-way approach to supporting testosterone levels. First, it may help free up testosterone that's bound to a protein called Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG).

When testosterone is bound to SHBG, it's essentially locked away and can't be used by your muscles or other tissues. By reducing this binding, Tongkat Ali helps increase the amount of "free" testosterone available for your body to use.

Second, it may stimulate the production of luteinizing hormone (LH), working with Fadogia Agrestis for optimal hormone support. Fadogia helps your body better utilize LH, while Tongkat Ali helps you produce more of it.

ByroViron®

This specialized extract comes from Bryonia lacinosa, a plant that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to support male vitality. While human clinical trials are limited, animal studies have shown promising results for testosterone production.

What's particularly interesting about ByroViron® is how it supports the entire testosterone production pathway rather than just one aspect of it.

KSM-66® Ashwagandha

You've probably heard of Ashwagandha, but KSM-66® isn't just any ashwagandha. It is a patented, high-concentration, full-spectrum root extract that's backed by multiple clinical studies. Many human studies show its effectiveness in boosting testosterone and supporting male fertility. 

However, what sets it apart from other testosterone-supporting ingredients is that KSM-66® not only helps increase testosterone directly but also works as an adaptogen, helping your body manage stress and lower cortisol levels.

Since cortisol is a known testosterone killer, this benefit makes KSM-66® particularly valuable for anyone dealing with high-stress lifestyles (which is most of us these days).

Rosemary Leaf Extract

Rosemary isn't just for cooking– this common herb contains compounds that may help support healthy testosterone levels by inhibiting an enzyme called aromatase. Aromatase converts testosterone into estrogen, so by blocking this process, it is believed that rosemary extract may help maintain higher testosterone levels.

Additionally, rosemary extract has antioxidant properties that can potentially help protect your body's cells from oxidative stress and damage, including those involved in hormone production.

Fenugreek Seed Extract

This herb has been used for centuries in traditional medicine as a way to boost testosterone and sexual function in males. While modern scientific evidence is a bit mixed, there are clinical trials that found that fenugreek has a positive effect on testosterone levels, primarily by inhibiting enzymes that convert testosterone into estrogen, helping to maintain higher levels of free testosterone in the bloodstream.

Studies also show that fenugreek supplementation might promote blood sugar management and, when combined with resistance training, may improve body composition and enhance strength gains compared to training alone.

DIM (Diindolylmethane)

DIM is a photochemical found naturally in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage and is believed to help support healthy estrogen balance. For men, this could mean less conversion of testosterone into estrogen, allowing more testosterone to remain available. 

Muira Puama Extract

Often called "potency wood," this Amazonian herb has a long history of traditional use for supporting male vitality. While its benefits for hormone health are still being studied, Muira Puama appears to work by supporting nitric oxide production (improving blood flow) and potentially acting on the brain's neurotransmitters that influence hormone production.

Zinc

This essential mineral is crucial for optimal testosterone production. Zinc acts as a raw material for testosterone synthesis and supports the enzymes involved in hormone production.

Research shows that zinc deficiency (which is pretty common) is strongly associated with low testosterone levels. Supplementation can help restore normal levels in those who are deficient. 

But even if you have adequate levels of zinc, extra supplementation may help maintain optimal testosterone production during intense training.

Boron Citrate

This trace mineral has been shown to influence how the body metabolizes and utilizes testosterone. Some research suggests that boron supplementation can increase free testosterone while decreasing estrogen.

Boron in citrate form is more bioavailable, allowing for better absorption and utilization. Studies indicate that even small amounts of boron can help optimize the testosterone-to-estrogen ratio in men, supporting better muscle growth.

Two Popular Testosterone Boosters To Consider

While the individual ingredients listed above are all beneficial in their own way, the synergistic effect of a well-formulated combination of these ingredients delivers the best results for natural testosterone production. 

At RAW Nutrition, we have two testosterone-boosting supplements that contain the ingredients listed above in combinations designed to target different aspects of testosterone support for maximum effectiveness.

Each formula offers unique benefits depending on your specific goals and needs. Whether you choose RAW Signal for its focused approach or RAW Test for its comprehensive support, you can't go wrong.

However, you don't have to pick between the two– you can stack them together for an optimal testosterone boost. But if you just want to take one and need help deciding, you can always reach out to our team for guidance.  

RAW Signal

RAW Signal is formulated with a powerful combination of Fadogia Agrestis and Tongkat Ali. These powerful testosterone-boosting ingredients work together to support natural testosterone production through pathways that complement each other. 

The Fadogia Agrestis in RAW Signal helps elevate testosterone levels by enhancing your body's sensitivity to luteinizing hormone (LH) – essentially making your system more responsive to your body's own signals to produce testosterone.

Meanwhile, Tongkat Ali helps free up testosterone that's bound to Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), making more testosterone available for your muscles and tissues to use. It also helps stimulate additional production of luteinizing hormone.

RAW Test

RAW Test contains several powerful natural ingredients that address multiple aspects of testosterone production and hormone balance, but the star of the formula is ByroViron®, an extract of Bryonia lacinosa that has been used for centuries to boost testosterone.

What sets RAW Test apart from other testosterone-boosting formulas with this extract is that our experts formulated it with the human equivalent dose that showed the most significant testosterone increases in animal research studies while still maintaining safety standards.

It also contains Ashwagandha, one of the most well-researched adaptogens available. We chose to use the patented, high-concentration, full-spectrum root extract version of this powerful herb called KSM-66®.

KSM-66® is backed by human clinical studies showing its effectiveness for testosterone production support and balancing cortisol levels, which is crucial since high cortisol can suppress testosterone production.

RAW Test also includes zinc, boron, DIM, fenugreek, rosemary extract, and Muira Puama to support the entire hormone production pathway, making it ideal for anyone wanting to address multiple aspects of hormone health for more significant testosterone support.

How To Time and Dose Testosterone Boosters

When it comes to timing and dosing testosterone boosters, there's no one-size-fits-all approach since every supplement has a unique formula.

For example, if you take RAW Signal, the suggested dosage and timing is 3 capsules daily taken with food. This supplement is also safe to be stacked with RAW Test for maximum natural testosterone potential. For that product, the suggested dose is 8 capsules daily. You can take all eight at once, but we recommend taking four capsules twice daily, split into an AM and PM dose. 

Whatever the suggested dosage is on the product label you choose, follow it; it's there for a reason. Don't be tempted to take more than recommended or advised by your doctor. Exceeding dosage suggestions won't speed up your results. Doing that would be a waste of money and could potentially cause unwanted side effects.

Another important thing to remember when taking a testosterone booster is consistency. Your body needs steady support to optimize hormone production. Testosterone supplements are not a quick fix. Unlike pre-workout supplements that deliver immediate energy, testosterone boosters work gradually by supporting your body's natural production systems. 

Taking your supplement sporadically or "when you remember" won't give you the results you're looking for. They need time to create the right environment for your body to naturally produce more testosterone over time. Most quality testosterone boosters require daily use for at least 2-4 weeks before you'll notice initial benefits, with full effects typically appearing after 8-12 weeks of consistent use.

Conclusion 

Testosterone is a hormone that adult men and women both need in healthy amounts to support muscle protein synthesis, strength development, and overall health.

Testosterone-boosting supplements are different from other methods of replenishing testosterone, such as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Some people might need the additional support of TRT. However, most people simply need to give their bodies a little support to do what they are naturally designed to do.

That's where consistently taking a quality testosterone booster can help.

There is no shortage of supplements out there that claim to help increase your testosterone levels naturally. The verdict of whether or not testosterone boosters actually work to improve testosterone levels is mixed.

That's because many testosterone boosters don't work because they don't contain the right ingredients in the right combination, ratios, and dosages to actually help your body optimize testosterone production.

At RAW Nutrition, we use scientifically developed formulas with multiple ingredients that either have clinical backing to support testosterone production or show promise in hormone health. We also have thousands of reviews from customers who have experienced real results using one or both of our testosterone-boosting supplements. 

If you are ready to break through your muscle-building plateau, try giving your body the hormone support it needs with either RAW Signal, RAW Test– or both!