What does testosterone do for your body?

Testosterone is an important hormone for both men and women. Although it is often associated with a man's libido, testosterone is produced in both sexes from birth. In women, it plays a role in sex drive, energy and physical strength. In men, it stimulates the onset of sexual development and helps maintain the health of a man throughout his life.

A man's testosterone level peaks in early adulthood. But the hormone continues to play an important role in:

bone and muscle mass
fat storage
red blood cell production
sexual and physical health
In most cases, after the age of 30, your testosterone levels will begin to drop naturally. Drastic drops or a disruption in production can cause symptoms of low testosterone levels (low T). An estimated 5 million American men have sufficiently low levels of testosterone to cause symptoms, according to UCLA Health.

The drastic decrease in testosterone levels can lead to:

difficulty getting an erection
increased body fat
decreased muscle strength
loss of body hair
Swelling and tenderness of the breasts.
sleep disorders
fatigue
depression
However, these unexpected changes can be caused by a variety of factors. These may include health conditions, side effects of medications and excessive alcohol or drug use. The treatment of the underlying cause can also clear up your symptoms.

Talk to your doctor if you are worried about low T. Read on to see which vitamins, herbs and supplements can benefit from testosterone production.

The world of vitamins, herbs and supplements.
Traditional testosterone replacement therapies, such as injections, implants and gels, work to add testosterone to your body. Herbs and supplements, on the other hand, help your body produce testosterone. Some herbs and supplements simply aim to relieve your symptoms of low T.

While some alternative treatments are safe for people with low T, not all have undergone rigorous testing in humans. Talk to your doctor if you are interested in a certain herb or supplement. They may recommend the exact dose.

Side effects
Dietary supplement manufacturers do not need the approval of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA also does not regulate the quality and safety of herbs, supplements and vitamins. It is possible that a product is unsafe, ineffective or both.

Always talk to your doctor before trying a new treatment. Some treatments can cause unintended side effects or interact negatively with the medications you are taking.

Malaysian Ginseng (Eurycoma longifolia)
Malay ginseng is also known as Tongkat ali or E. longifolia. It is a plant native to Southeast Asia with properties that are:

antimalarial
antidiabetic
antimicrobial
to reduce fever
As an herbal medicine, Malaysian ginseng can:

increase libido
improve sports performance
increase weight loss
Stimulates the production of androgen hormones, such as testosterone.
relieve postpartum depression, high blood pressure and fatigue
One study suggested that this herb could help the body overcome other problems related to testosterone, including osteoporosis. It is uncertain whether Malaysian ginseng can increase testosterone or directly affect men's bones.

Human clinical trials of Malaysian ginseng are limited. There is no standard for the exact dose that a person should take. In one study, people who took 600 milligrams (mg) of this extract did not see negative effects on blood profiles and organ function.


Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris)
Puncturevine is a tropical plant used in traditional folk medicine. The research results are mixed on their ability to increase testosterone levels.

One study found that men who took puncturevine for 60 days improved sperm counts and increased testosterone levels. But the results did not prove to be significant. Puncturevine can only benefit people who are helpless.

The fruit, leaf and root of the plant can be crushed to make teas, capsules and tablets. It is recommended not to take more than 1,500 mg per day, according to the AECOSAN Scientific Committee.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Traditional Indian medicine uses ashwagandha for many things, including sexual dysfunction and infertility. The roots and berries of the plant are used to make teas, extracts and capsules.

One study looked at 46 infertile men and compared the changes in their sperm.