Dietary Adjuncts for Improving Testosterone Levels in Hypogonadal Males

Abstract

An increasing number of men are being diagnosed with hypogonadism. While many benefit from testosterone supplementation therapy, others who do not meet the criteria for hormone supplementation have turned to dietary adjuncts as a way or gaining improvements in libido, energy, and physical performance. These oral adjunct medications include controlled substances such as androstenedione, androstenediol as well as other "over-the-counter" options like DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and herbal remedies like Tribulus terrestris This review will focus on the use of these adjunct medications in isolation, or in combination with testosterone supplementation therapy as well as the biochemical nature of the supplements, the results of scientific trials as well as the side effects that limit their use. At the end of this review, physicians will have an improved understanding of the popular testosterone adjuncts being used currently as well as the availability of these substances and how they are used.

Keywords: androstenedione; dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA); dietary supplements; testosterone.