Treatments for Low Free Testosterone

Millions of Americans suffer from low levels of free testosterone, an endogenous hormone naturally produced by both males and females. Primarily a concern affecting men's health, low free testosterone occurs naturally as the body ages, or due to trauma to the testicles, according to the Medical Library.

There are various methods for treating low free testosterone in males, both medical and nutritional. Examining the benefits of each and how they work helps you and your doctor decide which is right for you.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

• Testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT, can improve sexual interest, mood, erectile function, bone density, and muscle mass, according to the Medical Library. Additionally, the National Institute on Aging reports that higher levels of free testosterone among older men improves both cognition (thinking ability) and memory.

  TRT raises the levels of free testosterone in the male body. According to Life Extension magazine, testosterone levels can be augmented by medicines prescribed by a physician, and can also be raised by various natural supplements found in your local pharmacy.

Medical TRT

• Testosterone, reports the Medical Library, can be administered by four FDA-approved methods: via injection, patches, gel creams, or buccal (through the mucus membranes of the mouth). Each of these methods delivers the actual hormone or a synthetic version directly into the body, raising low free testosterone levels simply by introducing more of the hormone.

  Delatestryl (BTG Pharmaceuticals) is an injectable form of testosterone suspended in sesame oil, usually administered by a physician into a large muscle such as the buttock or thigh.
  Androderm (Watson Pharmaceuticals) is a transdermal skin patch that releases testosterone through the skin, and is applied daily to the back, upper arm, thighs, or abdomen.
  Testim (Auxilium Pharmaceuticals) is a testosterone-delivering gel that is applied daily to the shoulders, upper arms and/or abdomen.
  Striant (Columbia Laboratories, Inc.) is a testosterone formulation that is absorbed through the buccal mucosa, or the area where the gums meet the lips.

Natural TRT

• Nutritional TRT is accomplished by stimulating the body's own ability to manufacture testosterone, often resulting in increased levels of free testosterone. Life Extension mentions a few of these supplements that are readily available at most pharmacies.

  Zinc is an important mineral in the production of testosterone, and is available in pill formulation at almost any pharmacy or grocery store in the supplements aisle.
  Chrysin, found naturally in honey, inhibits the aromatization--or conversion into estrogen--of free testosterone, leading to higher levels of testosterone.
  Carnitine, an amino acid (protein building-block) derivative, does not directly affect testosterone levels but has a significant impact on sexual function and depression, both of which are symptoms of low free testosterone levels.
  Antioxidants, found in foods like blueberries, raspberries and green tea, also are mentioned by Life Extension to support healthy levels of free testosterone. Antioxidants include vitamin A, vitamin E, and selenium.

  As with all nutritional supplements, talk with your doctor before deciding on using one or a combination for treating TRT. Your physician will take into account your personal medical history and help you make the right choices for TRT.