Developing a Rational Approach to Supplementation for Health & Performance | Huberman Lab Podcast

Hormone Balance

Andrew Huberman explores the use of supplements like Tongkat Ali and Fadogia Agrestis for optimizing testosterone and estrogen levels. He emphasizes the importance of blood tests to evaluate their effectiveness and potential side effects. Huberman advises caution with Fadogia Agrestis due to its potential toxicity at high doses and recommends cycling its use 1.

The best way to know whether or not fidojia or any of these other supplements is impacting your hormone levels in the direction that you want and not impacting your hormone levels or other aspects of your biology in ways that you don't want is from a blood test.

--- Andrew Huberman

Tongkat Ali is noted for its potential to increase free testosterone by reducing sex hormone binding globulin, with dosages varying based on individual needs 2.

   

Growth Hormone

Huberman discusses strategies for enhancing growth hormone levels, emphasizing the role of sleep and nutrition. He highlights the importance of avoiding food intake two hours before sleep to facilitate growth hormone release. While supplements like arginine are mentioned, Huberman notes that their effectiveness is limited compared to lifestyle changes 3.

The best way to augment growth hormone is to get quality deep sleep, especially the sleep that occurs in the first three or 4 hours of the night, is when growth hormone is released.

--- Andrew Huberman

He stresses the need to prioritize behaviors and nutrition before considering supplements for hormone optimization 4.

   

Libido Boost

The podcast explores supplements like Shilajit and Fadogia Agrestis for enhancing libido and fertility. Huberman explains how these supplements can influence hormone pathways, such as increasing luteinizing hormone, which impacts testosterone and estrogen levels. He advises that individual responses to these supplements can vary, and experimentation may be necessary to determine effectiveness 5.

There are supplements that can potently increase GnRH and or Luteinizing, a hormone and then indirectly increase testosterone and estrogen.

--- Andrew Huberman

Additionally, Huberman discusses the broader hormonal effects of supplements like Ashwagandha and Maca Root, which can support libido and fertility through various pathways 6.