Testosterone Boosters and Drug Tests: Will You Fail?

James Cunningham, BSc, CPT
Published by James Cunningham, BSc, CPT | Staff Writer & Senior Coach
Last updated: September 15, 2024
FACT CHECKED by Dr. Kristy Dayanan, BS, MD
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Testosterone concentration can vary depending on factors such as age, sex, time of day, and individual health conditions.

Certain studies have found that testosterone boosters could show in your urine and cause a failed drug test.

These reports have raised my concerns as a professional fitness trainer because taking a T booster helps my clients take their workouts to the next level.

I have conducted several surveys, analyses, and in-depth research to put these claims to the test and determine if using testosterone boosters will cause you to fail a drug test.

Quick Summary

  • A testosterone booster cannot make you fail a drug test because most MIPS can extract each ingredient and determine which you are using.
  • Testosterone boosters can be detected in urine tests, but most multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements (MIPS) can be analyzed to identify specific ingredients, reducing the risk of a false positive.
  • The National Institutes of Health (NIH) research reveals cocaine metabolites from coca tea are detectable in urine for over 20 hours, risking false positives in drug tests.
  • Personally, I believe it's crucial for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to be well-informed about the ingredients in testosterone boosters to avoid unintended consequences in drug testing.

Will Testosterone Booster Show Up In Urine Tests?

medical person holding up a urine sample

Our team discovered through using this product that testosterone boosters can indeed be detected in urine tests, with the results varying based on the detection method and dosage.

Anabolic steroids can be detected in urine for days to weeks after the last dose, depending on the steroids taken.

Because some anabolic steroids are extensively metabolized, identification is based on a metabolite rather than the parent drug [1].

If steroids are taken orally, they can be detected in a urine test for up to 14 days.

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Because oral administration of T supplements results in rapid pharmacokinetics, urine samples must be collected within the first few hours after ingestion to obtain accurate results.

If steroids are injected, they can be detected for up to a month. The modern laboratory technology developed for detecting testosterone in urine samples appears more practical when administered intramuscularly [2].

Syringe and testosterone bottle

Through my practical knowledge, I've learned that external testosterone sources come in two forms: legal steroids and anabolic steroids, each with its own set of implications.

Legal steroids, popularly accepted as multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements (MIPS), are over-the-counter (OTC). It's a general term for legitimate supplements that are formulated to help improve workout performance in bodybuilding.

On the other hand, anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic variants of the male sex hormone testosterone.

While doctors prescribe some anabolic steroids for specific medical conditions, the bulk of anabolic steroids are obtained illegally and without a prescription [3].

Bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts use steroids to increase testosterone levels above the average to achieve their body goals faster.

How Do Supplements Cause Failed Drug Tests?

My investigation demonstrated that, similar to certain dietary supplements, performance-enhancing testosterone supplements can indeed lead to failed lab drug tests due to specific ingredients.

Certain ingredients and artificial substances in these supplements may cause a false positive reading when lab drug analysts examine a person's body fluids for the presence of drugs or illegal substances.

Potential Triggers To A False Positive Drug Test

organic ingredients

Here are some ingredients that are considered possible triggers of a false positive DT:

1. Hemp

Hemp is made up of small brown seeds that grow on the Cannabis sativa plant. They contain less than 0.3 percent THC, marijuana's primary psychoactive compound, which can accumulate in your fat cells and last for up to 5 weeks if you consume hemp products [4]. CBD oil, for example.

CBD oil, or Cannabidiol, is made from stalks, leaves, and flowers and is beneficial for both pre-and post-workout.

2. B-complex vitamins

Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin, known to be added in some pre-workouts, may be made from hemp seed oil and may cause traces of THC (marijuana) to show up on a drug test [5].

Also, Vitamin B7, also known as biotin, has been linked to a false positive drug screen [6].

Although more research is needed to prove this claim, the FDA has issued a Safety Communication stating that taking high levels of biotin can significantly interfere with some lab tests, leading to false results [7].

3. Coca Tea

Coca tea is made from the same plant that produces cocaine.

According to a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), cocaine metabolites can be detected in urine samples for at least 20 hours after consumption of the beverage. As a result, coca tea drinkers are bound to test positive for cocaine in a urine drug test [8].

It's important for individuals who consume coca tea to be aware that the presence of cocaine metabolites in their urine samples could potentially lead to false-positive results in urine drug tests.

How to Avoid These Triggers?

man holding up medicine in disgust

There are numerous factors to consider before taking a drug test. It's best to avoid taking over-the-counter supplements, especially a few hours before the urine test.

It will also help if you consume the recommended serving size and do not overdo it.

Another factor is to avoid foods, medications, and other substances that may cause a false positive reading of a drug test [9].

Alternatively, avoid them altogether a week before the test to prevent any risks of failure due to the low drug test cutoff level, where even a trace of substance can result in a positive result.

The bottom line, you can save yourself the time and stress of taking a drug test that may produce inaccurate results if you avoid them as preparation for your urine test.


References:

  1. https://www.rcpa.edu.au/Manuals/
  2. https://www.talktofrank.com/drug/anabolic-steroids
  3. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/za1277
  4. https://www.ororecovery.com/
  5. https://www.singlecare.com/blog/
  6. https://www.ehealthme.com/ds/biotin/
  7. https://www.drugtopics.com/view/
  8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2705900/
  9. https://www.webmd.com/drug-medication/
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About The Author

James Cunningham, BSc, CPT
Staff Writer & Senior Coach
James Cunningham, BSc, CPT holds a BSc degree in Sport & Exercise Science from University of Hertfordshire. He's a Health & Performance Coach from London that brings a unique blend of academic knowledge of health supplements and practical exercise experience to the table for his readers.
Learn more about our editorial policy
Dr. Kristy June Dayanan, BS, MD is an author with a BS degree from University of the Philippines and an MD from University of Perpetual Help System. Her ability to simplify medical science complexities and dietary supplement jargon for the average reader makes her a valued medical fact checker and reviewer.
Learn more about our editorial policy
Dr. Harshi Dhingra, MBBS, MD is a published peer-reviewed author and renowned physician from India with over a decade of experience. With her MBBS from Bharati Vidyapeeth and an MD from Rajiv Gandhi University, she actively ensures the accuracy of online dietary supplement and medical information by reviewing and fact-checking health publications.
Learn more about our editorial policy

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