Key takeaways:
- Native testosterone, also known as testosterone base, is a less suppressive form of TRT that closely mimics natural testosterone in the body. Unlike synthetic forms, it lacks esters and undergoes minimal processing.
- Studies show that oral native testosterone effectively boosts testosterone and DHT levels to physiological ranges, leading to improved sexual function, mood, energy, muscle mass, cognitive function, and overall quality of life. Its shorter half-life results in fewer side effects compared to other forms of TRT.
- Native testosterone can also be combined with enclomiphene to mitigate negative effects on fertility. This combination protocol, such as Maximus' Oral TRT+ Protocol, results in significant increases in free and total testosterone levels while maintaining fertility markers and reducing estrogen-related side effects.
Since testosterone was first isolated in a lab in 1929, men have been taking testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to solve issues like erectile dysfunction, fatigue, increased body fat, and low libido. Despite its high success rate, many forms of TRT come with baggage — side effects like low sperm count and dependency.
Thankfully, a lot has changed since 1929. Native testosterone, also known as testosterone base, is a less suppressive form of testosterone therapy that acts like natural testosterone in your body. This article will break down how native testosterone works, the benefits you can expect from TRT with native testosterone, and what sets it apart from other forms of TRT.
What is testosterone base, or native testosterone?
Native testosterone, or endogenous testosterone, refers to testosterone without an ester. An ester is a chemical compound attached to the testosterone molecule, which the body must break down to use. Native testosterone uses digestible lipids like oil, allowing it to bypass first-pass liver metabolism and instead be absorbed by the lymphatic system. Native testosterone is the hormone that’s naturally produced in the body. Whereas synthetic testosterone esters like testosterone cypionate, testosterone enanthate, testosterone propionate, and testosterone undecanoate are all common forms of TRT that control the release of testosterone in the body at different levels (some slowly whereas others are quicker). Native testosterone generally has a short half-life, whereas the halflife of these other forms are longer, ranging from a couple days to a couple of weeks, depending on the specific type.
What’s the difference between native and synthetic testosterone?
Most testosterone products — both TRT injections and oral testosterone — contain esters that help extend the product’s half-life (note: a medication’s half-life is the time it takes for the drug’s active substance to reduce by half within your body). However, these increases in half-life come at the cost of increased conversion to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High levels of DHT have been associated with adverse side effects like increased cardiovascular risk, increased blood pressure, and hair loss for those who are genetically predisposed.
Because native testosterone lacks esters, it undergoes minimal processing. This ensures its chemical composition is identical to the testosterone your body naturally makes.
Benefits of taking oral native testosterone
When given to men with low testosterone, studies show oral native testosterone boosts testosterone and DHT to physiological levels (as opposed to the increases to supraphysiological levels that are often seen with TRT injections). This allows native testosterone to function like natural, or bioidentical testosterone, in your body. Native testosterone improves sexual function, body composition, and energy like other forms of esterified TRT, but it has a less suppressive effect on the testicles and the kidneys.
A quick run-down of the benefits you can expect when taking native testosterone:
- More energy without the jitters.
- Improved mood and quality of life.
- Enhanced sexual performance.
- Increased muscle mass and strength.
- Improved physical performance and body composition.
- Enhanced cognitive functions like memory and concentration.
The benefits of combining native testosterone with enclomiphene
Native testosterone can also be compounded in oral form with other testosterone-boosting medications like enclomiphene, as in Maximus’ Oral TRT + Protocol. Enclomiphene stimulates the production of natural testosterone in your body by blocking selective estrogen receptors and preserving testicular function. Combining native testosterone with enclomiphene allows men to reap the impressive benefits of TRT without compromising their fertility markers.
In the white paper “Maximus’ Oral TRT Plus Protocol: A Highly Efficacious and Non-Suppressive Approach to Significantly Enhance Testosterone and Quality of Life in Hypogonadal and Eugonadal Men”, men taking oral native testosterone compounded with enclomiphene as part of the Oral TRT+ Protocol saw a fivefold increase in free testosterone levels on average and a fourfold increase in total testosterone. At the same time, the men maintained normal levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which are two important fertility markers. Additionally, estrogen levels significantly decreased during the study, minimizing estrogen-related complications commonly seen during TRT, such as breast growth, water weight gain, and mood swings. These increases in total and free testosterone led to reports of increased strength and endurance, enhanced energy, improved work performance, and higher overall quality of life.
How to buy native testosterone
TRT using native testosterone is only available with a prescription. Head over to Maximus to answer a few questions and schedule a call with a board-certified physician who can determine if you’re a good candidate for the Oral TRT+ Protocol, which combines native testosterone with enclomiphene and pregnenolone. Pregnenolone is a testosterone precursor that provides an extra surge of energy and boosts mood.
Before starting TRT with native testosterone, you’ll also have to complete blood labs to determine your baseline free and total testosterone levels (and follow-up labs to make sure the protocol is working). You’ll work side by side with your doctor to adjust your treatment and dosage if needed, ensuring the protocol is tailored to your exact needs.
Find out more about how the Oral TRT+ Protocol works.
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