A Journey Through HIV in the 1980s: Overcoming Stigma and Seeking Knowledge

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.

This episode is brought to you by:

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Find Nelson Vergel at:

• DiscountedLabs.com – Offers affordable blood tests for monitoring hormones and overall health.
• ExcelMale.com – A leading 14-year forum with over 42,000 members discussing TRT, hormone health, supplements, and fitness.
• TRT Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/testosteronereplacement
• Women’s Healthand HRT Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenHRT    
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nvergel/
• Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B003E3RYKY/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=72d8f665-6ebd-4db4-8681-7ab296ba861e&ccs_id=200670f4-6a16-4291-898c-68a716a3099c

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• Instagram:@drgabriellelyon  
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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

Disclaimer: The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Podcast and YouTube are for general information purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast, YouTube, or materials linked from this podcast or YouTube is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professional for any such conditions.