Low testosterone in men can cause many serious side effects, including weight gain, bone loss, depression, muscle loss, gynecomastia (breast enlargement), decreased libido, and decreased energy and mental concentration. Testosterone production naturally declines with age. The drop off starts in the mid-thirties and steadily grinds production to a halt. At the age of eighty, men produce only 20 percent of their youthful levels of testosterone. There are natural herbs that can help to increase endogenous (in the body) production of testosterone and prevent the symptoms of male hormone decline.
Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus terrestris is an herb that has natural steroidal components within it. Used by the Greeks as a diuretic and the Bulgarians as an aprhodisiac, tribulus may have libido-enhancing effects according to the Life Extension Foundation. By increasing the secretion of lutenizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland, tribulus may increase the endogenous production of testosterone. LH is a messenger hormone responsible for alerting the testicles to increase testosterone production. In his book Homemade Supplement Secrets, Jeff Anderson recommends 2 grams of tribulus, taken twice a day.
Eurycoma Longifolia
Also known as tonkat ali or longjack, eurycoma longifolia may lower sex-hormone binding globulin, increasing total free testosterone. In addition, longjack increased DHEA and IGF-1 levels, which contribute to libido and muscle mass. In his book Natural Anabolics, fitness expert Jerry Brainum recommends 400 milligrams of longjack once a day, preferably in the morning or before exercise.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek extract contains potent steroidal nutrients, much like tribulus. Standardized extract is known as Testofen, and may increase testosterone in castrated rates, according to the Life Extension Foundation. More human studies are needed, however Testofen has been shown to increase testosterone more than placebo.
Coleus Forskohlii
Extracts of coleus forskohlii contain Forskolin, which may be beneficial for men with low testosterone. Brainum's book mentions a study in the Obesity Research Publication, showing that men given 250 milligrams of the herb (10 percent Forskolin) experienced significantly reduced levels of body fat, accompanied by an increase in testosterone. Total testosterone was not increased much, but free testosterone increased 17 percent over the placebo group, with no increase in blood pressure. Brainum recommends 250 milligrams (10 percent standardized) twice a day.
References
- Natural Anabolics - Jerry Brainum, IronMan Publishing, 2008
- Homemade Supplement Secrets - Jeff Anderson, CQC LLC, 2009
- Testosterone Potentiators
