Hormonal Optimization Stack — Foundation & Extended
A two-tier natural testosterone optimisation stack. Foundation: Tongkat Ali (SHBG reduction + LH support) and Ashwagandha (cortisol modulation). Extended Stack adds Fadogia Agrestis (LH stimulation), Boron (SHBG reduction), and Zinc (testosterone synthesis cofactor). Targets both production and suppression of testosterone — the most evidence-backed supplement combination for hormonal balance in men over 35.
Daily Schedule
Timing and dosage for each step
08:00 AM
200 mg
Foundation. Standardised Physta or LJ100 extract. Take on empty stomach. Morning only — energising effect. Cycle 5 days on, 2 days off.
09:00 PM
600 mg
Foundation. KSM-66 extract with dinner. Reduces evening cortisol which suppresses testosterone production during sleep.
Morning
600 mg
Extended Stack. Fadogia Agrestis 425–600mg with food, cycle with Tongkat Ali. Stimulates LH secretion — works upstream at the pituitary/hypothalamic level to drive Leydig cell testosterone production.
Morning
10 mg
Extended Stack. Boron 10mg as boron glycinate or calcium fructoborate. Reduces SHBG, increasing free testosterone fraction. Also improves vitamin D metabolism.
Evening
30 mg
Extended Stack. Zinc bisglycinate 15–30mg. Essential cofactor for testosterone synthesis and aromatase inhibition. Take away from copper supplements.
Protocol Logic
Testosterone optimisation without exogenous androgens requires addressing multiple points in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis simultaneously. This protocol is organised into two tiers.
Foundation — Tongkat Ali + Ashwagandha
Testosterone has two main suppressors in the body:
- SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin) — binds testosterone, rendering it biologically inactive
- Cortisol — directly inhibits steroidogenesis in Leydig cells
Tongkat Ali targets the first: reducing SHBG and raising LH. Eurycomanone, the primary bioactive, inhibits SHBG binding, reduces conversion to oestrogen, and directly supports Leydig cell function.
Ashwagandha targets the second: lowering cortisol and improving the testosterone-to-cortisol ratio — a key marker of anabolic status.
Extended Stack — Fadogia Agrestis + Boron + Zinc
Once the Foundation is established (4+ weeks), add these compounds for comprehensive HPG axis support.
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.
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.
Dosing Summary
| Compound | Dose | Timing | Notes | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tongkat Ali | 200mg (standardised extract) | Morning, empty stomach | Physta or LJ100. 5 days on, 2 off | Foundation |
| Ashwagandha | 600mg (KSM-66) | Evening with dinner | Reduces cortisol during sleep | Foundation |
| Fadogia Agrestis | 425–600mg | Morning with food | Cycle with Tongkat Ali | Extended |
| Boron | 10mg | Morning | Boron glycinate or calcium fructoborate | Extended |
| Zinc | 15–30mg | Evening | Zinc bisglycinate, away from copper | Extended |
Who This Protocol Is For
- Men over 35 with sub-optimal testosterone levels (lower third of normal range)
- Athletes with signs of overtraining syndrome (elevated cortisol)
- Symptoms of low testosterone: reduced libido, slow recovery, declining motivation and focus
Expected Results
This protocol does not replace hormone replacement therapy for clinical hypogonadism. Mean data from RCTs:
- Tongkat Ali: +37% free testosterone (from a deficient baseline)
- Ashwagandha: -11–30% cortisol, +10–22% testosterone
Realistic assessment window: 8–12 weeks of continuous use.
Cycling
12 weeks on, 4 weeks off, repeat. Fadogia Agrestis in particular should not be used continuously due to limited long-term safety data.
Monitoring
For objective evaluation, bloodwork is recommended:
- Baseline: Total testosterone, free testosterone (calculated or dialysis), SHBG, morning cortisol, LH, FSH, oestradiol
- After 8–12 weeks: Same panel
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only. If you have symptoms of hypogonadism, consult a physician — only a qualified healthcare professional can prescribe appropriate treatment.