Update 3/17/21. When I first heard the name Syntheroid I thought it was a supplement for the thyroid because its name sounds a LOT like the drug synthroid that people take for hypothyroidism. But Syntheroid is billed as a natural testosterone booster whose motto is “power, mass, sexual performance.” The makers of Syntheroid claim that it can improve speed, agility, and reaction time, as well as muscle size and strength. This is in addition to the claim that Syntheroid can maintain libido during hardcore dieting. These are all pretty bold statements so I'm not surprised if people wonder if Syntheroid really works or not? Let's now review Syntheriod and what can be discovered. Also see my review of the HGH supplement, SeroVital.
Who Makes Syntheroid?
When I checked the product website – syntheroid.com -I couldn't find out who makes this product. It's only after some digging that I discovered that syntheroid is made by a company called XPI (xpisupplements.com).
The address of XPI labs is 965 N 1430 W Orem, UT 84097. The link provided is to show what the area looks like. I see a lot of warehouses. I did not see any building called “XPI laboratories” but since most of the buildings appeared dull looking – built for function, rather than looks – I'm sure it's in there somewhere. XPI labs do not seem to have a BBB listing when I checked on 12/7/11.
On the Syntheroid.com website, there is a video of a 31-year-old man named Josh Dahl (“The Josh Dahl Story”) where he says that Syntheroid makes him feel like he's 21 years old again. They listed his name like we should know who Josh Dahl was – which I didn't – so I did some goggling on who Josh Dahl, was but could not find anything. Maybe Syntheroid did do what Josh said but in general, I take all testimonials from people I do not know with a big grain of salt.
Syntheroid Ingredients
Kudos to the Syntheroid website because they do tell us what's in this product. If you take 3 capsules of Syntheroid -the recommended dose – you get the following:
| Tribulus Terrestris | 650 mg |
| Testofen | 300 mg |
| Aminogen | 250 mg |
| Coleus forskohlii | 125 mg |
| Milk Thistle | 120 mg |
| Alpha lipoic acid | 100 mg |
| Eurycoma Longifolia | 100 mg |
| Horny goat weed | 100 mg |
| Bioperine | 15 mg |
Remember, even though the name syntheroid sounds like a drug, syntheroid is not a hormone or a pro hormone. It's a dietary supplement. They even say this on the Syntheroid website.
Looking over this list of ingredients, Syntheroid has some things found in many other products I've reviewed in the past.
For example, Syntheroid has Tribulus. I know people have said that tribulus works for them but I have been skeptical about the claims of this herb since the 1990s when it first started getting popular. For more on this, read the Tribulus review.
Despite the hype about Tribulus and testosterone, I can't find any proof that it works. For example, in a study published in 2001, Tribulus didn't work. In another study from 2007 tribulus didn't work.
If anybody knows of a“tribulus raises testosterone study”, please let me know and I will happily update my reviews on this herb.
Now, no study is perfect, so if you really want to know if tribulus raises testosterone, get your doctor to check your testosterone before starting tribulus (or Syntheroid) and after a month of using it. This is the only way you can know for sure if it worked or not.
As for Testofen, it's a cool-sounding name and was likely invented to give the impression that it raises testosterone – but it doesn't. Testofen is just a made-up name for the herb Fenugreek. For more on fenugreek- testosterone research also see the review of Ageless Male.
Fenugreek might raise insulin levels. Since insulin helps us use amino acids, that means it has a mild anabolic effect. I'm guessing this is why it's in a testosterone booster supplement. Here is Fenugreek on Amazon.
Ironically, this effect on insulin is why fenugreek is also found in diabetes supplements. For example, the diabetes supplement Glucotor V2 also has fenugreek. In fact, this diabetes supplement has the same amount of fenugreek – 300 mg – as Syntheroid does.
Aminogen
The Syntheroid website says that Aminogen is a ” proprietary proteolytic synthetic enzyme” that “was created to improve protein digestion and absorption.” That means at that Aminogen is not an amino acid supplement but rather just a fancy name for a protein-digesting enzyme supplement.
Unless you have a problem absorbing protein you don't need enzyme supplements. They say that Aminogen “works to produce a higher bioavailability within your body, particularly to your muscles.” So, where is the proof of this? As far as I can tell neither Aminogen – or Syntheoid – has any peer-reviewed clinical proof that it does anything. Since they can't prove to me that this statement is true, I discount it.
Just a heads-up, animal protein – has a very high absorbability, so unless your doctor has told you that you have a problem with digestion, you don't need any supplemental digestive enzymes. What's a good way to remember animal protein? It's any food that had a mother. That's how I remember it!
Coleus Forskohlii
This herb is said to be a metabolism booster and weight loss supplement. The idea here is that coleus forskohlii (forskolin) stimulates fat-burning enzymes that help us lose weight. One small study of older, overweight men also noted that coleus forskohlii increased testosterone levels.
This is the logic why Coleus forskohlii is found in many weight loss products such as Lean and Fab and Apidexin to name a few.
Here is coleus forskohlii on Amazon.
The problem with coleus forskohlii research is that they often have problems and so for the moment, I will keep an open mind about forskolin until better research is done. For more on this research, read my Coleus forskohlii review.
Milk Thistle
Since steroid abuse is thought to damage the liver, and since Syntheriod is reputed to be a testosterone booster, I'm guessing this is why they added the liver-protecting supplement -milk thistle – to Syntheriod.
That is the most obvious answer I can guess because there seems to be no clinical proof that milk thistle raises testosterone or improves libido. There is interest in milk thistle for diabetes because it has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels.
Might stabilizing blood sugar levels help people have better workouts? In theory, maybe. This might be another reason for putting milk thistle in Syntheroid.
Mostly this herb is an antioxidant and one of its active ingredients is a compound called Silymarin. Syntheroid has 120 mg of milk thistle but I can't tell from the product website how much Silymarin this translates into.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Like milk thistle, alpha-lipoic acid has also been researched for its blood sugar-lowering effects. I've seen this stuff used in many exercises and weight loss supplements despite any good proof it helps weight loss or exercise.
For example, alpha-lipoic acid is also found in the bodybuilding supplement Stemulite and Jillian Michaels Fat Burner as well as the Plexus Slim weight loss supplement.
Like several other ingredients in Syntheroid, eurycoma longifolia is found in a variety of other products. For example, this herb is one of the main ingredients in TriVerex – a male enhancement product you may have seen on late-night TV.
It's probably eurycoma longfolia – as well as horny goat weed – that is at the heart of the claims that Syntheroid improves sex. I don't want to reinvent the wheel on these ingredients, so please read my words on TriVerex” for more info on the research behind both Eurycoma longfolia and horny goat weed.
The same thing goes for Bioperine. For more on this ingredient see my Lean and Fab review.
Syntheroid Side Effects
I think if you are healthy you might not notice any side effects with Syntheroid. If you are not “healthy” or take any medications, see your doctor first. Syntheroid is probably very safe in healthy people but as far as I can tell this assumption has never been tested. Here is Synteroid on Amazon for those who want to check out the comments from others who have used it.
One older study noted that alpha lipoic acid might lower thyroid hormone levels. If this holds true, it might also reduce vitamin D levels as well as metabolic rate. I'm not sure if this “side effect” is true or not but it's worth mentioning just in case you have hypothyroidism. Alpha-lipoic acid might also add to the effects of insulin and other diabetes drugs.
Fenugreek might cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and interact with insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medications. It might have an even greater blood sugar lowering effect when combined with alpha-lipoic acid.
Milk thistle might interact with many medications like coumadin (a blood thinner). The herb might also have an estrogen effect that might be bad for women with a history of breast cancer. This effect is probably a long shot, but speak to your doctor if you are not “healthy” just to be safe.
How Much Does Syntheroid Cost?
They say 1 bottle currently costs $59.95 on the Syntheroid website. I think that is a lot of money for a product that has zero clinical proof that it works.
Here is Synteroid on Amazon to compare prices.
Does Syntheroid Work?
On the XPI labs website, they say that Syntheroid “was scientifically formulated to boost testosterone levels, improve protein synthesis, absorb nutrients, and burn fat faster than any other legal supplement on the market.” Scientifically formulated? How did they scientifically formulate this product but did not conduct any scientific tests to prove Syntheroid actually does what they say?
In my book, you can't invoke the name of the mighty god science (lowercase g) without doing actual scientific testing – in humans. Failure to do so is just bad science. They also say that with Syntheroid, you can boost testosterone by up to 400% but proof of this cannot be located.
If you are interested here is Synteroid on Amazon.
Gentlemen,
The whole industry of T-boosters is the Male version of weight-loss supplements for women. It seems that every year, or so, a new supplement will be advertised promising significant weight-loss for women. Phen-phen, Lipozene, Sensa…..the list goes on and on. And there’s never any proof that they work. They will hire a Dr. to substantiate their claims (what the person received their doctorate is often left unstated). They will cite a study that shows that the product “may” contribute to significant weight-loss.
What nobody seems to notice is that these products only stay advertised for about a year (or less) and then disappear. Because they don’t work. The manufacturer/marketer has played-upon women’s desire to take-a-pill and lose weight easily. There have been 2 proven ways to lose weight: 1) Decrease caloric intake, and; 2) Increase the burning of calories (e.g., diet and exercise).
Guys, these T-booster ads are the very same thing. I wonder if the same manufacturers/marketers are behind this scam. Through implication they play upon men’s desire to “be more of a man”, “increase muscle-mass”, “get more ripped”, etc.. This year its through T-boosters. Next year, who knows. In 5 years no one will even remember T-boosters.
If ANY of these products actually worked, there would be studies to back-up the marketing claims. If there were any studies to substantively verify the claims, that would be the FIRST thing that a company would be telling you to get you to buy their product. The fact that a company shows no studies to back it’s claims is a HUGE red flag that the company is only interested in playing upon your desires instead of providing a proven product.
Men, let’s leave the pills and short-cuts to the women. Let’s push our bodies to it’s limits and then be satisfied (maybe even proud of what we’ve accomplished?). Let’s trust our bodies to know where it’s limits are.
There are only 2 proven was to “increase muscle mass” and give you that “cut” look: diet and exercise.
Joe,
Thanks for this forum your objectivity.
Cavalier1, thank you for writing and sharing your thoughts.
I appreciate the sincerity of your comments/concerns and I believe the industry is a multimillion dollar scheme. But Joe, the problem is they DO work. A lot of this depends on body type, usage, and the intensity of your workouts. I think some work and others don’t. Problem is which ones? I know they work to some degree from personal experience, and believe me, this is not placebo.
Matt, I remain skeptical because I have never seen a study showing any T booster raises T levels. In fact nobody has been able to show me blood tests showing this either.
Hi Joe,
I am using this product and wrote about my
experience with it on this site.
I started in April @238lbs.
started at gym cut out meats
mostly begs salads and chicken on
occasions more seafood.
I did have a blood test during my
annual physical and asked to have
my T-level checked.
my Dr. Said it was good at 683
there is a calculation that determines what
this number represent. Check testosterone levels
google it. By the way I’m 63 years young
lifting weight and also weekly Insanity
class. So does this stuff work, I would say
yes…frankly I don’t want to stop taking it
incase it does start to affect my performance
in and out of the gym. Hope this helps.
Charles
Charles, thanks for that. did you get your T levels tested before you started syntheroid? what were they? Had your weight gone down from 238?
Hi Joe,
I didn’t check mt T level before
no need at that time. However
my girlfriend is much younger
than me so that was my initial
reason to find a T-boost. She
helped me in changing the way I
eat and going to the gym.
To answer your question about
my weight as of 9/3 I’m 185 which
is my goal. I need to resupply
and will be getting another 2
bottles. Don’t forget everyone
reacts differently…also cutting
out the meat, fried foods and
dessert and the gym play an
important role. Workout days
2 pills prior to going to the gym.
and 1 when I get back. Non
workout days one in the AM and
another in evening so its always
in my system.
Good luck
Charles
Joe, what can you tell me about Tongkat Ali?
Lonnie, Tongkat Ali has been in several products Ive reviewed. Just put it in the search box and the other products that had it will show up 🙂
Ok guys here is the scoop I am a very skeptical about anything claiming to be the one and only pill. Since this was really a supplement and I check most of the ingredients I decided to give it a shot. I started to take this in April 2013 weighing in at 243 lbs and a 38″ waist.
I took the prescribed dosage and joined the Y here in Charlotte NC. I worked out about 3 – 4 times a week doing weights and cardio – no I wasn’t lifting my body weight in a weeks time.
I worked at it and changed my eating habits to cutting out meats and limiting my chicken intake. More salads with nuts and stuff in it, pasta and rice dishes made with beans, lentils, peas and broccoli.
My snacks are now natural peanut butter with a banana. Well you get the point.
Now to say that I am where I am physically because of Syntheroid would not be a true statement . When I joined the Y I benched pressed the bar 45 lbs. I’m now up to 155 lbs as of last night 7/23/13. The big thing is I’m now 191 lbs weighed last night and 34″ waist.
My girlfriend who is 20 years my junior has helped motivate me in many ways ;O) and has been instrumental in getting me to eat better. I had a blood test recently and had my testosterone level checked.
Component Standard Range Your Value
TESTOSTERONE, SERUM (TOTAL) 300 – 890 ng/dL 603.39
I’m not sure if this range is different by age or not I haven’t been back to my Dr. to discuss the blood test results.
You may be think that this is a good range and for my age and that this may be low or normal – not sure. To me the range is near the high mark which I like.
For all you guys who think you can’t do this or that I’m just another paid to advertise – trust me I’m not – just another guy like you – work and live in Charlotte – work off of I85 near Harris blvd for those familiar with the area. I live in Selwyn.
Guys I turned 63 this year and I’m on the site now because I need to reorder – good luck and if you need any pointer just reply here and I’ll answer you as best I can.
PS. I plan on doing Insanity in August course is being offered at the Y
Mr. Nunzi.
c. cats, I am glad you have gotten more healthy. I would add that its hard to tell if it was the synteroid that caused the changes or the other healthy things you were doing. Regardless, the important thing is that you have been eating better and working out and I’m really happy for that 🙂
Joe,what are your reviews of P6 from GNC. Any comments would be appreciated.
Hi Greg, that would be the Ceullucor P6 right? I looked it up and Im not sure at this time. I did see it contained wild yam extract. that made me wonder if if it might have DHEA. if Im right I dont think DHEA will raise T levels much if at all based on the research Ive seen. I will have to take a closer look at it to know what the other ingredients do. Ive added it to my list of things to review and will try to get to it.
Just discovered your site … WONDERFUL!!
I’m 75 yrs old, 5’7″, 173lbs and work out with free-weights 4 days per wk.
Have been doing this routine for many, many years (Used to run 1/2 marathons but broke my ankle and now carry around several metal plates and screws). To hard to run but walk 3 miles three days.
I bench press 180, @10 reps. That’s just the starter. My work outs are all free-weights and heavy. I’m in good shape and have super sex drive.
That’s all the good.
The bad,.. I need to get rid of belly fat and would like to know of a supplement which can “really” help. I hate ab exercises and avoid them like a plague. At the end of the day.
a beer to two is nice. I know this doesn’t help reduce belly fat but it sure makes me feel better.
Regardless, how ’bout a supplement which can help rid this old fellow of his belly fat without having to give up a beer????
Hey Jerry, glad you found me! Im not aware of anything -drug or supplement -that takes of just belly fat. CLA is a supplement that has some evidence that it might “kill” fat cells but it might also raise the risk of diabetes also (if you try CLA, get your blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C levels tested regularly just to be safe).
Sounds like you are doing fantastic. Id say just stay the course 🙂
I have been taking Syntheroid for almost a month now. I do not go to the gym or run. I am 36 yrs old and been in construction since i was 16 I feel my job is my workout. As for what affects I feel I have seen. I have lost 10lbs of my winter gain. (happens every year) I gained more this last winter than usual and pushing the 200 mark so this is why I turned to a supplement. I can defiantly tell that my arms are coming back into shape and my shoulders too.
I want to thank you for your page I was trying to some research before I ordered another bottle and thought I might try to help with some feed back. Thanks again
I’ve taken T boosters for years. The best I took and did raise my testosterone level was Tongkat Ali. I got my T levels taken before and after I took it and my T level did go up. This was about a year ago and I’ll look for my T results and post both of them on here if I can find them. Truthfully I’ve took them all and that was the only thing I could find that did raise my T. Good luck everybody on what your taking. Everything works different on different people so I can judge any product unless you did Like I did and get your T level first then go from there. I also take Whey and that helps me more than any other powder.
Hi, Im 53 yrs old and started lifting weights 2 yrs ago. I work out 1.5 hrs a day. And I still smoke. Ive put on a lot of muscle mass and get comments from people how great I look. What Ive taken for 2 yrs is 200 grams of protein a day and 6x Deer antler velvet. It truly works. Without it I would not work out that long. I take it twice a day. Wish I could show a before and after pic. you would be amazed. Also before I started taking deer antler velvet I used to get irregular heart beats at times for 20 yrs. Anyways after starting deer velvet they went away. Strange but true and muscle growth, endurance and all natural. with no side effects of any kind for me.
jeff, that’s interesting. I have not yet looked at dear antler velvet but here is a review by somebody else
http://muscleevo.net/deer-antler-velvet-spray/
I am currently taking the Synteroid with great results, if I took the deer velvet as well, would it be overkill?
Lonnie, hard to say. For me, Im highly skeptical of dear antler velvet.
Really? Even with ALL of the bans against it for giving an athletic edge?
Lonnie, yes really. My gut feeling is that they are banning it on the off chance it does something. I didn’t the NFL banned dear antler velvet. According to Dr Weils website its the IFG 1 that is banned. does Dear antler velvet have IGF1 – or enough to do anything. Im not sure. Heres a link to the Dr Weil page that discusses this
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA401249/Is-Deer-Antler-Velvet-Worthwhile.html
Thank you for that input, I think I will just stick to the Syntheroid, it seems to be working great for me
i stummbled across xpi and its products by following a number of scam trails. do some basic web searches and the same dodgy sites keep popping up. no legit supplement sites stock their products, and the only sites that do sell their ( xpi ) products only sell brands no one has ever heard of!! it seems to me a fairly clever scam. please just research a little be cynical with xpi.
Welp, I am 42 and I got this stuff, after reading ALL the negatives and positive and all the highs and lows about it and I can honestly say; I experienced a marked improvement. Just about everything it said it would do for me, it did. I noticed great improvements when I went to the gym in my stamina and my recovery time and even after a rigorous workout session, soreness wasn’t an issue any more like it had been prior to Syntheroid. My T count has raised, my libido has raised and my wife is extremely happy. And when I look in the mirror, I am happy. I am definitely ordering another bottle and I have recommended it to a couple of my friends, because I told them I wouldn’t endorse this product until I tried it first, and I whole heartedly endorse it.
Lonnie, you said it raised your T levels. what were the before and after numbers? Do you have pre/post blood tests on paper?
All prescription testosterone therapy products have been tested on levels below normal. What about the guy like me who has an above minimum level but feels like the level is way below normal? The prescription products will not boost levels if the lever is above the minimum so using the product of any even over the counter products will be a waist of money.
Here is my issue with these type products. I have tried prescription testosterone products and all of them have to be applied topically because stomach acid will eat them up if swallowed. Knowing this truth then how do these over the counter products work when swallowed in pill form?
I have tried syntheroid, and I think it’s awesome! I’m 45, and my strength has shot through the roof like I am 17 again! The other day I went to shake my friends hand, and he said I had strength like a vise grip, and he wanted to know what I was on!
Joe,
Just ordered this product. I had my Tlevels checked very low @136. feeling tired and brain fog but no issues with libido. Are there any side effects mental of phsyical that I should, be concerened about as it relates to this product
Lou
Lou, not that Im aware of. I will be interested to know how your T levels change. you should know in a month or so if it worked.
OK Joe, I got my Synthroid and I am starting the doses. According to the bottle of 90 pills it is supposed to be a month’s supply, Reading the directions it suggest three pills a day; one first thing in the morning and one after an intense work out and one in the evening before bed. I will post the progress for those who have questions like I had.
Lonnie, thanks for the update.
Thank you for that, it seems that Synthroid, still has an edge over this product, as far as ingrediences that actually do something
Found a product from Gamma Labs that sounds pretty interesting. They also have about 35 reviews on the product. Seems pretty interesting. The product is called
Gamma Labs™ Gamma-O™ Natural Testosterone Booster V2 Series
Hope you can check it out for us.
Sam
Sam, I looked it up for you. The “gamma” in the name refers to Gamma Oryzanol, a plant steroid that comes from rice bran oil. It was big in the 1990s although I couldn’t find any good proof it raised testosterone levels. I covered it in my book and just did a quick check to see if any new research noted its effects on testosterone. I didn’t see anything new. here are the studies I found:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9407258
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1844993
When I checked today, I thought it was interesting that even websites that say it works (and who also sell it), quote the same studies here, that say it doesn’t work.
if you try it get your T levels tested first and a month later to see if it changed. let me know if you did this.
Thanks Joe for your trouble. I really love your website.
Sam, thanks I appreciate that 🙂
Joe, what are your thoughts on Tribestanal Pro? Have you heard of it?
Lonnie, I took a look at it. The name ” Tribestanol” sounds to me like the maker is trying to make people think its both tribulus (hence “trib” in the name) and a steroid (by the “ol” in the name). Either way, I didn’t see any research showing it makes muscles bigger or raises T levels etc.
Joe, looking for a product that increases sex drive, libido, blood flow, hardening of veins, strength, energy, etc… but mainly the sex part lol. I was told this product. It seems like you are skeptical of this and other TEST products. Do you know of any products that have worked and I am not talking about taking Viagra…. I wanted something that I could take daily along with my vitamins, oxy elite, etc… Thanks, John
John, I keep looking but so far I know of nothing that works like viagra and other drugs like that. On other posts you may have noticed I did a little experiment with 7 Keto DHEA and fenugreek and while they were not like viagra I did notice a little difference, usually at the end of the night, but I would not call it significant.
Have you researched or heardof pine pollen in tincture form yet?
Tim, not yet no sorry.
Hello Joe, I am a 42 year old male, I have have had my levels checked and they are low. I was going to order this supplement but after reading all of the varied reviews, I am at a stalemate again. I have witnessed you sidestep the question on every occasion it was presented to you (no offense intended) So, I will try again and even invite others to chime in. Yes I have been tested and yes my levels are low, I have noticed a decreased “oomph” in just about everything I do, otherwise I am pretty healthy.
If not Syntheroid; is there anything out there that you WOULD suggest? Any readers out there please feel free to chime in, I am open to suggestions.
Lonnie, Believe me, I’m really not try to sidestep anyone but rather just trying to be as honest as I can. That’s why I say the best way to see if something works is to have your T levels tested first, try a product for a month and then retest to see if there is a difference. I mentioned this in my FAQ Page also.
All that said, I will say that right now, I do not see any evidence that any supplement that claims to raise testosterone levels, actually raises testosterone levels in humans.
When I look at the products they all seem to have the same ingredients – like fenugreek – which I really don’t think works. More importantly than this, when I look at the websites for these products, not a single product website Ive seen lists any peer reviewed human research on them. In other words, none of them seem to have ever been tested in humans to see if they really do raise T levels in people. Most of them show research on their ingredients (which I’ve likely covered in my reviews of T boosters like this one, Ageless Male, Mdrive etc) but the research research on ingredients is not the same as research on the product itself.
I do keep looking and if I ever do find something I will indeed review it. I try to keep and open mind on this this is a topic I am curious about it and I know others are as well.
I hope that clears up my position Lonnie.
Thank you sir, it does.