10 Weird and Unusual Ways to Boost Testosterone

When it comes to increasing testosterone for muscle building and gym performance, most people think of heavy lifting, proper sleep, and maybe a supplement or two. But what if you’ve already done all that — and want to try something off the beaten path?

Here are 10 weird, unusual, and surprisingly effective ways to give your testosterone levels a natural kick — backed by science, anecdote, or ancient wisdom.

1. Cold Showers & Ice Baths

Cold exposure doesn’t just wake you up — it may wake up your hormones too. Brief cold showers or ice baths have been linked to increased testosterone and improved recovery. While more research is needed, many athletes swear by cold plunges for test-boosting and reducing inflammation.

Try it: 2–5 minutes in cold water after your workout. Bonus: it boosts dopamine too.

2. Sun Your Balls (Seriously)

Known online as "perineum sunning" or "testicle tanning", this strange biohacking trend involves exposing your crown jewels to sunlight. Why? Testosterone production is influenced by Vitamin D — and getting sun “down there” may supercharge local D-synthesis.

Caution: Avoid burning sensitive areas. A few minutes is enough.

3. Eat Bull Testicles (aka Rocky Mountain Oysters)

High in cholesterol, protein, and micronutrients, animal testicles have long been prized in traditional medicine for boosting male vitality. While it’s not exactly mainstream, organ meats — especially testes — contain hormone precursors and building blocks like zinc.

Bonus: You can buy them freeze-dried in capsule form if chewing’s not your style.

4. Ditch Plastic Containers

Phthalates and BPA, found in many plastics, are proven endocrine disruptors. Heating food in plastic or drinking from plastic bottles could subtly lower your testosterone over time.

Upgrade to: Glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free containers.

5. Use Essential Oils (Wisely)

Some essential oils — like pine, sandalwood, and clary sage — may support testosterone indirectly by reducing stress and boosting mood. Aromatherapy can reduce cortisol, which inversely affects testosterone levels.

Weird warning: Avoid lavender and tea tree oils — they’ve been linked to hormonal disruption in males.

6. Practice “Testicle Breathing”

A Taoist technique that sounds absurd but is rooted in ancient Chinese sexual energy practices. The idea is to “breathe into” your testicles (mentally) to circulate sexual energy and preserve testosterone.

Real benefit: It’s a form of mindful breathing, which reduces stress — a known testosterone killer.

7. Sleep in Complete Darkness

Even small amounts of light at night — from your phone or streetlamps — can disrupt melatonin, which is tied to testosterone production. Studies show men who sleep in pitch black have higher test levels.

Try this: Blackout curtains + no blue light 1 hour before bed = better T.

Training barefoot (or with minimalist shoes) increases proprioception and activates stabilising muscles. More importantly, it stimulates the central nervous system — which is linked to hormonal response during strength training.

Try it: Deadlifts, squats, or kettlebell swings barefoot for a primal test boost.

9. Masturbate Less (Or Strategically)

Frequent ejaculation may cause a short-term dip in testosterone. Some biohackers and athletes swear by abstaining before big lifts or competitions for an aggressive edge.

Science says: Testosterone spikes after 7 days of abstinence, then normalises. Use it wisely.

10. Sniffing a Woman’s Scent

Believe it or not, smelling the natural scent of an ovulating woman can increase testosterone in men — proven in several studies. The body subconsciously responds to pheromones and signals of fertility.

Weird hack: If you're in a relationship, cuddle more. If not, maybe hit the gym locker room at the right time.

While not all of these methods are scientifically bulletproof, many are rooted in logic, tradition, or new research. If you’ve already nailed the basics — training hard, sleeping well, eating clean — trying a few weird tricks might give you that extra anabolic edge.

Want serious muscle growth? Combine the weird with the tried-and-true: compound lifts, quality nutrition, and high-intensity training. Weird tips are just the cherry on top.