Tag: testosterone

Endocrine Disruptors That Can Tank Your Testosterone

Posted on by AmyADMIN

Endocrine disruptors don’t tend to come up too often in regular conversations among men, but they might be affecting you more than you know. If you’ve been struggling with symptoms like fatigue, low libido, brain fog, or stubborn belly fat, these hormone blockers could be to blame.

From plastic bottles to skincare and even the food we eat, endocrine disruptors are everywhere. These chemicals interfere with the way your hormones are made, released, or used in the body. For men, they pose a direct threat to testosterone levels, metabolic health, and overall vitality.

In an episode of our Women Want Strong Men podcast, hormone experts Dr. Lauren Fitz and Kristi Hales shared how everyday chemicals are disrupting testosterone and silently sabotaging men’s health. Save the episode for later, then continue reading for more.

Today, we’re breaking down what endocrine disruptors are, where they’re hiding, and how they affect your testosterone. We’ll also share what you can do to support your hormones and protect your long-term health. Let’s dive in. 

What Are Endocrine Disruptors?

Endocrine disruptors are synthetic chemicals that mimic or block hormones in your body, especially testosterone and estrogen. These compounds can bind to your hormone receptors, throw off your body’s messaging system, and alter how your hormones are produced or cleared.

Think of them like hormonal “imposters.” They trick your body into thinking there’s more or less of a hormone than there actually is. That confusion can mess with everything from your energy and mood to your metabolism, fertility, and muscle mass. 

Unfortunately, endocrine disruptors can be found in many of the everyday products we all use. Some of the most common ones include BPA, phthalates, parabens, PFAS, triclosan, and atrazine. These chemicals are everywhere, quietly wreaking havoc on your hormone health.

How Do Endocrine Disruptors Affect Testosterone?

Endocrine disruptors can block testosterone from doing its job, even when your lab numbers look fine. These chemicals block your hormone receptors, which makes your body think everything’s fine—even though your cells aren’t actually getting the testosterone they need.

That’s why many men experience classic low testosterone symptoms like:

  • Low energy and motivation
  • Reduced muscle mass
  • Increased belly fat
  • Low libido and sexual performance issues
  • Trouble sleeping or recovering from workouts
  • Brain fog and mood swings

Over time, constant exposure to endocrine disruptors can cause metabolic dysfunction, throw off your testosterone-to-estrogen ratio, and increase inflammation throughout the body. 

If you’re already on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), these hormone blockers can make your treatment less effective. If you’re not on TRT and experiencing these symptoms, it’s worth coming in for a consultation to see if your hormone levels are part of the problem. 

Which Everyday Products Disrupt Hormones?

You might be wondering where these pesky chemicals are actually hiding. The answer? Pretty much everywhere. From the plastic water bottle you grab at the gas station to the body wash in your shower, endocrine disruptors are found in a surprising number of household items. 

There’s no need to panic or toss out everything you own, but it’s important to know what’s sneaking into your daily routine so you can start making better choices. Some of the most common everyday sources of endocrine disruptors include: 

  • Plastic containers and water bottles – Even BPA-free plastics can leach chemicals, especially when heated, as BPA is often replaced with less-tested alternatives.
  • Canned foods – Many are lined with BPA-containing materials.
  • Cologne and personal care products – Most contain synthetic fragrances and parabens, which can disrupt your hormones.
  • Nonstick pans – PFAS (forever chemicals) are linked to hormone disruption, cancer, and infertility.
  • Junk food – Red dye 40, high-fructose corn syrup, seed oils, and preservatives mess with your hormones just as much as your blood sugar. There’s a reason why so many of the processed foods we eat are either banned or altered in other countries!

You don’t have to live like a monk, but being selective about what goes in and on your body can make a serious difference.

How to Protect Yourself from Endocrine Disruptors

You can’t completely avoid every hormone-disrupting chemical out there, but you can cut down your exposure in a big way with a few smart swaps and daily habits. Don’t worry, you don’t have to live in a bubble. You just need to stack the odds in your favor so your body isn’t constantly fighting against toxins that work against your testosterone. Remember, small changes add up.

Here are some simple ways to protect yourself from endocrine disruptors: 

  • Use glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic (if you must use plastic, never microwave or heat it) 
  • Switch to clean grooming products with no synthetic fragrance, parabens, or phthalates
  • Opt for essential oil diffusers instead of scented candles and sprays
  • Choose whole foods over processed meals and snacks
  • Wash produce thoroughly or buy organic when possible
  • Avoid heating plastic in the microwave
  • Consider pharmaceutical-grade supplements to support your natural detox system

Best Supplements for Hormone Support

The best way to support your body is with targeted help, not guesswork. We recommend starting with comprehensive lab work to get an idea of what your body needs. Micronutrient testing can also be a huge help in determining where you might be deficient, so we can personalize your supplement regimen for better results.

Here are some of the top supplements for liver support, clearing out toxins, and optimizing your hormones: 

  1. Milk Thistle
  2. N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
  3. Glutathione
  4. Zinc
  5. Magnesium 
  6. Activated B-Complex 

Depending on your lab results and health goals, we may also recommend supplements like DHEA, Vitamin D3 with K2, or Omega-3s for added hormone and metabolic support.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is a powerful liver-supporting herb that helps your body process and eliminate toxins—including hormone-disrupting chemicals. It’s particularly useful for men on TRT, men who drink alcohol regularly, or anyone exposed to environmental pollutants.

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

NAC is a precursor to glutathione, one of your body’s most important antioxidants. It helps reduce oxidative stress and supports Phase II liver detox, which is crucial for breaking down and excreting used-up hormones and toxins.

Glutathione

Known as the mother of all antioxidants, glutathione supports cellular repair, detoxification, and hormone metabolism. Whether you take it directly or boost your levels through NAC supplementation, glutathione is key to efficiently clearing out endocrine disruptors.

Zinc

This liver-supporting supplement plays a direct role in testosterone production and prevents excess aromatase activity (the enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen). Zinc also acts as a cofactor for liver detox enzymes, helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, and supports gut barrier integrity—key for protecting the liver from toxins.

Magnesium (Glycinate or Threonate)

Magnesium supports over 300 biochemical reactions in your body—including testosterone production, sleep quality, stress response, and detoxification. Most men are deficient and don’t even realize it, so it’s one of the best daily supplements for many people to take.

Activated B-Complex 

B vitamins like B6, B12, and folate support methylation, a crucial part of Phase II detoxification that helps process excess hormones and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. If you have an MTHFR gene mutation, supplementing with B vitamins may be even more important.

Ready to Take Control of Your Hormone Health?

Endocrine disruptors are a threat to your testosterone, energy, and long-term health, but you can do something about it. From cutting your exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals at home to supporting your body’s ability to detox with the right lifestyle habits, you can regain control of your hormone health.

If you’re already dealing with low testosterone, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. At Victory Men’s Health, we offer comprehensive hormone testing and testosterone replacement therapy options to help you restore your energy, performance, and confidence.

Whether you’re considering TRT, need help optimizing your hormones, or want to lose stubborn weight, we’re here for you. Contact us today to book a consultation and take back your health.

Testosterone Boosters for Men: What They Are & What to Know

Posted on by AmyADMIN

If you’ve been searching for ways to improve your energy, motivation, or sex drive without jumping straight into testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), you’ve probably seen ads for “testosterone boosters.” 

These flashy supplements often contain herbal blends like fenugreek, tribulus, or tongkat ali. While they promise big results, they’re rarely regulated, often incorrectly dosed, and in some cases, contaminated with harmful ingredients.

At Victory Men’s Health, we take a different approach. Instead of relying on one-size-fits-all testosterone booster formulas, we help men look at the full picture: nutrient status, adrenal health, sleep, stress, gut health, and other hormone levels that impact testosterone. 

Think of this not as a review of over-the-counter “T-boosters,” but as a comprehensive guide to supporting testosterone naturally—whether through strategic supplementation, habit changes, or investigating deeper health issues.

On an episode of the Women Want Strong Men podcast, we sat down with hormone optimization expert Dave Lee to explore the common mistakes men make with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and the habits that can help—including which supplements to take.

Save that episode for later, and keep reading for a breakdown of what to know about testosterone boosters, how they work, and when it’s time to consider TRT.

What Are Testosterone Boosters?

“Testosterone boosters” is a broad, often misleading term used for supplements that claim to naturally increase your testosterone. These often contain herbal ingredients like tongkat ali, fenugreek, tribulus, or other plant extracts. Most of these blends are:

  • Poorly regulated
  • Contain unproven ingredients
  • Sometimes contaminated or inaccurately labeled

That’s why we don’t recommend your average over-the-counter testosterone booster. That said, there are safe and effective ways to support your testosterone naturally—just not the way most supplement companies market them. 

Rather than chasing the latest “T booster” pill, we recommend focusing on nutrient optimization, stress and sleep support, hormone precursors, and lifestyle changes. These methods can help your body support testosterone production more effectively, especially when guided by labs.

Do Testosterone Boosters Actually Work?

Some testosterone boosters can help support healthy levels—but only under the right conditions. If your testosterone is low due to things like nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, poor sleep, or lack of physical activity, targeted supplements and lifestyle changes may help your body produce more on its own.

However, if you’re young and your testosterone is very low, it’s important to look deeper. Your body isn’t naturally deficient in herbal ingredients found in most boosters—it may be responding to something more serious. Conditions like anemia, sleep apnea, chronic illness, pituitary dysfunction, or even cancer can cause your body to prioritize survival over hormone production. 

That’s why advanced lab testing is so important. It helps uncover the root cause and determine whether you’d benefit more from lifestyle shifts, medical treatment, or testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for long-term results.

Natural Testosterone Boosters for Men

If you’re looking for testosterone boosters to help increase your levels or reduce unwanted symptoms, it’s important to understand your options. Keep in mind: quality and dosage matter, and so does personalizing your supplements to your unique needs. 

It’s best to get lab work done before adding anything new to your routine, otherwise you may just be throwing bandaid solutions at the problem. Lab testing allows you to pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms, so you can add targeted supplements that actually support your body.

Here are the top supplements known to help support testosterone levels in men: 

  1. Magnesium Glycinate
  2. DHEA
  3. Pregnenolone
  4. Vitamin D3
  5. Zinc
  6. Ashwagandha

Magnesium Glycinate

Magnesium plays a key role in over 300 enzyme systems, including those that regulate testosterone. Low magnesium can impact sleep, increase cortisol, and reduce T levels.

We recommend magnesium glycinate because it’s gentle on the stomach, has calming properties, and helps support deeper sleep—all of which are vital for testosterone production and recovery.

DHEA

DHEA is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands and acts as a precursor to testosterone and estrogen. While it plays a key role in hormone production, supplementing with DHEA alone won’t reliably increase testosterone levels in men.

That said, DHEA has its own benefits—especially for adrenal health—and can be useful in specific cases. It should only be supplemented if your lab work shows you’re deficient. Taking it when your levels are already sufficient can actually backfire and disrupt your hormone balance. 

We’ve seen the most success when it’s used strategically, often as part of a broader hormone optimization plan.

Pregnenolone

Pregnenolone is another hormone precursor that supports the body’s ability to make DHEA and testosterone. Low levels can contribute to fatigue, brain fog, and low motivation.

Like DHEA, it’s not a “testosterone booster” in the traditional sense, but restoring pregnenolone when deficient can help improve hormone balance and symptoms. However, if you take it without being deficient, you may wind up feeling worse—so it’s not something to guess about.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 is essential for overall health and plays a role in everything from immune function to hormone production. While some studies suggest it may slightly increase testosterone levels, the research is mixed—and any boost is usually modest. 

If you’re low, supplementing can still support your health, but don’t assume it’ll solve low testosterone on its own. Always test your levels first to know where you stand, and remember that “normal” is not optimal—levels of 50-80ng/dL are a good target to aim for.

Zinc

Zinc is essential for testosterone synthesis, sperm production, and immune health. It also plays a role in regulating aromatase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen. If you’re sweating a lot during workouts, eating a low-zinc diet, or drinking regularly, your levels may be suboptimal. 

Supplementing with zinc—especially if you’re deficient—can support overall hormone health. But more importantly, understanding why you’re low in key micronutrients like zinc can help uncover the root causes of low testosterone. 

The most effective approach combines nutrient repletion, strategic lifestyle changes, and, when necessary, medical therapies tailored to your specific needs.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps your body manage stress, AKA one of the biggest roadblocks to healthy hormone levels. Chronic stress increases cortisol, which can suppress testosterone production and leave you feeling fatigued, irritable, or low on drive.

Supplementing with high-quality ashwagandha may help reduce cortisol levels, improve sleep quality, and support overall hormone balance. While it’s not a direct testosterone booster, it creates a more favorable environment for your body to optimize hormone production naturally.

What About Herbal Testosterone Boosters?

Ingredients like fenugreek, tongkat ali, and tribulus are commonly found in “testosterone booster” supplements online—but the evidence is mixed, and we’ve seen too many issues with poor regulation, inconsistent quality, and even contamination.

If you’re thinking about taking a supplement that includes proprietary blends with mystery doses of these types of ingredients, we recommend skipping it. Most men do better with a targeted, lab-based supplement plan, not an Amazon shortcut.

When Supplements Aren’t Enough, TRT Can Help

We hear from a lot of men who’ve tried everything, from protein powders and pre-workouts to multivitamins and even trendy “testosterone boosters.” But they still feel exhausted, unfocused, or stuck with low drive and performance. The truth is, no amount of supplements or exercise can fully reverse what’s happening if your body isn’t making as much testosterone anymore.

Testosterone naturally declines with age and can drop even faster with stress, poor sleep, overtraining, under-eating, shift work, or chronic inflammation. Many over-the-counter “boosters” are unregulated, packed with herbal blends, and sometimes even harmful. 

The best real “boosters” for testosterone? A nutrient-rich diet, regular exercise without overtraining, quality sleep, stress management, and good digestive health. If you’re not absorbing nutrients well due to gut issues like bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, your hormones can suffer.

However, if you’ve already addressed these areas, your labs don’t show any major deficiencies, and your symptoms are still impacting your life (especially if your free testosterone is low), it may be time to consider TRT. If we find that TRT is the right move after evaluating your lab work, lifestyle, and symptoms, we’ll guide you through a personalized plan that helps you feel like yourself again.

What to Look for in a Testosterone Booster Supplement

The supplement aisle is packed with flashy labels, bold claims, and “testosterone booster” formulas that promise fast results. But some products can do more harm than good if you’re not careful. If you’re considering adding a testosterone booster to your routine, it’s important to know what to look for so you’re not wasting money or throwing off your hormone balance. 

The best supplements are backed by research, dosed appropriately, and transparently labeled. Here’s what to keep in mind when looking for supplements for testosterone support: 

  • Look for third-party testing to ensure purity and label accuracy.
  • Avoid proprietary blends that don’t list exact dosages.
  • Choose forms backed by research (like magnesium glycinate > oxide).
  • Stick to reputable brands that don’t overpromise and underdeliver.
  • Remember that supplements should support your health, not replace it.

FAQs About Testosterone Boosters

Do Testosterone Boosters Raise Libido?

They can, especially if your low libido is tied to low levels of vitamin D, magnesium, or DHEA. But if your testosterone levels are already low, supplements may only provide minimal improvement.

Are Testosterone Supplements Safe Long-Term?

Pharmaceutical-grade, evidence-based supplements are generally safe when used at appropriate doses under the guidance of your provider. However, taking more than you need (or the wrong supplement) can backfire. That’s why it’s important to work with a provider who can provide lab work to help you determine the best supplements for your needs.

Are Natural Testosterone Supplements Better Than TRT?

They’re not “better” or “worse”—just different. Supplements may help support lifestyle changes or overall hormone optimization, but for true testosterone deficiency, TRT is often more effective and long-lasting.

Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?

Most over-the-counter testosterone boosters are overhyped, under-researched, and not worth your money. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. When guided by lab work, the right combination of supplements, diet, exercise, and sleep support can help restore hormone balance and improve symptoms. 

If you’ve tried everything and still aren’t where you want to be, TRT might be the next step. At Victory Men’s Health, we help men get answers through comprehensive lab work and ongoing monitoring. Ready to feel like yourself again? Book a consultation today and start your journey toward better energy, better focus, and better results.