Are male athletes allowed to take testosterone?

Author: Rebecca Dach  |  Last update: Saturday, August 30, 2025

Regardless of sex assigned at birth or gender identity, a student-athlete may participate (practice and competition) in NCAA men's sports, assuming they meet all other NCAA eligibility requirements. *Student-athletes taking a banned substance (e.g., testosterone) must complete the medical exception process.

Can male athletes take testosterone?

Testosterone and other anabolic-androgenic steroids enhance athletic performance in men and women. As a result, exogenous androgen is banned from most competitive sports.

Is it illegal for athletes to take testosterone?

Testosterone and any other substance listed under the Anabolic Agents section of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List are prohibited at all times, including “other substances with a similar chemical structure or similar biological effect(s).” This catch-all allows for the possibility that there are many ...

Can NCAA athletes take testosterone?

In general, the NCAA will not grant approval for anabolic steroids such as testosterone for student-athletes that do not have evidence of confirmation of the identifiable, irreversible cause of disease of the hypothalamus, pituitary and/or testicles.

Is testosterone banned in the Olympics?

The requirement of a lower testosterone level only applies to intersex and trans athletes. Other women whose testosterone levels may be higher due to medical conditions are not required to take any action before they are allowed to compete.

Testosterone & Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) | Dr. Peter Attia & Dr. Andrew Huberman

What athlete was banned for high testosterone?

South Africa's two-time Olympic champion Caster Semenya told CNN that having to take testosterone-reducing medication in order to compete internationally was “hell” and had a negative impact on her health.

What is the best natural testosterone blocker?

Red reishi, commonly known as LingZhi in Chinese, is a mushroom thought to have many health benefits. In a research study exploring the anti-androgenic effects of 20 species of mushrooms, reishi mushrooms had the strongest action in inhibiting testosterone (3).

Can you take testosterone in the UFC?

Testosterone Replacement Therapy is a steroid that helps build strength and muscle, but it is not the same as steroid abuse; TRT is legal. Fighters who use TRT must apply for a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) through whatever state athletic commission they are fighting under.

Is ashwagandha a banned substance?

Ashwagandha is a traditional Indian medicinal herb popular for its supposed ability to cure many ailments. Recently Denmark banned ashwagandha because of its potential negative impacts on hormones and its ability to induce abortion.

Can athletes compete on TRT?

TRT can elevate your overall energy levels, endurance, and mental focus—crucial factors for peak athletic performance: Optimal testosterone levels combat fatigue and support increased vitality. With TRT, you'll have the energy and drive to push through tough training sessions and competitions.

Is testosterone booster a steroid?

Anabolic–androgenic steroids (AASs) are synthetic derivatives of testosterone that are commonly used among athletes aged 18–40 years, but many reports have demonstrated the presence of numerous toxic and hormonal effects as a result of long-term use of an AAS. [9] Testosterone-foods act as natural libido boosters.

Which sport has the highest testosterone?

A higher testosterone was seen in basketball and alpine skiing while powerlifters had lower testosterone levels. BMI was not different in any group. LH was lower in alpine skiing and judo while FSH was lower in handball players. SHBG, like BMI and cortisol, showed no significant differences between sports.

What is a normal testosterone level for a man?

Testosterone levels are measured through blood tests. Most doctors agree that a “normal” reading falls anywhere between 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). About 40% of men over age 45 will have levels that come in below that range. But a low reading by itself isn't enough to warrant alarm.

Is it OK for a man to take testosterone?

Boosting testosterone is NOT approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help improve your strength, athletic performance, physical appearance, or to treat or prevent problems associated with aging. Using testosterone for these purposes may be harmful to your health.

Which testosterone is best for athletes?

Popular brands of testosterone injections include: Depo-Testosterone (testosterone cypionate) Delatestryl (testosterone enanthate) Aveed (testosterone undecanoate)

How to naturally increase testosterone?

  1. IMPROVING LOW TESTOSTERONE NATURALLY. The following information is a summary of materials featured in the “Men's Health” Whole Health overview. ...
  2. MAINTAIN IDEAL BODY WEIGHT. ...
  3. AVOID DEVELOPING DIABETES. ...
  4. EXERCISE. ...
  5. SLEEP WELL. ...
  6. AVOID TOBACCO PRODUCTS. ...
  7. AVOID EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL. ...
  8. AVOID OPIOID PAIN MEDICATIONS.

Is creatine banned in sports?

Creatine supplementation is not currently banned by any athletic organization although the NCAA does not allow institutions to provide CM or other "muscle building" supplements to their athletes (e.g., protein, amino acids, HMB, etc). In this case, athletes must purchase creatine containing supplements on their own.

Why did Sweden ban ashwagandha?

But a 2020 study conducted by Technical University of Denmark suggested the herb could induce abortions and disrupt functions of sex hormones and the thyroid. That publication led to the country's decision to ban ashwagandha.

Is ashwagandha a steroid?

Ashwagandha is rich in phytochemicals, including steroidal lactones (known as withanolides) and alkaloids. While withanolides are believed to be responsible for many of ashwagandha's proposed effects, evidence from preclinical studies suggests that other, non-withanolide components may also be involved [6-8].

Is TRT banned in boxing?

LAS VEGAS -- In a monumental move, the Nevada State Athletic Commission banned testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT) from combat sports -- including boxing and mixed martial arts -- on Thursday. The ruling, which passed by a unanimous vote, eliminates future applications for a therapeutic use exemption for TRT.

Why do fighters have low testosterone?

Pierce said the most reasonable cause of low testosterone in a combat athlete, as well as a football player, is repetitive head injury resulting in damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary in the brain, which affects the release of natural testosterone.

Should I get testosterone therapy?

Although testosterone therapy can be very effective at improving symptoms, it is not recommended for everyone. It can have side effects, including altered sexual function, infertility, and shrinking of the gonads. Therapy requires thorough evaluation and regular monitoring.

Does ejaculating lower testosterone?

Ejaculation results in changes in prolactin (increase) and dopamine (temporary decrease), but does not result in changes in testosterone. Although prolactin and dopamine are both involved with testosterone, they do not appear to influence testosterone levels acutely.

What food raises testosterone by 52 percent?

Below are a few foods that increase testosterone, from fatty fish and fish oil to certain herbs like fenugreek seed and Asian red ginseng.
  • Fatty Fish and Fish Oil. ...
  • Milk and Dairy Products. ...
  • Legumes. ...
  • Dark, Leafy Greens. ...
  • Honey. ...
  • Onions. ...
  • Eggs. ...
  • Foods with Flavonoids.

What is the number 1 natural testosterone booster?

Testosterone Supplements
  • Zinc. Zinc is an essential mineral for your healthy body function. ...
  • Magnesium. Taking magnesium as a supplement has been shown to increase free and total testosterone values. ...
  • Vitamin D. Your body naturally produces vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. ...
  • DHEA.

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