Originally Posted by
Stubbies4Lyf
This is a very commonly discussed topic within the fitness community - there's a number of problems with the basic (GP assigned) testosterone check.
1/ Most common methodologies only measure "total testosterone" (completely irrelevant without context) - you need to know your free testosterone, SHBG, etc to understand how much test your body actually has access to. One of the recommended methodologies is liquid chromatography - but if you're serious about getting a good measure, see an endocrinologist.
2/ "Normal parameters" are bullshit - based on age/standard deviations etc. Doctors don't want you "optimal" - that's the problem, they just want you in the "normal" range.
There are many factors that can cause a reduction in your testosterone - some are really obvious (lack of sleep) and some are less obvious (lack of confidence because of a life-altering event, like a partner leaving you)
Some reductions can also be (very) short-term - all important things to bare in mind.
To answer your question, supplements like Ashwaghanda, Tongkat Ali etc have been shown to help a little - but they won't take your levels from bad to good. There are however other remedies that can (and I'm not necessarily referring to TRT or injections) - if you're seriously concerned, see an endocrinologist with a referral from your GP.