Darshan Shah, MD’s
Essential Men's Hormone Support
Protocol overview
Last updated: May 13, 2025
6 Nutrients
Zinc
20mg
Zinc is a trace mineral essential for male health, playing a role in testosterone synthesis, spermatogenesis, and reproductive function. It supports prostate integrity, modulates immune responses, and facilitates cellular repair. [1]
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nutrient totals stack up
Log in or sign upVitamin D3
125mcg
Vitamin D is essential for men’s health, supporting testosterone production, muscle function, immune health, and bone density. This fat soluble vitamin regulates calcium metabolism, aids cardiovascular health, and reduces inflammation. [2]
Magnesium Glycinate
300mg
Magnesium is an important mineral for men’s health, supporting testosterone production, muscle function, cardiovascular health, and metabolic balance. It aids in energy production, bone strength, and stress regulation, while also enhancing insulin sensitivity and nerve function. [3]
Ashwagandha
300mg
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) plays a role in men’s health by regulating cortisol levels, optimizing testosterone synthesis, and enhancing reproductive function. It supports muscle strength, cognitive performance, and stress adaptation. [4]
Pentadecanoic Acid
100mg
Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) is an essential odd-chain saturated fatty acid that supports men's health by enhancing metabolic function, cardiovascular resilience, and immune balance. It may activate AMPK, inhibit mTOR, and promote longevity pathways, contributing to reduced inflammation, improved lipid profiles, and protection against age-related diseases, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. [5]
Vitamin B Complex
400mcg
Methylated B vitamins, including methylfolate (B9) and methylcobalamin (B12), are essential for men's health, supporting testosterone production, sperm quality, cognitive function, and cardiovascular health. They regulate homocysteine levels, enhance energy metabolism, and optimize neurotransmitter function, promoting cognitive and hormonal support. [6]

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Warnings
Do not take zinc with high-dose calcium, iron, or copper to prevent absorption interference. Avoid excessive calcium intake with vitamin D to prevent hypercalcemia. Consult a healthcare provider if pregnant, nursing, have kidney disease, or are taking immune-modulating medications.
Lifestyle Improvements
Most men think they’re healthy until something goes wrong—fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, low libido, or an injury that takes too long to heal. The reality? Health isn’t just about avoiding disease; it’s about optimizing performance, longevity, and resilience. If you want to feel strong, think clearly, and age well, you have to take a proactive approach. Here’s how:
Prioritize Strength Training & Functional Movement
Muscle is your greatest asset for longevity. As you age, muscle loss (sarcopenia) slows metabolism, weakens bones, and increases disease risk. The solution? Strength training 3-4 times per week. Prioritize compound movements—squats, deadlifts, presses, and pulls—to build strength, improve hormone balance, and increase insulin sensitivity.
In addition, functional training (mobility, stability, and core work) keeps you injury-free. Add Zone 2 cardio (low-intensity, steady-state exercise) for heart health and occasional HIIT (high-intensity interval training) for metabolic flexibility.
Optimize Sleep for Recovery & Hormonal Balance
If you’re not getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep, you’re sabotaging your testosterone, muscle recovery, and brain function. Here’s how to fix it:
- Set a bedtime routine: Dim the lights, cut off screens 1 hour before bed, and stick to a schedule.
- Cool down your bedroom: 65-68°F is optimal for deep sleep.
- Supplement wisely: Magnesium glycinate and ashwagandha help relax your nervous system.
- Get morning sunlight: This regulates your circadian rhythm, improving sleep quality.
Manage Stress & Optimize Hormones
Chronic stress increases cortisol, which disrupts testosterone, causes weight gain, and accelerates aging. To combat this:
- Cold exposure (cold showers or ice baths 3-4x/week): Reduces inflammation, sharpens focus, and builds resilience.
- Heat therapy (sauna 3-5x/week): Improves detoxification, cardiovascular health, and recovery.
- Breathwork & meditation (5-10 minutes/day): Lowers stress, enhances mental clarity, and optimizes hormone balance.
Fuel Your Body with the Right Nutrients
Eliminate ultra-processed foods, refined sugars, and industrial seed oils. Instead, focus on:
- Protein (1g per pound of lean body mass) to build muscle and support metabolism.
- Healthy fats (omega-3s, olive oil) to reduce inflammation and support longevity.
- Micronutrients (zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, and B vitamins) for optimal hormonal and metabolic health.
Track & Optimize Your Health Metrics
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Annual check-ups aren’t enough. Get regular blood work, track testosterone, fasting insulin, inflammatory markers, and metabolic health. Stay ahead of problems before they start.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products and informational content displayed on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
While this Protocol has been created by health experts, it is educational in nature and not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications.
- Fallah, A., Mohammad-Hasani, A., & Colagar, A. H. (2018). Zinc is an essential element for male fertility: A review of Zn roles in men's health, germination, sperm quality, and fertilization. Journal of Reproduction & Infertility, 19(2), 69-81. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30009140/
- Monson, N. R., Klair, N., Patel, U., Saxena, A., Patel, D., Ayesha, I. E., & Nath, T. S. (2023). Association between vitamin D deficiency and testosterone levels in adult males: A systematic review. Cureus, 15(9), e45856. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.45856
- Souza, A. C. R., Vasconcelos, A. R., Dias, D. D., Komoni, G., & Name, J. J. (2023). The integral role of magnesium in muscle integrity and aging: A comprehensive review. Nutrients, 15(24), 5127. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15245127
- Chauhan, S., Srivastava, M. K., & Pathak, A. K. (2022). Effect of standardized root extract of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on well-being and sexual performance in adult males: A randomized controlled trial. Health Science Reports, 5(4), e741. https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.741
- Venn-Watson, S., & Schork, N. J. (2023). Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0), an essential fatty acid, shares clinically relevant cell-based activities with leading longevity-enhancing compounds. Nutrients, 15(21), 4607. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214607
- Rastegar Panah, M., Jarvi, K., Lo, K., & El-Sohemy, A. (2024). Vitamin B12 is associated with higher serum testosterone concentrations and improved androgenic profiles among men with infertility. Journal of Nutrition, 154(9), 2680-2687. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.06.013