Is testosterone a steroid? Yes. Chemically, testosterone is a steroid hormone, part of the same family as cortisol and estrogen, and it is the body’s own anabolic-androgenic steroid. But when people say “steroids,” they usually mean anabolic steroids: lab-made versions of testosterone taken as drugs, often at high doses to build muscle [1].
Is a testosterone booster a steroid? No. Over-the-counter testosterone boosters are supplements made from plant extracts, vitamins or minerals. They contain no testosterone or other hormones.
What Are Testosterone Boosters?
Testosterone boosters are supplements meant to support the body’s own testosterone production. Many men try them when they notice signs of low testosterone, such as lower sex drive, less energy or loss of muscle.
Do Testosterone Boosters Work?
It depends on the ingredients. A review of 50 popular boosters found that 90% claimed to raise testosterone, but only 24.8% of their ingredients had published data showing an increase [2]. Tongkat Ali is one of the better-studied ingredients: a 2022 review of clinical trials found it improved total testosterone in men [3].
Are Testosterone Boosters Safe?
Herbal boosters are generally well tolerated, but quality varies. Some supplements have been found to contain hidden prescription drugs or anabolic steroids [4, 5], and rare cases of liver injury have been reported with Tongkat Ali [6]. Choose products that list every ingredient and dose, and take them as directed. See Are Testosterone Boosters Bad for Your Liver?
What Are Anabolic Steroids?
Anabolic-androgenic steroids are synthetic versions of testosterone [1]. Doctors prescribe them for specific medical problems, such as delayed puberty or muscle loss caused by diseases like cancer and AIDS.
Medical Uses
When prescribed and monitored, steroids can help patients:
- Regain weight after a serious illness
- Treat certain types of anemia
- Treat hereditary angioedema
- Rebuild muscle mass
Side Effects
Even when used as prescribed, steroids can cause side effects such as:
- Acne
- Fluid retention
- Difficulty sleeping
- Mood swings
- High blood pressure
Misusing Steroids
Some people, often competitive athletes and bodybuilders, misuse steroids to build muscle quickly and improve performance. They may take doses 10 to 100 times higher than those used for medical treatment, which leads to serious side effects [1].
Mental Effects of Steroid Misuse
Unlike many other drugs, anabolic steroids don’t cause a quick high. Still, misuse can cause serious mental effects [1]:
- Paranoia
- Irritability and aggression (“roid rage”)
- Impaired judgment
- Delusions
- Manic episodes
Physical Effects of Steroid Misuse
Beyond short-term effects such as acne and swelling in the hands and feet, steroid misuse can lead to long-term health problems [1, 5]:
- Liver damage, including tumors
- Kidney problems and failure
- Enlarged heart
- High blood pressure
- Changes in cholesterol
- Increased risk of stroke and heart attack
Men who misuse steroids may also experience:
- Lower sperm count and infertility
- Shrinking testicles
- Male-pattern baldness
- Breast development
Anabolic Steroid Addiction
Even though anabolic steroids don’t cause a high, they can lead to a substance use disorder: continued use despite serious harm [1]. Some people also turn to other drugs, such as opioids, to manage steroid side effects, which can lead to more dangerous addictions.
How Andro400 Is Different
Andro400 contains no hormones or steroids. It’s built around a 100:1 Tongkat Ali root extract and made in an FDA-registered facility that follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Learn more about Tongkat Ali and what research shows, read customer reviews, or see what produces testosterone in the body.
About the ANDRO400 Editorial Team
The ANDRO400 Editorial Team develops educational content focused on men’s health, healthy aging, natural testosterone support, energy, strength, and body composition. Our content draws on published research and established health information to provide clear, practical resources that help men better understand the changes that can occur with age and make more informed decisions about their health.
References
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. Anabolic Steroids. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/anabolic-steroids
- Clemesha CG, Thaker H, Samplaski MK. “Testosterone Boosting” Supplements Composition and Claims Are not Supported by the Academic Literature. World Journal of Men’s Health. 2020;38(1):115–122. doi:10.5534/wjmh.190043
- Leisegang K, Finelli R, Sikka SC, Panner Selvam MK. Eurycoma longifolia (Jack) Improves Serum Total Testosterone in Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials. Medicina. 2022;58(8):1047. doi:10.3390/medicina58081047
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Tainted Sexual Enhancement Products. fda.gov/drugs/medication-health-fraud/tainted-sexual-enhancement-products
- Androgenic Steroids. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548931/
- Tongkat Ali. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; updated October 18, 2024. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK609015/