Many men looking to optimize their health and performance often wonder, is testosterone a steroid?

The short answer is yes. Testosterone is a steroid naturally produced in the body. However, the relationship between testosterone and synthetic steroids is often misunderstood, leading to confusion and, in some cases, dangerous decisions. Let’s break it down.

So, Is Testosterone a Steroid or a Hormone?

The surprising answer here is that testosterone is both the primary male sex hormone and a steroid. Specifically, testosterone is classified as an anabolic-androgenic steroid. “Anabolic” refers to its role in muscle building, while “androgenic” relates to male sex characteristics.

Depending on the need, the body uses cholesterol to synthesize all its hormones, including testosterone. When the body’s demand for testosterone increases, testosterone production goes up, and other hormone production reduces. Conversely, testosterone production goes down when demand for other hormones — such as cortisol — increases.

Testosterone plays an essential role in:

• Promoting muscle growth and bone density
• Regulating fat distribution
• Supporting mood and energy levels
• Developing and maintaining male reproductive characteristics

While testosterone is a steroid, naturally occurring testosterone isn’t equivalent to synthetic anabolic steroids — man-made versions designed to mimic testosterone. Synthetic steroids artificially elevate testosterone levels, but they also interfere with the body’s natural hormone regulation, leading to significant health risks.

There’s a significant and potentially dangerous difference between natural hormone balance and artificial manipulation.

Testosterone vs. Steroids: The Big Risks of Misuse

Some men consider using (or, in this case, misusing) synthetic steroids for muscle gain or performance enhancement, but these substances carry serious risks:

• Hormone Imbalance: Synthetic steroids disrupt the body’s natural production of testosterone, which can lead to long-term suppression of natural hormone levels.
• Tumor Growth: Anabolic steroid use doesn’t just support muscle growth; it’s also been linked to the increased growth of tumors, such as in the brain and liver.
• Cardiovascular Risks: Anabolic steroid use can lead to an increased risk of abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, and heart failure.
• Metabolic Disruptions: Anabolic steroid abuse can contribute to insulin resistance, leading to diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

Understanding Low Testosterone and Its Impact

There are two main types of testosterone deficiency. Primary testosterone deficiency occurs when the testicles fail to produce adequate testosterone levels. This production naturally decreases by about 1% per year after age 40 but can be significantly impacted by certain external or medical factors:

• Toxins (including alcohol)
• Heavy metals
• BPA
• Phthalates
• Infections
• Lymphoma
• Radiation treatments

Secondary testosterone deficiency, which accounts for the majority of low testosterone cases, means the issue lies in the body’s regulatory systems rather than with the testicles. A large portion of these cases have unknown causes, but we do know a few:

• Low thyroid function
• Head trauma
• Sleep apnea
• Traumatic stress
• Gut inflammation

By the time men reach 40–70 years old, 35–40% will technically have low testosterone, which means laboratory levels below 300 nanograms per deciliter. However, only 3–7% of these men will experience symptoms related to low testosterone, which means only 3–7% will need treatment. Symptoms of low testosterone include:

• Decreased energy levels
• Reduced libido
• Mood changes, including depression
• Increased fat accumulation and muscle loss
• Brain fog and cognitive decline
• Erectile dysfunction*

*While low testosterone can contribute to erectile dysfunction, it isn’t often the primary cause.

In lab testing, the value of total testosterone is less important than the levels of this “free” testosterone. Free testosterone is the testosterone available for the body to use, and it makes up only 1–2% of all testosterone in the body.

One factor that may produce the symptoms of testosterone deficiency is too much of a protein called sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which binds to testosterone and makes it unavailable for use. So, while your body may produce sufficient testosterone, too much SHBG makes it unusable. Several factors can cause SHBG levels to be too high:

• Obesity
• Toxin exposure
• Alcohol use
• Marijuana use
• Poor sleep
• Chronic inflammation

Addressing lifestyle factors that cause elevated SHBG is crucial for any man wishing to increase his body’s usable testosterone, whether through natural methods or testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

Natural Ways to Boost Testosterone

Instead of resorting to synthetic anabolic steroids, a better approach is to optimize testosterone naturally. The body regulates hormones based on need, and lifestyle choices significantly impact how well your body’s needs are supplied.

Approach testosterone production using lifestyle factors that make SENSE:

Sleep

Sleep is critical for hormone regulation. Poor sleep increases cortisol, a stress hormone that competes with testosterone production. Prioritizing 7–9 hours of high-quality sleep can naturally reduce cortisol and support testosterone levels.

If you suspect a sleep issue, such as sleep apnea, it’s important to talk with your doctor about testing. Even mild sleep apnea can interfere with sleep enough to make a difference, and treatment is relatively simple.

Exercise

Low testosterone correlates closely with insulin resistance, so increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin often increases testosterone. One way to accomplish this is through regular exercise. Exercise helps the body clear toxins and build muscle mass, increasing insulin sensitivity.

Nutrition

Testosterone production relies on numerous essential nutrients, so a balanced and varied diet is crucial for getting the testosterone-building elements your body needs. Once produced, however, testosterone converts easily to estrogen. Certain dietary supplements can help minimize that process.

Consider increasing your intake of the following, either as high-quality supplements or from healthy food sources:

• Zinc
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Quercetin
• Green tea

Stress Elimination

Again, your body produces all its hormones from cholesterol, determining which hormones to produce based on need. Chronic stress tells your body to increase cortisol production, inhibiting testosterone production.

Eliminating stress from your life reduces your body’s need to produce cortisol, freeing up resources for testosterone production. Besides eliminating obvious sources of stress, meditation, exercise, and deep breathing can also lower stress and help maintain optimal testosterone levels.

When to Consider Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Some men may want interventions beyond lifestyle change. TRT may be an option if both significant symptoms are present and lab tests confirm low testosterone levels. However, TRT requires careful monitoring, as it can increase red blood cell production. Without proper management, this can raise the risk of blood clots and strokes.

Is Testosterone a Steroid? Final Thoughts

So, is testosterone a steroid? Yes, but natural testosterone and synthetic anabolic steroids are worlds apart when it comes to health and safety.

Understanding the role of hormones in the body is essential for making informed health decisions. Instead of turning to synthetic steroids, focus on sleep, exercise, diet, and stress elimination to maintain optimal testosterone levels naturally. When necessary, TRT can be a valuable tool — but only under the guidance of a physician who monitors for risks and adjusts treatment accordingly.