Testosterone plays a central role in male health, influencing energy, mood, muscle development, motivation, and libido. Everyday lifestyle habits can also have a meaningful impact on natural testosterone production.
In a recent discussion, Brian from Etalaze outlined five realistic, science-informed strategies men can use to better support their hormone health. Below is a breakdown of those insights.
1. Cut Back on Heavy Alcohol Use
Frequent or excessive alcohol consumption can significantly disrupt hormonal balance. Alcohol raises cortisol levels — a stress hormone known to suppress testosterone — and can interfere with liver function. When the liver isn’t working efficiently, it struggles to clear excess estrogen from the body, tipping the hormonal scale further away from testosterone.
Key takeaway:
Limit binge drinking and frequent hangovers
Give your liver adequate recovery time to support healthy hormone regulation
2. Keep Stress in Check
Chronic stress pushes the body into a constant cortisol-producing state. Since cortisol and testosterone work in opposition, prolonged stress can steadily erode testosterone levels over time.
Ways to reduce stress:
Practice calming activities such as meditation, breathing exercises, or journaling
Make time for hobbies, relationships, and activities that promote relaxation and balance
3. Make Quality Sleep a Priority
Most testosterone production occurs during REM sleep, which cycles roughly every 90 minutes throughout the night. Short or inconsistent sleep disrupts these cycles, reducing the body’s ability to produce optimal hormone levels.
Sleep-supporting habits:
Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep nightly
Reduce screen exposure before bed
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends
4. Include Healthy Fats in Your Diet
Because testosterone is derived from cholesterol, dietary fats play an important role in its production. Extremely low-fat diets — often used during aggressive weight loss — can unintentionally reduce testosterone output.
Foods that support hormone production include avocados, eggs, fatty fish, olive oil, and coconut-based fats.
Nutrition notes:
Avoid eliminating fats entirely, especially in the evening
Balance calorie control with adequate fat intake to support hormone synthesis
5. Use Supplements Strategically
While many supplements claim to boost testosterone, Brian highlights ZMA (zinc and magnesium aspartate) as one of the more practical options. Both minerals are essential for hormone production and are best taken before sleep to align with overnight testosterone release.
Supplement guidance:
Choose a reputable ZMA product and follow recommended dosing
Avoid taking zinc and magnesium alongside calcium, which can reduce absorption
When Lifestyle Changes Aren’t Enough
For some men, lifestyle adjustments alone may lead to noticeable improvements such as better energy, mood, or morning alertness. These signs often suggest that testosterone levels were partially affected by daily habits.
Final Thoughts
Supporting testosterone naturally starts with everyday choices. Reducing alcohol intake, managing stress, sleeping well, eating sufficient healthy fats, and supplementing wisely can all contribute to healthier hormone levels.
If these steps don’t resolve ongoing symptoms, seeking professional guidance is an important next move. At Etalaze, the focus is on helping individuals understand their health, explore evidence-based options, and make informed decisions that support long-term well-being.
About Etalaze
Etalaze is dedicated to providing clear, trustworthy insights into men’s health, hormone optimization, and wellness. VisitEtalaze to explore educational resources designed to help you feel, function, and perform at your best.
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