Are testosterone tablets safe long-term, or can Ayurveda help naturally?

Question

Lately, I’ve been feeling super low on energy, and my workouts are just not the same. I used to lift heavier, recover faster, and actually feel strong, but over the last year, I’ve noticed a huge drop in strength and stamina. My sleep isn’t great, I wake up feeling tired no matter how long I sleep, and my mood swings are crazy. I also have almost no motivation to do anything, which is weird because I used to be super active.

I got my testosterone levels tested a few months ago, and the results showed that I was on the lower side of normal. My doctor suggested testosterone tablets to boost my levels, and I’ve been on them for about three months now. At first, I felt amazing—more energy, better workouts, even my focus improved. But recently, I’ve started feeling off again. My body feels bloated, and I get headaches randomly. Also, my skin has become super oily, and I’m getting acne like I’m a teenager again. I’m worried that testosterone tablets might be messing with my hormones in ways I didn’t expect.

I don’t wanna depend on testosterone tablets forever, so I started looking into Ayurveda for natural ways to balance hormones. Are there herbs or foods that can boost testosterone naturally without side effects? I’ve read about ashwagandha and shilajit, but do they really work for testosterone levels? Also, is there anything in Ayurveda that helps restore the body’s natural hormone production after stopping testosterone tablets?

Another thing—I eat a lot of processed food and drink coffee daily. Could that be affecting my hormones? I’m willing to make diet changes if it helps, but I don’t know where to start. Should I avoid certain foods that lower testosterone? Also, does Ayurveda recommend any lifestyle changes, like specific exercises or daily habits, to naturally support testosterone levels?

I don’t want to rely on testosterone tablets forever if there’s a better way. Can Ayurveda help balance hormones long-term without side effects? Has anyone used Ayurvedic treatments to naturally increase testosterone, and did it actually work?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

Your symptoms indicate a possible imbalance in Agni (digestive fire) and a depletion of Ojas (vital energy), leading to low testosterone and poor recovery. Relying on synthetic testosterone can disrupt your body's natural hormone production, causing side effects like bloating, oily skin, and mood swings. Ayurveda focuses on strengthening your body's ability to produce testosterone naturally by nourishing the reproductive tissues (Shukra Dhatu) and balancing Vata and Pitta doshas. Herbs like Ashwagandha, Shilajit, Safed Musli, and Kaunch Beej are excellent for boosting testosterone, improving strength, and enhancing vitality. Include healthy fats like ghee, almonds, sesame seeds, and dates in your diet while avoiding processed foods, excessive caffeine, and sugar, which can disturb hormone balance. Daily Abhyanga (oil massage) with sesame oil helps regulate Vata and improves energy. Strength-based workouts, coupled with adequate rest, are key—overtraining can deplete Ojas. Practice deep breathing (Anulom Vilom) and meditation to manage stress, as excess cortisol can lower testosterone. Ayurveda offers a holistic way to restore your body’s natural hormone production, but it requires consistency in diet, herbs, and lifestyle modifications rather than quick fixes.

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

Low testosterone levels can definitely impact energy, strength, mood, and motivation, and while testosterone tablets provide a quick fix, they can sometimes lead to hormonal imbalances, water retention, acne, and dependency. Ayurveda focuses on restoring the body's natural hormone production by addressing the root cause—often linked to weakened Agni (digestive fire), excessive stress, poor sleep, or lifestyle factors.

To boost testosterone naturally, herbs like Ashwagandha, Shilajit, and Safed Musli are highly recommended. Ashwagandha helps reduce cortisol (stress hormone), increase energy, and support muscle recovery, while Shilajit is known for its mineral-rich composition that enhances vitality and testosterone production. Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) is another herb that helps with muscle growth, libido, and stamina. You can take these herbs individually or find a good Ayurvedic formulation that combines them.

Your diet plays a major role in testosterone balance. Processed foods, excess caffeine, refined sugar, and alcohol can lower testosterone and increase inflammation. Ayurveda suggests eating testosterone-boosting foods like ghee, almonds, walnuts, sesame seeds, dates, figs, and zinc-rich foods (pumpkin seeds, spinach, lentils). Cooked meals with warming spices like ginger, garlic, and turmeric help improve digestion and absorption of nutrients. Including healthy fats (avocado, coconut oil, and olive oil) is also crucial since testosterone is made from cholesterol.

Lifestyle changes matter too—strength training, heavy lifting, and short bursts of high-intensity exercise (HIIT) naturally raise testosterone. However, avoid overtraining, as it can increase cortisol and further lower testosterone. Prioritize deep sleep, as testosterone production peaks during rest. Try Abhyanga (self-massage with sesame oil) and Nasya therapy (applying Brahmi or Anu Tailam in the nostrils) to calm the nervous system and improve hormone balance. If you're planning to stop testosterone tablets, you may need a gradual detox approach to help your body regain its natural production.

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