Perhaps I am just trying too soon, but I am getting absolutely owned by Frost Trolls. I am Level 17 and in the Labyrinthian on the way to get whats-his-face's horn. Frost trolls everywhere and they are kicking my butt. How do you beat these dudes? I have tried exhausting my magika with the flame spell, the fire breath shout, poisoned arrows....at my wit's end here....

Always try running to higher ground first - the frost trolls are pretty slow and occasionally have problems with objects in their way. Then just use everything fire-based you got, be it a spell or enchanted weapon.

Do you have the impact perk? That's great at keeping them at a distance.

Get Impact and dual casting spells perks.

All depends on your play style.
Now, based on what you are hinting at i assume you are using magic. The best thing is to kite these beasts. If they catch up to you, it can be quite hard to go toe to toe. As mention above, finding a rock or high place is the most ideal thing you can do.

Otherwise, i would try to run and gun. Let out a burst of fire, run, and repeat. Using health, mana, and stamina potions as needed.

Another effective tactic, could be to use a follower. Allowing them to deal and soak up some damage.
Having good gear is also key, as in using not only high quality items, but using good enchantments.

At your level frost trolls were difficult for me too. But it's not impossible.
Keep trying, and I'm sure you'll best them

Well at least they're not tribbles, then you'd have a real problem.

Ok that wasn't helpful, uh, bait it into swinging and backpedal out then jump back in and fire away while they recover their animation, they certainly run fast but I find them pretty lethargic on the assaulting.

I don't use this myself, but roommate uses his follower(s) as a distraction and kills the enemy with arrows. I will admit that it's been tempting me to try it.

have you tried employing a follower to help double team the troll?

Thanks for the helpful advice, guys. I have the exact same problem on yahoo answers.

If you're a mage illusion spells work wonders on trolls.

Set it on fire and beat the crap out of it with your sword and shield bash it. If you're a Nord don't forget Battle Cry. They will flee. Your follower can weaken them with arrows. They will regenerate, unless you use fire.

I play a thief/fighter with a touch of magic. I usually try to sneak up behind and get a backstab. If you have muffle that will help a lot. I've got smithing and sneak at 60. I'm also lvl 17 with my current char and haven't done this yet. I'm waiting until lvl 25.

Thanks for all the help gang. I don't remember the three-eyed beasties being this tough in Oblivion. As a matter of fact, I used to love going into Troll caves. Many of your responses inquired as to what style I play. That probably would have been very helpful to include in my OP. I am a Bosmer Archer with very little magic back-up. Archer skill just hit 50, Destruction skill is at 23, and 1H skill is at 26 right now. My only companion right now is my housecarl, Lydia. I actually left her at home for this jaunt. I suppose I could go back to an earlier save and bring her along. I don't know how well she would hang in a battle with these guys though. The other issue with going back to that save is I will lose a Dragon Soul that I got at Skyborn Altar.

Thanks again for the help.

It's never too late to start using illusion. It will compliment your play style

I would recommend doing the thieves guild and dark brotherhood quests...due to how they work...and the nightinggale stuff is nice and the blade of woe is good, I duel wield and the blade of woe and nightinggale blade were good early on...also shadowmere is a godsend for fighting if you are outclassed and need a distractor....combine that with the bow and bobs your uncle.

The Power Shot perk (skillreq=50) in archery will give you the stagger effect you need to help keep them off you as you backpedal. But I'd imagine you'd still need to sprint alot to stay ahead of them. I didn't like trolls in Oblivion and I still don't like them in Skyrim.