One of the main questions many athletes ask us about taking T-boosters is how long they stay in their system.
And when it comes to low testosterone levels, there’s often an expectation that some supplements might provide a once-off permanent fix.
But, there’s even more confusion about testosterone boosters because of misinformation around hormone therapy and the half-life of such medical treatments.
To help you avoid the confusion and properly understand how long T-boosters last, we got a nutritionist to help us out.
Here’s what we found.
Quick Summary
- Low levels of testosterone significantly impact men’s health, and natural aging is one of the main problems.
- There is a huge difference between taking a natural booster and medical testosterone replacement therapy.
- A natural booster might not work as fast as a testosterone cypionate or testosterone enanthate injection, but it may provide longer-lasting results.
How Long Are Testosterone Boosters Effective?
Natural testosterone boosters can raise testosterone production for several months after achieving the peak effect.
One study, in particular, found that it could take six months to achieve the best results, but the impact could then last for another six months or longer [1].
That is an interesting concept for all athletes, showing how important it can be to factor in off-cycles.
With the right supplement and a consistent approach to taking it, you could be in a position to take it less frequently after six months.
It’s important to be aware that this is very different from anabolic steroids that are medically provided through intramuscular injections.
These typically have a half-life of about eight days and would be gone out of your system after a few weeks.
But because there are many different types of these injections, it’s best to discuss these with a doctor.
Do Certain Testosterone Boosters Last Longer?
When it comes to testosterone production, one of the most important minerals is zinc. But unfortunately, the human body isn’t able to store excess amounts of it.
That means that it’s one booster that won’t provide long-term results for low T-levels.
But there are a couple that could give you results beyond a short duration.
Tribulus Terrestris
This herbal ingredient has been linked to improved libido [2], and studies have also looked at how long the effects last.
First of all, scientists have shown that it can take three weeks or longer for it to build up enough to increase levels of testosterone.
That would also mean that it could take about the same amount of time for the effects to wear off.
Ashwagandha
This African herb takes a similar amount of time as Tribulus Terrestris and potentially up to three months to notice the full effects.
We’ve also had advice from our nutritionist to take a break from it every three months so that your body doesn’t get too used to it.
The off-cycle should also not result in the effects immediately wearing off, giving you some time to affect your T-levels again in the same way.
You can check our article on the best ashwagandha supplement.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is one of the faster-acting herbs, and you could expect to see some impacts on hormones within 2 to 3 days. That also means that you could see the effects on muscles, fat stores, and libido last about a week once you stop taking it.
On the medical treatment side of things, it takes up to eight days to clear testosterone enanthate, testosterone cypionate, and testosterone propionate esters to about half their initial boost [3].
But it’s important to discuss this with a medical professional rather than rely on online resources.
Does Lifestyle Influence How Long Testosterone Boosters Last?
Here’s a simple reality check that I give all my clients. You cannot expect to achieve a higher testosterone level just with a T-booster and no changes to your lifestyle and diet.
If you remain on the couch all day watching the latest Netflix show with a box of donuts, then no amount of T-boosters or medication will solve your health problems.
“The type of fat a person eats may also affect their testosterone levels and function. A study in the Asian Journal of AndrologyTrusted Source looked at the dietary patterns of young, healthy men in regards to their hormone levels and testicular function.”
- Natalie Olsen, R.D., L.D., ACSM EP-C, MedicalNewsToday.com
You’ll still be heading for heart disease with other vital functions in your body coming under pressure too.
The main thing that will hold back how long T-boosters last will be your diet. If you eat a lot of sugar and saturated fat, i.e., chocolate and fast food, then your hormones will remain out of balance.
And most people that just take some form of supplementation without adding an exercise routine won't see changes in their metabolism or muscle growth from taking T-boosters either.
I can’t say this often enough: they are not magic pills that give you an excuse to be lazy about your health.
Do Testosterone Boosters Have An Immediate Effect?
No, testosterone boosters generally don’t have an immediate effect.
That’s something you would only see with testosterone injections (e.g., testosterone cypionate or testosterone propionate), and you should only consider those under medical supervision [4].
T-boosters work by gradually building up in your body to trigger natural responses in your testicles. With a gradually increasing hormone release, you should end up with a much safer road back to normal levels without side effects.
And the other advantage is that once you stop taking boosters, you’ll still get the benefits for a few weeks.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Testosterone Boosters?
When you stop taking testosterone boosters, you should remain in your normal range for the sex hormone for at least a month.
Unlike a testosterone injection, the half-life of some of the herbs and your body’s response leads to sustained production.
In some cases, men might even find that their T-levels don't drop for many months, but you have to be careful to look out for typical symptoms.
Those could be issues with bone density, body mass index, and a loss of muscle mass.
If these things happen even though you don’t change your dietary rules or exercise, then a gradual decrease in testosterone is possibly the issue.
Will Testosterone Boosters Show Up On A Drug Test After Long Term Use?
No, testosterone boosters that involve a dietary intake of herbs, minerals, and vitamins won’t show up on a drug test. Such blood tests usually involve checking for various esters that are common in hormone replacement therapy.
Because natural herbs “trick” your body into producing more natural testosterone, it’s not something that would raise suspicion during athletic drug tests.
Related Article:
FAQs
Are Testosterone Boosters Permanent?
No, testosterone boosters aren’t permanent. They generally trigger natural responses that might last for several months, but it’s not likely for most men to remain in a normal range for a longer time.
Should You Take Testosterone Boosters without Off-Cycles?
No, you shouldn’t take testosterone boosters without off-cycles. It’s entirely possible that you become used to the ingredients and that your hormone production slows down again. Aim for ten days off every three months.
Can You Make A Testosterone Booster Stay Longer In Your System?
The male sex hormone is one hormone that you simply cannot underestimate. It’s not just about muscles and mood, but maintaining the right hormone levels is vital to your overall health as well.
And if you’ve started seeing results with a T-booster and are wondering when you can stop taking them, then you need to approach that idea with caution.
Check out our recommended T-boosters in the market:
The boosters will continue to work for a few months, but you could ultimately see a drop again.
Instead, aim to go through a regular off-cycle for ten days and do blood tests to check your hormone levels.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3188848/
- https://www.maturitas.org/article/S0378-5122(16)30297-3/fulltext
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/testosterone-enantate
- https://reverehealth.com/live-better/testosterone-replacement/
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