Natural Hormonal Optimisation Stack
Three-mechanism testosterone optimisation using Tongkat Ali, Fadogia Agrestis, and Boron — targeting LH stimulation, Leydig cell function, and SHBG reduction without exogenous androgens.
Daily Schedule
Timing and dosage for each step
Morning
400 mg
200:1 extract, with food, standardised eurycomanone content
Morning
Morning
Evening
Protocol Overview
Testosterone optimisation without exogenous androgens requires addressing multiple points in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis simultaneously. This protocol targets three distinct mechanisms: hypothalamic/LH stimulation (Fadogia Agrestis), SHBG reduction and free testosterone increase (Boron), and direct androgenic support with cortisol modulation (Tongkat Ali).
Why Natural Stack Over TRT?
Exogenous testosterone suppresses the HPG axis, causing testicular atrophy, fertility impairment, and dependence. For men with suboptimal testosterone due to stress, poor sleep, nutritional deficiency, or early HPG axis dysregulation — optimising endogenous production first is both safer and often sufficient.
The Three-Mechanism Approach
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) — the most clinically validated testosterone-supporting herb. Eurycomanone, the primary bioactive, inhibits SHBG binding, reduces conversion to oestrogen, and directly supports Leydig cell function. Shawn Talbott's 2013 clinical trial demonstrated 37% increase in free testosterone in stressed men. Also significantly reduces cortisol, addressing a primary testosterone suppressor.
Fadogia Agrestis — an African herb that stimulates LH (luteinising hormone) secretion, directly driving Leydig cells to produce more testosterone. The mechanism is different from Tongkat Ali — it works upstream at the pituitary/hypothalamic level. Animal studies show significant testosterone elevation; human trials are limited but community data is consistent.
Boron — a trace mineral that reduces SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin), increasing the free fraction of testosterone available to tissues. Naghii et al. (2011) demonstrated that 10mg/day boron significantly reduced SHBG and increased free testosterone within one week in healthy men. Also improves vitamin D metabolism and supports bone density.
Zinc — essential cofactor for testosterone synthesis and aromatase inhibition. Deficiency directly suppresses testosterone. Most men in the Western diet are mildly zinc-deficient.
Dosing Protocol
| Compound | Dose | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tongkat Ali | 400mg (200:1 extract) | Morning with food | Use standardised eurycomanone content |
| Fadogia Agrestis | 425–600mg | Morning with food | Cycle with Tongkat Ali |
| Boron | 10mg | Morning | As boron glycinate or calcium fructoborate |
| Zinc | 15–30mg | Evening | Zinc bisglycinate preferred — take away from copper |
Cycling
12 weeks on → 4 weeks off → repeat. Fadogia Agrestis in particular should not be used continuously due to limited long-term safety data.
Biomarkers
Baseline and 12-week: total testosterone, free testosterone (calculated or dialysis), SHBG, LH, FSH, oestradiol, cortisol (morning serum or DUTCH panel).