From what I have seen his understanding of hormone optimization is very antiquated, to say the least. While he may be an expert on Neuroscience, I don’t know enough to know either way, he is definitely not an expert on what is viable for hormone optimization a field I have been studying since 2005. For example, he has put out information on the best workouts to increase testosterone and growth hormone. Using training to address poor anabolic hormone levels is not going to cut it. As I have stated numerous times you need optimal anabolic hormones going into a workout rather than having the illusion that you can optimize hormones via training. Whatever increase in testosterone and growth hormone you derive from training is short-lived and will not last long enough to have any pronounced benefit. In other words, you’re not going to go from low testosterone levels to ideal testosterone just from training. If anything intense training will lower your testosterone levels which is one of many reasons why aging trainees find it difficult to progress and often arduous just to maintain strength and size.
Intense training increases inflammation which in turn increases cortisol an anti-inflammatory hormone to reduce excess cortisol. When cortisol goes up, Testosterone, DHEA, Pregnenolone, and Growth Hormone subside. This is why recovery is paramount as discussed in this article.
Next, I have heard Huberman refer to Turkesterone a phytoecdysteriod which is essentially a plant and insect steroid comparable to the anabolic Deca. Huberman stated in an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience Podcast, “It acts the same way as Deca or another testosterone derivative. It increases testosterone, performance, and recovery by an equivalent amount.” Just because a plant compound has a chemical structure similar to an anabolic doesn’t mean it will have anabolic effects when consumed. Turkesterone first came on the scene in the late 90s early 2000s and it did not take off for the same reason why most supplements never get out of first gear, it simply didn’t work. Whenever I see anyone recommend or even worse sell Turkesterone I automatically don’t trust any information they promulgate. In addition to being ineffective, most of the turkesterone supplements on the market are underdosed. Of course, in some ways, this is immaterial, as no matter what the dosage it’s not going to be effective. My friend and legit supplement expert Jerry Brainum did a fantastic breakdown on turkesterone for his YouTube channel
For supplements to boost the natural production of testosterone, Huberman recommends Fadogia Agrestis and Tongkat Ali. Tongkat Ali can cause an increase in testosterone if your levels are very low. For example, if you have a total testosterone of 300 ng/dl, it may get you to 400ng/dl. The problem is that is still a terrible level and it is unlikely you will feel any different. If you have decent levels such as 500 ng/dl it is unlikely that you will experience any increase at all. Huberman claims Tongkat Ali increases free testosterone but I don’t buy it. I have used Tongkat Ali several times since 2005 and never saw an increase in free testosterone. Tongkat Ali can increase libido which while beneficial doesn’t mean an increase in testosterone occurred. There are several herbs that can increase libido such as Tribulus, Muira puama, Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium), and Yohimbe but none of these herbs increase testosterone.
Fadogia as I have mentioned in previous articles has some merits and was one of the ingredients I considered for my Aggressive Strength Testosterone Booster back in 2010. Once I tried Bulbine Natalensis, I forgot all about Fadogia as Bulbine does everything Fadogia does but does it much better. You get a bigger increase in total and free testosterone and Bulbine has modest estrogen control properties as well blocking some conversion of testosterone to estrogen. In an interview with Tim Ferris, Huberman stated that Bulbine increases testosterone for ten days and then levels drop off a cliff. This is completely untrue and there is no data whatsoever to confirm this nonsense. It takes a few weeks to get the full increase of testosterone from Bulbine which goes up further over time. It definitely does not cause an immediate spike and subsequent drop-off.
On a side note, I tried stacking Fadogia with ASTB recently and it did not have an additive effect. My T levels were higher with just ASTB alone than when stacking with 600mg of Fadogia. Fadogia could be used in between cycles of ASTB but I don’t even think it’s necessary. If you use ASTB for the recommended 12 weeks the four weeks off is not going to be a big deal. Levels won’t go down much if at all. I have had customers that measured T levels after a month off ASTB and levels were still higher than before they started.
If you want to learn from legit hormone optimization experts, check out Dr. Mark Gordon, Dr. Nick Delgado, Dr. Elizabeth Yurth, and Dr. Thomas Incledon. For an incredible breakdown of some of the nonsense Huberman propagates check out this video from my friend Eric Zader of Big Boy Pants Golf
