Male Hormones: How Testosterone and Toxins Mess With You! – Tracy Gapin, M.D.
Dave Asprey
Apr 18, 2024
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Address declining free testosterone levels for better health
While total testosterone has dropped 30% in 30 years, the more important bioavailable free testosterone has dropped by over 45%.
Recognize shrinking pant legs as a testosterone biomarker
The shrinking diameter of men's pant legs over the last 15 years is an observable sign of the population's declining muscle mass and testosterone.
Establish hormone baseline in your 20s for lifelong health
Get a full hormone panel in your 20s to establish your personal healthy baseline, which you can then aim to maintain for the rest of your life.
Protect dopamine sensitivity to improve relationships and motivation
The biggest problem with porn is not its direct effect on testosterone, but that it crushes dopamine sensitivity in the brain, affecting your relationship and motivation.
Aim for one hour of deep sleep and two hours of REM for hormone balance
For optimal hormone function, aim for approximately one hour of deep sleep and two hours of REM sleep each night.
Aim for optimal free testosterone levels of 200-250 pg/nL
Aim for a free testosterone level of around 200-250 picograms per nanoliter, as many men who are told they are 'normal' have levels as low as 47.
Question the 'normal' lab ranges for optimal health
The 'normal' reference range on your lab report is just a statistical average of an increasingly unhealthy population, not an optimal level for your health.
Investigate elevated LDL cholesterol for testosterone and thyroid levels
Elevated LDL cholesterol could be a sign that you are low in testosterone or possibly thyroid hormone.
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