Nelson Vergel’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and an unrelenting drive to defy the odds. In the mid-1980s, he was handed what many would have considered a death sentence—an HIV diagnosis at a time when there were no effective treatments, no clear answers, and little hope. Today, he is a beacon of knowledge and empowerment for those seeking to take control of their health, whether they are dealing with wasting conditions, hormone deficiencies, or simply aiming for peak performance. Nelson has spent decades researching and advocating for hormone health, muscle preservation, and medical autonomy, particularly for those facing wasting conditions like HIV and cancer. His work has helped shape the conversation around androgen therapies, the role of anabolic agents in aging, and the intersection of GLP-1 medications with muscle loss.
We cover:
- Nelson's personal journey from an HIV diagnosis to hormone optimization
- The history, misconceptions and stigma surrounding anabolic agents
- The differences between various anabolic agents and how they work
- The impact of GLP-1 medications on lean mass and how to mitigate muscle loss
- Best practices for hormone monitoring and optimization
If you want to hear an inspiring story of overcoming the odds to take control of your own health or you’re curious about anabolic therapies and longevity, you can’t miss this one.
Who is Nelson Vergel?
Nelson Vergel is a chemical engineer, author, and health advocate who has made significant contributions to men's health and hormone optimization. His most recent book, Beyond Testosterone, provides a detailed color guide to educate clinicians and patients about the latest advances in the use of testosterone, anabolics, and other therapies to maximize health and productivity.
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Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro & Forever Strong Summit Announcement
02:21 - Meet Nelson Vergel
04:34 - Nelson’s journey from HIV diagnosis to hormone health advocacy
08:12 - The role of testosterone and anabolic agents in muscle preservation
14:42 - The stigma and misconceptions surrounding anabolic therapies
18:01 - How nandrolone and oxandrolone compare to testosterone
24:04 - The intersection of GLP-1 medications and muscle loss
30:17 - The importance of resistance exercise alongside hormone therapy
35:07 - Why muscle loss is a serious public health issue
41:55 - How to safely monitor hormones and optimize health
48:00 - The role of compounding pharmacies in hormone replacement therapy
52:47 - What the future holds for anabolic therapies and longevity
1:02:00 - Why personalized medicine is key to effective hormone management
1:09:14 - Final thoughts & where to find Nelson Vergel
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