The male testes and female ovaries release testosterone into the circulation. The adrenal glands of both genders also contribute to circulating levels. This sex steroid plays an important role in health and disease. In fact, low testosterone can contribute to muscle wasting and bone breaks. Nutritional supplements and prescription medications enhance testosterone, but they also cause side effects. People should not initiate hormone replacement therapy without first speaking with a doctor.
Testosterone
Transdermal patches, available only by prescription, provide the most direct way to enhance free testosterone. That's because skin readily absorbs the bioidentical testosterone offered by the patch. A 2011 study in "Gynecological Endocrinology" assessed the effectiveness and safety of testosterone patches in older females. Menopausal women received either the testosterone patch or an inert treatment for up to four years. The patch increased free testosterone relative to placebo. It also improved sexual performance and reduced psychological stress. Yet, brief and mild side effects caused some women to withdrawal from treatment. Testosterone patches are effective, but hormone enhancement may come at a price.
Dehydroepiandrosterone
The supplement dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA, remains popular despite health concerns. This over-the-counter steroid serves as the basis for testosterone and estrogen production. A 2010 paper in the "Journal of the American Geriatrics Society" looked at the impact of DHEA in frail women. The authors gave older females either the supplement or a placebo for six months. Relative to control subjects, women given DHEA had enhanced levels of free testosterone. Supplementation also improved their muscle strength and life quality. Yet, DHEA can cause negative reactions such as hair growth and acne. Patients should, therefore, carefully weigh the benefits and risks of DHEA pills.
Taurine
Many energy drinks contain the organic acid taurine. Prevalent in the lower intestine, this bile component reduces body weight, lowers cholesterol and prevents oxidation. It also enhances testosterone. A 2010 article in the "Journal of Biomedical Science" evaluated the effect of taurine on rodent reproduction. Rats received taurine-containing water for at least 10 weeks. The data indicated that, relative to control, taurine increased testosterone level. The acid also improved sperm quality and other measures of sexual health. It remains unclear, however, if taurine would produce similar results in humans.
Zinc
Many manufacturers fortify their foods with zinc. This essential element prevents disease in children. It also contributes to sexual maturation. Scientists don't know the underlying mechanism for this process, but it may involve sex steroids. A 2010 report in "Renal Failure" tested zinc's ability to alter the endocrine system. Patients with kidney disease received daily supplements for six months. Relative to baseline, zinc enhanced testosterone. The element also increased luteinizing hormone. The latter hormone stimulates additional testosterone production. While effective in hemodialysis patients, it is not known if zinc has similar effects in other populations.
References
- "Gynecological Endocrinology"; Safety and Tolerability of Testosterone Patch Therapy for up to 4 Years in Surgically Menopausal Women Receiving Oral or Transdermal Oestrogen; Lisa Nachtigall, et al.; January 2011
- "Journal of the American Geriatrics Society"; Dehydroepiandrosterone Combined With Exercise Improves Muscle Strength and Physical Function in Frail Older Women; Anne M. Kenny, et al.; September 2010
- "Journal of Biomedical Science"; Effects of Taurine on Male Reproduction in Rats of Different Ages; Jiancheng Yang, et al.; Aug. 24, 2010
- "Renal Failure"; Impact of Oral Zinc Therapy on the Level of Sex Hormones in Male Patients on Hemodialysis; Gholam R. Jalali, et al.; May 2010
