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The benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) are linked to an increase in estrogen rather than testosterone itself. Studies show that the rise in estrogen levels leads to improvements in lean muscle mass, erection quality, and libido. Low estrogen levels are associated with higher body fat content and decreased libido. Symptoms play a crucial role in determining the need for TRT, with hands-down importance in testosterone discussions.
Engaging in health optimization involves focusing on testosterone levels for vitality and overall well-being. Lifestyle adjustments, supplementation, and pharmacotherapy are emphasized to maintain healthy testosterone levels. Factors influencing testosterone levels include nutrition, sleep quality, and exercise routines. Understanding testosterone replacement therapy, the role of testosterone-boosting supplements, and personal experiences with hormone optimization are key elements discussed.
Maintaining a balanced lifestyle can positively influence testosterone levels and overall health. Regular blood work to assess cardiometabolic and hormonal health is recommended. Tools like Inside Tracker offer convenient options for assessments and provide evidence-based lifestyle recommendations. Supplements like multivitamins and omega-3s play a role in optimizing plant-based diets, aiding in nutrient intake and addressing nutritional gaps.
Dr. Adam Hochkeis, a foot and ankle surgeon, delves into hormone optimization to enhance vitality and reduce disease risk. Through personal experiences with hormones and hormone therapy, he highlights the significance of symptoms in testosterone evaluation. Aiming to improve overall well-being, he emphasizes the role of testosterone treatment while considering individual health factors and symptoms.
Using exogenous testosterone can hinder natural sperm and testosterone production, potentially causing infertility in 60% of users. Options to preserve fertility include lifestyle changes, HCG monotherapy, SARMs, or combining TRT with HCG to stimulate testosterone and sperm production while maintaining fertility.
Frequent microinjections of TRT, as opposed to traditional weekly or bi-weekly doses, help maintain stable testosterone levels. This approach can prevent estrogenic side effects and fluctuations that may occur with conventional dosing methods, promoting more stable hormone levels and reducing adverse effects.
Addressing fertility concerns before starting TRT is crucial as TRT may not always preserve fertility. It's recommended to analyze sperm count beforehand to assess existing infertility issues. Additionally, freezing sperm before TRT can be a proactive measure for those seeking fertility preservation while on hormone therapy.
Making lifestyle changes such as focusing on sleep, psychological, and spiritual health are crucial in managing testosterone levels. Checking off every box in terms of health aspects, including diet, is necessary before considering treatments like testosterone replacement therapy or clomiphene. Optimal sleep patterns and resistance training can also play a role in testosterone production.
Testosterone boosting supplements like fenugreek and tongkat ali have gained popularity, but their efficacy based on current research is inconclusive. Anavar, a prescribed androgen, can influence free testosterone levels by suppressing SHBG. Trenbolone, a strong anti-catabolic steroid, is commonly used by bodybuilders but comes with significant health risks and limited research on human use.
Episode #309. Testosterone: we hear it thrown around constantly as the silver bullet for curing all kinds of symptoms. Join me as I sit down with Dr Adam Hotchkiss, podiatric physician and foot surgeon turned human optimisation specialist, to answer all your burning questions about testosterone, TRT, steroids, and more. This is an important listen for any men considering using steroids to enhance their physique or looking to safely increase testosterone without compromising fertility.
We take a deep dive into testosterone in this episode, covering what it is, what’s considered normal and healthy levels in men, and symptoms of low testosterone. Dr Hotchkiss breaks down how lifestyle factors can influence your testosterone, explains how to boost it (and whether you need to), and covers concerns about fertility and heart disease.
Specifically, we discuss:
Connect with Dr Adam Hotchkiss on Instagram and learn more on YouTube.
This episode is brought to you by:
InsideTracker
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Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)
Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill
Author of The Proof is in the Plants
Watch the episodes on YouTube or listen on Apple/Spotify
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