May 1, 2025 • 18 mins
In this episode of The Health Pulse Podcast, we explore low testosterone—a condition that affects far more than sex drive. From muscle loss and brain fog to increased belly fat and mood changes, declining testosterone levels can impact nearly every system in a man’s body.
We break down the most common signs of Low T, explore modern lifestyle factors that are accelerating hormonal decline, and discuss both natural strategies and medical treatment options for restoring healthy levels. You’ll also learn which hormone tests actually matter, and why early intervention is essential.
🎧 Tune in to learn how to recognize low testosterone—and what steps to take to reclaim your energy, focus, and vitality.
📞 Need lab work done from the comfort of home? QLM offers fast, reliable mobile phlebotomy services—no clinic visit required.
📅 Book your appointment or learn more at:
👉 Quick Lab Mobile
📧 Contact us: info@quicklabmobile.com
💬 Enjoyed the episode? Leave us a review and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover next! Your feedback helps us bring you the content that matters most.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The content discussed is based on research, expert insights, and reputable sources, but it does not replace professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. We strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, medical research is constantly evolving. Listeners should always verify details with trusted health organizations, before making any health-related decisions. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, such as severe pain, difficulty breathing, or other urgent symptoms, call your local emergency services immediately. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that The Health Pulse and its creators are not responsible for any actions taken based on the content of this episode. Your health and well-being should always be guided by the advice of qualified medical professionals.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Nicolette (00:01):
Welcome to the Health Pulse, your go-to source for
quick, actionable insights onhealth, wellness and diagnostics
.
Whether you're looking tooptimize your well-being or stay
informed about the latest inmedical testing, we've got you
covered.
Join us as we break down keyhealth topics in just minutes.
Let's dive in.
Rachel (00:27):
Welcome to the Deep Dive .
Today we're getting intosomething that affects well a
whole lot of men, often quietlyLow testosterone.
We're working from a reallysolid article Low testosterone
in men signs, causes and what todo about it.
Mark (00:44):
Yeah, it's a good one.
Rachel (00:45):
And our mission really is to pull out the key stuff,
the signs, what might be causingit, how you actually get tested
properly and you know what canbe done, all without getting
lost in super technical jargon.
Mark (00:58):
Exactly because it's so easy, isn't it, to just brush
off feeling wiped out or maybehaving trouble concentrating,
putting on a bit of weight, ormaybe your sex drive isn't quite
what it was.
Rachel (01:08):
Right, you just think, oh, it's stress, or I'm just
getting older.
Mark (01:11):
Precisely.
But this article reallyemphasizes that low testosterone
could be the actual root cause,and it seems to be increasingly
common these days.
Rachel (01:28):
Okay, let's unpack that a bit, because testosterone it's
way more than just like musclesand libido.
Mark (01:31):
right yeah, this article suggests its influence is much
broader oh absolutely.
It defies muscle growth, sure,but also how your body uses
energy, your metabolism, yourmood, even cognitive stuff like
focus and clarity, and yourheart health too, wow.
So yeah, when levels are off,it can cause ripples, you know,
affecting your energy day to dayrelationships, even long term
health.
Rachel (01:49):
Gotcha.
So in this deep dive we'll hitthose signs.
Dig into the causes.
Sounds like modern life plays abig part.
Mark (01:57):
Definitely looks that way.
Rachel (01:58):
Then figure out the right way to test and look at
the options, both natural sortof lifestyle things and medical
treatments for getting thingsback in balance.
Mark (02:06):
Sounds like a plan.
Rachel (02:07):
The article kicks off with a quote from Dr Eugene
Shippen.
A man is as young as hishormones.
Kind of makes you stop andthink, huh.
Mark (02:15):
It really does Sets the stage perfectly for why this is
so important.
So maybe let's start right atthe beginning.
What is testosteronefundamentally and why does it
matter so much?
Rachel (02:25):
Right.
So the article defines it asthe main male sex hormone.
It's mostly made in the testes,but the brain is actually
calling the shots, regulating it.
Mark (02:33):
Yeah, the brain signals are key.
Rachel (02:35):
But its impact goes way beyond just sex characteristics.
It seems to touch nearly everysystem in a man's body.
Mark (02:41):
And that scope is what's really striking.
The article cites researchshowing just how vital it is
Like for muscle mass andstrength.
It helps your body actuallybuild protein.
That was from Boston's research.
Rachel (02:54):
And for sexual health.
It's not just desire or libido,but also erectile function,
even sperm production.
There was that Corona studymentioned.
Mark (03:02):
And then there's the brain connection better focus,
confidence, maybe even a lowerrisk of depression.
That was linked in the Zarustudy.
Definitely not just physical.
Rachel (03:11):
No, not at all.
And this is where it getsreally interesting for me the
metabolism link.
The article mentions aconnection to insulin resistance
, that stubborn belly fat, andeven a higher risk for type 2
diabetes.
That was Grossman's work, Ithink.
Plus bone health too, keepingbones strong.
Mark (03:25):
Exactly, and you know, while levels do naturally dip a
bit with age like maybe 1% ayear after 30, roughly yeah,
that's normal factors, you knowchronic stress, obesity, not
sleeping well, maybeenvironmental toxins seem to be
(03:47):
speeding up that decline andmaking it happen earlier for a
lot of guys.
Rachel (03:51):
Which leads us straight to how do you even know if your
levels might be low?
The article uses the termhypogonadism.
Mark (03:59):
Right Clinical term for low T.
Rachel (04:01):
And it says the signs can creep up on you, making them
easy to miss at first.
Mark (04:05):
Totally.
It can be gradual and you justkind of explain it away oh,
work's been crazy, or whatever.
Rachel (04:09):
Yeah.
Mark (04:09):
But the article breaks down the symptoms pretty clearly
.
Physically you might noticethings like less interest in sex
.
Yeah, Trouble with erections,maybe fewer morning erections.
Rachel (04:20):
Yeah.
Mark (04:20):
Losing muscle, even if you're hitting the gym, putting
on fat around the middle.
Rachel (04:23):
That belly fat thing again yeah.
Mark (04:25):
And just feeling tired all the time.
Yeah, low stamina, maybe evenhair thinning on your body or
face.
Rachel (04:31):
And it's not just physical right.
There are mood and mentalchanges too.
Mark (04:35):
Definitely.
Things like mood swings,feeling irritable or maybe just
emotionally flat.
Low motivation is a big one.
That frustrating brain fog,trouble concentrating, memory
lapses, even sleep problems likenot feeling rested after
sleeping.
Rachel (04:50):
It's quite a list.
Mark (04:52):
And it's not just random anecdotes.
The article mentions theEuropean male aging study, which
found real links between low Tand things like sexual problems,
low vitality and generally poormood.
Things like sexual problems,low vitality and generally
poorer mood.
Rachel (05:04):
So the takeaway here is if you're experiencing some of
this cluster of symptoms it'snot just getting older
necessarily.
Low T is measurable, it'ssomething you can potentially
modify and it's treatable.
Mark (05:15):
Exactly, it's a real physiological thing.
Rachel (05:17):
Okay, so let's get into the why.
What causes this decline?
We know age is a factor, butthe article really stresses that
it seems to be happening fasterand earlier now.
Mark (05:26):
Yeah, that's a key point.
The article even mentions data,I think from the Journal of
Clinical Endocrinology andMetabolism, showing that average
T levels seem to be lower inyounger generations compared to
older ones even at the same age.
Rachel (05:38):
Wow, so something else is going on beyond just aging.
Mark (05:41):
Seems like it, and the article lists some major
culprits Obesity and insulinresistance are right up there.
Rachel (05:47):
How does that work exactly?
Mark (05:48):
Well, excess body fat, particularly that deep belly fat
, actually boosts an enzymecalled aromatase, and what
aromatase does is convert yourtestosterone into estrogen.
Rachel (05:59):
Oh, okay, not ideal.
Mark (06:01):
Not ideal if it happens too much.
There was a study by Tajarmentioned that showed this link,
and it can become a bit of avicious cycle too, because low T
can make it easier to store fat.
Rachel (06:10):
Makes sense.
Then there's stress.
We hear about chronic stressall the time.
It's like it messes withhormones too.
Mark (06:16):
Big time.
Long-term stress keeps yourcortisol levels high and
cortisol basically puts thebrakes on testosterone
production by disrupting thesignals from your brain to your
testes that whole HPG axis thing.
Rubino's research looked intothat.
Rachel (06:29):
OK, and sleep, or rather lack of it, that seems critical
too.
I know I feel awful when Idon't sleep well.
Mark (06:36):
Yeah, it's huge.
Your body makes the mosttestosterone during deep sleep,
so anything that messes withsleep, like sleep apnea, is
strongly linked to lower levels.
That Lubaszczycki studyhighlighted that connection.
Rachel (06:48):
It really feels like everything's connected, doesn't
it?
What about things likemedications or even stuff in the
environment?
Mark (06:55):
Good question.
Yeah, certain meds caninterfere opioids, steroids,
even some antidepressants anddrinking too much alcohol isn't
great for T levels either.
Even some antidepressants, yeah, and drinking too much alcohol
isn't great for T levels either,okay.
Plus, there's growing concernabout these endocrine disruptors
chemicals like BPA, phthalates,parabens found in plastics,
personal care products.
Rachel (07:13):
We use every day.
Mark (07:15):
Right, and research like that by Diamante Canarachis
suggests they might lowertestosterone and even affect
fertility.
And the article also mentionsless common things like actual
problems with the pituitarygland or the testes Correct.
Things like injuries, tumors ormaybe conditions someone was
born with can directly impacthormone production.
Rachel (07:35):
Yeah.
Mark (07:36):
But, as the article points out, for most guys experiencing
low T it's probably anaccumulation, a mix of these
metabolic lifestyle and maybeenvironmental factors adding up.
Rachel (07:46):
OK, that makes sense.
So if you're listening andthinking hmm, some of this
sounds familiar.
What's the next step?
Getting tested properly seemskey, right?
The article really hammers thispoint.
Mark (07:58):
Absolutely crucial.
You can't just guess based onsymptoms, you need the data.
And yeah, the article stressesthat many men either don't get
tested or they get like anincomplete picture from the test
they do get.
Rachel (08:07):
So what should be tested ?
What makes up a goodcomprehensive panel?
Mark (08:10):
Well, the starting point is usually total testosterone.
That measures all thetestosterone in your blood.
The typical normal range isoften cited as say 300 to 1,000
in GDL.
Rachel (08:20):
Okay.
Mark (08:21):
But and this is important the article notes you can still
have symptoms even if you're inthe low end of that normal range
.
So total T isn't the wholestory.
Rachel (08:28):
Right.
Mark (08:29):
You really need free testosterone, measured.
That's the testosterone that'sactually unbound and available
for your body to use.
Think of it like total T is allthe cars on the road, but free
T is the number of availabletaxis.
Rachel (08:41):
Huh, I like that Makes sense.
So what's a good level for free?
T?
Mark (08:45):
Optimal levels can vary a bit, but often something above
10 or 15 ngL is consideredhealthier, and there's SHBG.
Rachel (08:52):
SHBG.
What's that?
Mark (08:58):
Sex hormone binding globulin.
It's a protein that bindstightly to testosterone, making
it inactive.
So you can have decent total T,but if your SHBG is really high
, your free T might still be lowbecause it's all tied up.
Rachel (09:07):
Got it.
So you need free T and SHBG toreally understand the total T
number.
Mark (09:12):
Exactly, and checking LH and SSH is important too.
Those are hormones from thepituitary gland in your brain
that tell the testes to maketestosterone.
They help figure out if theproblem is starting in the
testes or higher up in the brainsignals.
Rachel (09:24):
Okay, that paints a much clearer picture.
The article also mentionschecking estradiol.
I thought that was mainly afemale hormone.
Mark (09:30):
It is primarily, but men have some too and it's important
to know that level, especiallyif you're considering or are on
testosterone therapy, becausesometimes testosterone can get
converted into too muchestradiol, causing side effects.
Right and finally, a reallythorough evaluation might also
look at prolactin, dheas,cortisol and your thyroid
(09:52):
function, just to get the fullhormonal picture and rule out
other things that could becontributing.
Rachel (09:57):
Okay, comprehensive is definitely the word.
And when should you get thesetests done?
Does timing matter?
Mark (10:02):
Yes, it does.
Testosterone levels naturallypeak in the morning, so the best
time for the blood draw isusually between 7 am and 10 am.
Fasting is often recommendedtoo, if possible.
Rachel (10:13):
Good to know.
Mark (10:14):
And critically.
The official guidelines, likefrom the Endocrine Society, say
a diagnosis usually needs atleast two separate morning tests
showing low levels.
Plus you need to actually havethose symptoms we talked about.
One borderline test isn'tusually enough.
Rachel (10:26):
Right Confirmation is key.
Okay, so we know the signs, thepotential causes, how to test
properly.
Now the big question what canyou actually do about it?
The article sounds prettypositive about lifestyle changes
making a difference.
Mark (10:41):
Yeah, it is, especially if lifestyle stuff is a big part
of why your levels are low inthe first place.
There are definitely naturalstrategies worth trying.
Exercise is a big one.
Rachel (10:50):
What kind of exercise?
Mark (10:51):
Strength training seems particularly good, especially
compound lifts.
You know squats, deadlifts,bench press, things that you use
big muscle groups, hiit, highintensity interval training can
also be beneficial.
Rachel (11:03):
Does it boost T right away?
Mark (11:05):
Research suggests there's often a temporary boost right
after a workout, and over time,consistent training might help
raise your baseline levels too.
Rachel (11:13):
Cool.
What about food Diet?
The article mentions proteinand healthy fats.
Mark (11:17):
Absolutely.
Your body needs the rightbuilding blocks.
Getting enough protein isimportant.
Healthy fats are crucial too.
Think avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds, fatty fries because
cholesterol is actually theprecursor molecule for making
testosterone.
Rachel (11:31):
Interesting, so you need some cholesterol.
Mark (11:33):
You do, and certain nutrients are key, like zinc and
magnesium.
Vitamin D is also reallyimportant.
Some studies suggest boostingvitamin D levels if you're
deficient.
Might help increase freetestosterone.
Rachel (11:44):
Okay, diet and exercise, what else?
Sleep keeps coming up.
Mark (11:47):
Yep Can't ignore sleep.
Like we said, tea productionpeaks during deep sleep.
One study found that gettingless than five hours a night
consistently could lower tealevels by like 10, 15%, compared
to getting seven, eight hours.
Wow, that's significant levelsby like 10, 15%, compared to
getting seven, eight hours.
Wow, that's significant, itreally is.
So prioritizing good sleephabits, dark room, cool
temperature, consistent schedulethat's fundamental.
Rachel (12:08):
And stress.
We talked about how bad chronicstress is, so managing.
That must be part of thenatural approach too.
Mark (12:13):
Definitely High.
Cortisol actively suppressestestosterone, so finding ways to
chill out is important.
I could be deep breathingmeditation, just getting out in
nature, having hobbies you enjoy.
Even just 20 minutes ofmindfulness a day has been shown
to help lower cortisol.
Rachel (12:27):
Makes sense, and the last piece seemed to be avoiding
Bad stuff like toxins and toomuch alcohol.
Mark (12:34):
Right, minimizing exposure to those endocrine disrupting
chemicals we mentioned, maybeswitching to glass food
containers instead of plastic,checking labels on personal care
products.
And, yeah, limiting alcohol,especially heavy or frequent
drinking, because that candefinitely drag down
testosterone levels and maybeeven increase estrogen
conversion.
Rachel (12:53):
So these natural things, they take consistency right
yeah.
Mark (12:56):
The article stresses that it's about making these
sustainable changes.
They work best when you startearly and stick with them.
Rachel (13:03):
Okay, so lifestyle changes can definitely move the
needle, but what if they aren'tenough?
Or what if someone's levels arereally low and symptoms are
severe?
When does medical treatmentcome into play?
Mark (13:13):
That's the next step to consider.
Yeah, If you've genuinely triedthe lifestyle stuff and it
hasn't brought enough relief, orif your lab tests are
consistently low and you havesignificant symptoms impacting
your life.
That's when you talk to adoctor about medical options.
Rachel (13:27):
It's not just based on one number, though.
Mark (13:29):
No, absolutely not.
It needs that comprehensiveevaluation labs plus symptoms
discussed with a healthcareprofessional who understands
this area.
Rachel (13:37):
So what are the specific situations where treatment
might be recommended?
Mark (13:41):
Well, if your total T is consistently, say, below 300
NGDL and you've got clearsymptoms fatigue, low libido, ED
, maybe even depression that's astrong case case.
Also, if testing confirmsthere's an underlying issue with
the pituitary or testes causingthe low T, or simply if those
natural approaches just haven'tworked well enough, after giving
them a fair shot, Okay, andwhat are the main medical
(14:03):
options?
Rachel (14:04):
TRT, testosterone replacement therapy seems like
the most common one.
Mark (14:08):
It is.
That's the most direct approach.
It involves giving the bodytestosterone from an outside
source.
Rachel (14:13):
How is it given?
Mark (14:13):
Various ways.
Injections are common, usuallyweekly or biweekly.
There are also topical gels orcreams you apply daily and even
little pellets that getimplanted under the skin and
release testosterone slowly overmonths.
What are the benefits?
The main benefit is it directlyrestores testosterone levels,
often quite quickly.
This usually leads toimprovements in libido, energy,
(14:34):
mood, muscle mass, things likethat.
Rachel (14:36):
Are there downsides or things to watch out for?
Mark (14:39):
Yes, Monitoring is crucial .
Trt can sometimes increase redblood cell count, which needs
watching.
It can increase estrogen levelsthrough that aromatase
conversion we talked about, anddoctors monitor cholesterol and
prostate health markers like PSAtoo.
Fertility can also besuppressed.
Rachel (14:56):
Okay, so it needs careful management.
What about Clomid?
The article mentioned that too.
How's that different?
Mark (15:00):
Clomiphene citrate or Clomid works differently Instead
of giving you testosterone, itstimulates your own body,
specifically your brain, toproduce more testosterone
naturally.
Rachel (15:11):
Ah, interesting.
Who might that be good for?
Mark (15:13):
It's often considered for younger guys or men who want to
maintain their fertility, sinceTRT can sometimes shut down
natural production and spermcount.
Sometimes it's used along withanother substance called HCG
Gotcha.
Rachel (15:25):
And lastly, aromatase inhibitors what's their role?
Mark (15:28):
Those are medications like anastrozole that block the
aromatase enzyme.
They might be used sometimesalongside TRT if a man is
converting too much testosteroneinto estrogen and experiencing
side effects from that.
But again that requires carefulmonitoring.
Rachel (15:43):
So medical treatment isn't just a quick fix.
It requires ongoing monitoringand adjustments.
Mark (15:48):
Absolutely.
The guidelines really stressregular follow-ups to check
hormone levels, red blood cells,estrogen, psa, lipids the whole
picture.
Trt can be amazing for theright person, truly
life-changing, but it'sdefinitely not one-size-fits-all
.
The best results usually comefrom combining medically
supervised therapy, when needed,with those healthy lifestyle
(16:10):
foundations.
Rachel (16:11):
Right, this has been incredibly informative.
So if we were to boil it down,what's the main message for
listeners?
Mark (16:17):
I think the core message is that testosterone is just
fundamental to a man's health,way beyond the bedroom.
It affects energy, mood,strength, thinking pretty much
everything.
Rachel (16:28):
And the early signs can be sneaky.
Mark (16:30):
Yeah, subtle, easy to ignore, but over time the impact
can really add up.
Rachel (16:34):
But the good news is it's not necessarily something
you just have to live with rightImprovements are possible.
Mark (16:39):
Exactly.
It's often not permanent.
Whether it's lifestyle changesor medical help if needed, or
usually a combination, thingscan often get much better.
You can manage it and improveyour quality of life
significantly.
Rachel (16:50):
So the call to action is pretty clear.
Then, if you're noticing shiftsenergy drive, strength, mood,
focus, uncoming don't just brushit off as inevitable aging.
Mark (17:02):
Please don't Be proactive.
Talk to your doctor, ask aboutgetting tested properly.
Just knowing your numbers isthe first really important step.
The article mentions serviceslike QuickLab Mobile for
convenient at-home testing too.
Covering those key markers T,shbg, lh, estradiol, thyroid
makes it easier to get thatinitial info.
Rachel (17:21):
Right.
Taking that first step, to getinformed, is key, and the
article wraps up with a prettypowerful thought when
testosterone falls, everythingfollows.
Get ahead of it.
Your body, brain and futureself will thank you.
Mark (17:32):
Yeah, that says it all, doesn't it Be proactive?
Rachel (17:34):
Definitely something to think about.
Thanks so much for breaking allthis down today.
Mark (17:37):
My pleasure Important topic.
Nicolette (17:44):
Thanks for tuning into the Health Pulse.
If you found this episodehelpful, don't forget to
subscribe and share it withsomeone who might benefit.
For more health insights anddiagnostics, visit us online at
wwwquicklabmobilecom.
Stay informed, stay healthy andwe'll catch you in the next
episode.
Welcome to the Health Pulse, your go-to source for
quick, actionable insights onhealth, wellness and diagnostics
.
Whether you're looking tooptimize your well-being or stay
informed about the latest inmedical testing, we've got you
covered.
Join us as we break down keyhealth topics in just minutes.
Let's dive in.
Rachel (00:27):
Welcome to the Deep Dive .
Today we're getting intosomething that affects well a
whole lot of men, often quietlyLow testosterone.
We're working from a reallysolid article Low testosterone
in men signs, causes and what todo about it.
Mark (00:44):
Yeah, it's a good one.
Rachel (00:45):
And our mission really is to pull out the key stuff,
the signs, what might be causingit, how you actually get tested
properly and you know what canbe done, all without getting
lost in super technical jargon.
Mark (00:58):
Exactly because it's so easy, isn't it, to just brush
off feeling wiped out or maybehaving trouble concentrating,
putting on a bit of weight, ormaybe your sex drive isn't quite
what it was.
Rachel (01:08):
Right, you just think, oh, it's stress, or I'm just
getting older.
Mark (01:11):
Precisely.
But this article reallyemphasizes that low testosterone
could be the actual root cause,and it seems to be increasingly
common these days.
Rachel (01:28):
Okay, let's unpack that a bit, because testosterone it's
way more than just like musclesand libido.
Mark (01:31):
right yeah, this article suggests its influence is much
broader oh absolutely.
It defies muscle growth, sure,but also how your body uses
energy, your metabolism, yourmood, even cognitive stuff like
focus and clarity, and yourheart health too, wow.
So yeah, when levels are off,it can cause ripples, you know,
affecting your energy day to dayrelationships, even long term
health.
Rachel (01:49):
Gotcha.
So in this deep dive we'll hitthose signs.
Dig into the causes.
Sounds like modern life plays abig part.
Mark (01:57):
Definitely looks that way.
Rachel (01:58):
Then figure out the right way to test and look at
the options, both natural sortof lifestyle things and medical
treatments for getting thingsback in balance.
Mark (02:06):
Sounds like a plan.
Rachel (02:07):
The article kicks off with a quote from Dr Eugene
Shippen.
A man is as young as hishormones.
Kind of makes you stop andthink, huh.
Mark (02:15):
It really does Sets the stage perfectly for why this is
so important.
So maybe let's start right atthe beginning.
What is testosteronefundamentally and why does it
matter so much?
Rachel (02:25):
Right.
So the article defines it asthe main male sex hormone.
It's mostly made in the testes,but the brain is actually
calling the shots, regulating it.
Mark (02:33):
Yeah, the brain signals are key.
Rachel (02:35):
But its impact goes way beyond just sex characteristics.
It seems to touch nearly everysystem in a man's body.
Mark (02:41):
And that scope is what's really striking.
The article cites researchshowing just how vital it is
Like for muscle mass andstrength.
It helps your body actuallybuild protein.
That was from Boston's research.
Rachel (02:54):
And for sexual health.
It's not just desire or libido,but also erectile function,
even sperm production.
There was that Corona studymentioned.
Mark (03:02):
And then there's the brain connection better focus,
confidence, maybe even a lowerrisk of depression.
That was linked in the Zarustudy.
Definitely not just physical.
Rachel (03:11):
No, not at all.
And this is where it getsreally interesting for me the
metabolism link.
The article mentions aconnection to insulin resistance
, that stubborn belly fat, andeven a higher risk for type 2
diabetes.
That was Grossman's work, Ithink.
Plus bone health too, keepingbones strong.
Mark (03:25):
Exactly, and you know, while levels do naturally dip a
bit with age like maybe 1% ayear after 30, roughly yeah,
that's normal factors, you knowchronic stress, obesity, not
sleeping well, maybeenvironmental toxins seem to be
(03:47):
speeding up that decline andmaking it happen earlier for a
lot of guys.
Rachel (03:51):
Which leads us straight to how do you even know if your
levels might be low?
The article uses the termhypogonadism.
Mark (03:59):
Right Clinical term for low T.
Rachel (04:01):
And it says the signs can creep up on you, making them
easy to miss at first.
Mark (04:05):
Totally.
It can be gradual and you justkind of explain it away oh,
work's been crazy, or whatever.
Rachel (04:09):
Yeah.
Mark (04:09):
But the article breaks down the symptoms pretty clearly
.
Physically you might noticethings like less interest in sex
.
Yeah, Trouble with erections,maybe fewer morning erections.
Rachel (04:20):
Yeah.
Mark (04:20):
Losing muscle, even if you're hitting the gym, putting
on fat around the middle.
Rachel (04:23):
That belly fat thing again yeah.
Mark (04:25):
And just feeling tired all the time.
Yeah, low stamina, maybe evenhair thinning on your body or
face.
Rachel (04:31):
And it's not just physical right.
There are mood and mentalchanges too.
Mark (04:35):
Definitely.
Things like mood swings,feeling irritable or maybe just
emotionally flat.
Low motivation is a big one.
That frustrating brain fog,trouble concentrating, memory
lapses, even sleep problems likenot feeling rested after
sleeping.
Rachel (04:50):
It's quite a list.
Mark (04:52):
And it's not just random anecdotes.
The article mentions theEuropean male aging study, which
found real links between low Tand things like sexual problems,
low vitality and generally poormood.
Things like sexual problems,low vitality and generally
poorer mood.
Rachel (05:04):
So the takeaway here is if you're experiencing some of
this cluster of symptoms it'snot just getting older
necessarily.
Low T is measurable, it'ssomething you can potentially
modify and it's treatable.
Mark (05:15):
Exactly, it's a real physiological thing.
Rachel (05:17):
Okay, so let's get into the why.
What causes this decline?
We know age is a factor, butthe article really stresses that
it seems to be happening fasterand earlier now.
Mark (05:26):
Yeah, that's a key point.
The article even mentions data,I think from the Journal of
Clinical Endocrinology andMetabolism, showing that average
T levels seem to be lower inyounger generations compared to
older ones even at the same age.
Rachel (05:38):
Wow, so something else is going on beyond just aging.
Mark (05:41):
Seems like it, and the article lists some major
culprits Obesity and insulinresistance are right up there.
Rachel (05:47):
How does that work exactly?
Mark (05:48):
Well, excess body fat, particularly that deep belly fat
, actually boosts an enzymecalled aromatase, and what
aromatase does is convert yourtestosterone into estrogen.
Rachel (05:59):
Oh, okay, not ideal.
Mark (06:01):
Not ideal if it happens too much.
There was a study by Tajarmentioned that showed this link,
and it can become a bit of avicious cycle too, because low T
can make it easier to store fat.
Rachel (06:10):
Makes sense.
Then there's stress.
We hear about chronic stressall the time.
It's like it messes withhormones too.
Mark (06:16):
Big time.
Long-term stress keeps yourcortisol levels high and
cortisol basically puts thebrakes on testosterone
production by disrupting thesignals from your brain to your
testes that whole HPG axis thing.
Rubino's research looked intothat.
Rachel (06:29):
OK, and sleep, or rather lack of it, that seems critical
too.
I know I feel awful when Idon't sleep well.
Mark (06:36):
Yeah, it's huge.
Your body makes the mosttestosterone during deep sleep,
so anything that messes withsleep, like sleep apnea, is
strongly linked to lower levels.
That Lubaszczycki studyhighlighted that connection.
Rachel (06:48):
It really feels like everything's connected, doesn't
it?
What about things likemedications or even stuff in the
environment?
Mark (06:55):
Good question.
Yeah, certain meds caninterfere opioids, steroids,
even some antidepressants anddrinking too much alcohol isn't
great for T levels either.
Even some antidepressants, yeah, and drinking too much alcohol
isn't great for T levels either,okay.
Plus, there's growing concernabout these endocrine disruptors
chemicals like BPA, phthalates,parabens found in plastics,
personal care products.
Rachel (07:13):
We use every day.
Mark (07:15):
Right, and research like that by Diamante Canarachis
suggests they might lowertestosterone and even affect
fertility.
And the article also mentionsless common things like actual
problems with the pituitarygland or the testes Correct.
Things like injuries, tumors ormaybe conditions someone was
born with can directly impacthormone production.
Rachel (07:35):
Yeah.
Mark (07:36):
But, as the article points out, for most guys experiencing
low T it's probably anaccumulation, a mix of these
metabolic lifestyle and maybeenvironmental factors adding up.
Rachel (07:46):
OK, that makes sense.
So if you're listening andthinking hmm, some of this
sounds familiar.
What's the next step?
Getting tested properly seemskey, right?
The article really hammers thispoint.
Mark (07:58):
Absolutely crucial.
You can't just guess based onsymptoms, you need the data.
And yeah, the article stressesthat many men either don't get
tested or they get like anincomplete picture from the test
they do get.
Rachel (08:07):
So what should be tested ?
What makes up a goodcomprehensive panel?
Mark (08:10):
Well, the starting point is usually total testosterone.
That measures all thetestosterone in your blood.
The typical normal range isoften cited as say 300 to 1,000
in GDL.
Rachel (08:20):
Okay.
Mark (08:21):
But and this is important the article notes you can still
have symptoms even if you're inthe low end of that normal range
.
So total T isn't the wholestory.
Rachel (08:28):
Right.
Mark (08:29):
You really need free testosterone, measured.
That's the testosterone that'sactually unbound and available
for your body to use.
Think of it like total T is allthe cars on the road, but free
T is the number of availabletaxis.
Rachel (08:41):
Huh, I like that Makes sense.
So what's a good level for free?
T?
Mark (08:45):
Optimal levels can vary a bit, but often something above
10 or 15 ngL is consideredhealthier, and there's SHBG.
Rachel (08:52):
SHBG.
What's that?
Mark (08:58):
Sex hormone binding globulin.
It's a protein that bindstightly to testosterone, making
it inactive.
So you can have decent total T,but if your SHBG is really high
, your free T might still be lowbecause it's all tied up.
Rachel (09:07):
Got it.
So you need free T and SHBG toreally understand the total T
number.
Mark (09:12):
Exactly, and checking LH and SSH is important too.
Those are hormones from thepituitary gland in your brain
that tell the testes to maketestosterone.
They help figure out if theproblem is starting in the
testes or higher up in the brainsignals.
Rachel (09:24):
Okay, that paints a much clearer picture.
The article also mentionschecking estradiol.
I thought that was mainly afemale hormone.
Mark (09:30):
It is primarily, but men have some too and it's important
to know that level, especiallyif you're considering or are on
testosterone therapy, becausesometimes testosterone can get
converted into too muchestradiol, causing side effects.
Right and finally, a reallythorough evaluation might also
look at prolactin, dheas,cortisol and your thyroid
(09:52):
function, just to get the fullhormonal picture and rule out
other things that could becontributing.
Rachel (09:57):
Okay, comprehensive is definitely the word.
And when should you get thesetests done?
Does timing matter?
Mark (10:02):
Yes, it does.
Testosterone levels naturallypeak in the morning, so the best
time for the blood draw isusually between 7 am and 10 am.
Fasting is often recommendedtoo, if possible.
Rachel (10:13):
Good to know.
Mark (10:14):
And critically.
The official guidelines, likefrom the Endocrine Society, say
a diagnosis usually needs atleast two separate morning tests
showing low levels.
Plus you need to actually havethose symptoms we talked about.
One borderline test isn'tusually enough.
Rachel (10:26):
Right Confirmation is key.
Okay, so we know the signs, thepotential causes, how to test
properly.
Now the big question what canyou actually do about it?
The article sounds prettypositive about lifestyle changes
making a difference.
Mark (10:41):
Yeah, it is, especially if lifestyle stuff is a big part
of why your levels are low inthe first place.
There are definitely naturalstrategies worth trying.
Exercise is a big one.
Rachel (10:50):
What kind of exercise?
Mark (10:51):
Strength training seems particularly good, especially
compound lifts.
You know squats, deadlifts,bench press, things that you use
big muscle groups, hiit, highintensity interval training can
also be beneficial.
Rachel (11:03):
Does it boost T right away?
Mark (11:05):
Research suggests there's often a temporary boost right
after a workout, and over time,consistent training might help
raise your baseline levels too.
Rachel (11:13):
Cool.
What about food Diet?
The article mentions proteinand healthy fats.
Mark (11:17):
Absolutely.
Your body needs the rightbuilding blocks.
Getting enough protein isimportant.
Healthy fats are crucial too.
Think avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds, fatty fries because
cholesterol is actually theprecursor molecule for making
testosterone.
Rachel (11:31):
Interesting, so you need some cholesterol.
Mark (11:33):
You do, and certain nutrients are key, like zinc and
magnesium.
Vitamin D is also reallyimportant.
Some studies suggest boostingvitamin D levels if you're
deficient.
Might help increase freetestosterone.
Rachel (11:44):
Okay, diet and exercise, what else?
Sleep keeps coming up.
Mark (11:47):
Yep Can't ignore sleep.
Like we said, tea productionpeaks during deep sleep.
One study found that gettingless than five hours a night
consistently could lower tealevels by like 10, 15%, compared
to getting seven, eight hours.
Wow, that's significant levelsby like 10, 15%, compared to
getting seven, eight hours.
Wow, that's significant, itreally is.
So prioritizing good sleephabits, dark room, cool
temperature, consistent schedulethat's fundamental.
Rachel (12:08):
And stress.
We talked about how bad chronicstress is, so managing.
That must be part of thenatural approach too.
Mark (12:13):
Definitely High.
Cortisol actively suppressestestosterone, so finding ways to
chill out is important.
I could be deep breathingmeditation, just getting out in
nature, having hobbies you enjoy.
Even just 20 minutes ofmindfulness a day has been shown
to help lower cortisol.
Rachel (12:27):
Makes sense, and the last piece seemed to be avoiding
Bad stuff like toxins and toomuch alcohol.
Mark (12:34):
Right, minimizing exposure to those endocrine disrupting
chemicals we mentioned, maybeswitching to glass food
containers instead of plastic,checking labels on personal care
products.
And, yeah, limiting alcohol,especially heavy or frequent
drinking, because that candefinitely drag down
testosterone levels and maybeeven increase estrogen
conversion.
Rachel (12:53):
So these natural things, they take consistency right
yeah.
Mark (12:56):
The article stresses that it's about making these
sustainable changes.
They work best when you startearly and stick with them.
Rachel (13:03):
Okay, so lifestyle changes can definitely move the
needle, but what if they aren'tenough?
Or what if someone's levels arereally low and symptoms are
severe?
When does medical treatmentcome into play?
Mark (13:13):
That's the next step to consider.
Yeah, If you've genuinely triedthe lifestyle stuff and it
hasn't brought enough relief, orif your lab tests are
consistently low and you havesignificant symptoms impacting
your life.
That's when you talk to adoctor about medical options.
Rachel (13:27):
It's not just based on one number, though.
Mark (13:29):
No, absolutely not.
It needs that comprehensiveevaluation labs plus symptoms
discussed with a healthcareprofessional who understands
this area.
Rachel (13:37):
So what are the specific situations where treatment
might be recommended?
Mark (13:41):
Well, if your total T is consistently, say, below 300
NGDL and you've got clearsymptoms fatigue, low libido, ED
, maybe even depression that's astrong case case.
Also, if testing confirmsthere's an underlying issue with
the pituitary or testes causingthe low T, or simply if those
natural approaches just haven'tworked well enough, after giving
them a fair shot, Okay, andwhat are the main medical
(14:03):
options?
Rachel (14:04):
TRT, testosterone replacement therapy seems like
the most common one.
Mark (14:08):
It is.
That's the most direct approach.
It involves giving the bodytestosterone from an outside
source.
Rachel (14:13):
How is it given?
Mark (14:13):
Various ways.
Injections are common, usuallyweekly or biweekly.
There are also topical gels orcreams you apply daily and even
little pellets that getimplanted under the skin and
release testosterone slowly overmonths.
What are the benefits?
The main benefit is it directlyrestores testosterone levels,
often quite quickly.
This usually leads toimprovements in libido, energy,
(14:34):
mood, muscle mass, things likethat.
Rachel (14:36):
Are there downsides or things to watch out for?
Mark (14:39):
Yes, Monitoring is crucial .
Trt can sometimes increase redblood cell count, which needs
watching.
It can increase estrogen levelsthrough that aromatase
conversion we talked about, anddoctors monitor cholesterol and
prostate health markers like PSAtoo.
Fertility can also besuppressed.
Rachel (14:56):
Okay, so it needs careful management.
What about Clomid?
The article mentioned that too.
How's that different?
Mark (15:00):
Clomiphene citrate or Clomid works differently Instead
of giving you testosterone, itstimulates your own body,
specifically your brain, toproduce more testosterone
naturally.
Rachel (15:11):
Ah, interesting.
Who might that be good for?
Mark (15:13):
It's often considered for younger guys or men who want to
maintain their fertility, sinceTRT can sometimes shut down
natural production and spermcount.
Sometimes it's used along withanother substance called HCG
Gotcha.
Rachel (15:25):
And lastly, aromatase inhibitors what's their role?
Mark (15:28):
Those are medications like anastrozole that block the
aromatase enzyme.
They might be used sometimesalongside TRT if a man is
converting too much testosteroneinto estrogen and experiencing
side effects from that.
But again that requires carefulmonitoring.
Rachel (15:43):
So medical treatment isn't just a quick fix.
It requires ongoing monitoringand adjustments.
Mark (15:48):
Absolutely.
The guidelines really stressregular follow-ups to check
hormone levels, red blood cells,estrogen, psa, lipids the whole
picture.
Trt can be amazing for theright person, truly
life-changing, but it'sdefinitely not one-size-fits-all
.
The best results usually comefrom combining medically
supervised therapy, when needed,with those healthy lifestyle
(16:10):
foundations.
Rachel (16:11):
Right, this has been incredibly informative.
So if we were to boil it down,what's the main message for
listeners?
Mark (16:17):
I think the core message is that testosterone is just
fundamental to a man's health,way beyond the bedroom.
It affects energy, mood,strength, thinking pretty much
everything.
Rachel (16:28):
And the early signs can be sneaky.
Mark (16:30):
Yeah, subtle, easy to ignore, but over time the impact
can really add up.
Rachel (16:34):
But the good news is it's not necessarily something
you just have to live with rightImprovements are possible.
Mark (16:39):
Exactly.
It's often not permanent.
Whether it's lifestyle changesor medical help if needed, or
usually a combination, thingscan often get much better.
You can manage it and improveyour quality of life
significantly.
Rachel (16:50):
So the call to action is pretty clear.
Then, if you're noticing shiftsenergy drive, strength, mood,
focus, uncoming don't just brushit off as inevitable aging.
Mark (17:02):
Please don't Be proactive.
Talk to your doctor, ask aboutgetting tested properly.
Just knowing your numbers isthe first really important step.
The article mentions serviceslike QuickLab Mobile for
convenient at-home testing too.
Covering those key markers T,shbg, lh, estradiol, thyroid
makes it easier to get thatinitial info.
Rachel (17:21):
Right.
Taking that first step, to getinformed, is key, and the
article wraps up with a prettypowerful thought when
testosterone falls, everythingfollows.
Get ahead of it.
Your body, brain and futureself will thank you.
Mark (17:32):
Yeah, that says it all, doesn't it Be proactive?
Rachel (17:34):
Definitely something to think about.
Thanks so much for breaking allthis down today.
Mark (17:37):
My pleasure Important topic.
Nicolette (17:44):
Thanks for tuning into the Health Pulse.
If you found this episodehelpful, don't forget to
subscribe and share it withsomeone who might benefit.
For more health insights anddiagnostics, visit us online at
wwwquicklabmobilecom.
Stay informed, stay healthy andwe'll catch you in the next
episode.
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