Are you suffering from testosterone deficiency? Typical symptoms include depression, fatigue, low sex drive, irritability, loss of body/facial hair, thinning or wrinkling of the skin, weigh gain and weakening of both bone and muscle tissue. Eventually, low testosterone levels can lead to the development of more serious diseases as it disrupts your body’s blood sugar metabolism, which can lead to obesity and diabetes.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

It is possible to replace your lost testosterone through HRT or Hormone Replacement Therapy. This is normally accomplished via testosterone injections, testosterone creams or use of testosterone patches. HRT has been used successfully by many men to increase their sex drive and muscle while decreasing fat, and improving energy levels.

However, the prolonged use of HRT can increase the risk of hair loss, and destroy brain cells. It has also been shown that high doses of testosterone can increase sleep disturbances that raise the risk of heart disease.

Over-the-counter testosterone supplements

If you would rather not run the risks associated with HRT, there are a number of natural testosterone supplements available over-the-counter – usually in health food stores. One popular supplement is Testarol, a natural testosterone supplement that helps to increase testosterone levels. It uses natural ingredients, such as Beta-ecdysterone and Tribulus Terrestris, to help enhance physical performance as well as to elevate testosterone levels.

Another over-the-counter supplement is ZMA, a natural testosterone boosting supplement containing Zinc, Magnesium aspartate, Vitamin B6 and Mono methionine aspartate. This is not testosterone itself, but rather a combination of minerals and vitamins designed to increase the amount of hormones the body naturally produces.

Tribulus Terrestris

Probably the most popular herbal supplement to help raise testosterone levels is Tribulus Terrestris. It is a herb also known as the puncture vine. Tribulus Terrestris has a long history of traditional medical use in China, India and Greece. Clinical studies in Bulgaria actually showed that this supplement improved reproductive functions, including increased sperm production and testosterone levels in men.

Since Tribulus Terrestris is non-hormonal, it is thought to be virtually free of side effects. It is often combined with the herb Avena and sold over-the-counter under brand names such as Tribex 500.

Other natural supplements

Wild Yam Powder (Dioscorea Machro staycha) is a member of the Wild Yam family that contains steroidal sapogenins that are nearly identical to testosterone. Potency Wood (muira puama, lyriosma ovata) may be one of the most tested herbal ingredients. It has been used in South America for centuries to treat sexual dysfunctions and appears in the BRAZILIAN PHARMACOPEIA as a remedy for impotence. Saw Palmetto can be beneficial for both sexes, working as both an aphrodisiac and a tonic.

Raising your testosterone levels naturally

Rather than using supplements or HRT, you may be able to raise your testosterone levels naturally by eating foods high in protein, low in fat, and by exercising regularly. Losing weight can also help to raise hormone levels. In fact, studies have shown that being overweight can increase your chances of becoming testosterone depleted.

Eating lots of fruits, vegetables and peanuts can also be beneficial. Exercise will naturally raise the levels of hormones especially when doing strength training exercises. An finally, it is important to limit alcohol consumption and get enough sleep.

Talk to your doctor

Before trying any of these over-the-counter or herbal testosterone supplements, be sure to discuss this with your doctor. Even natural herbs and supplements can have side effects or cause an adverse reaction with other medicines you may be taking.