Male Hormones: How Testosterone and Toxins Mess With You! – Tracy Gapin, M.D.

Dave Asprey

Apr 18, 2024

Episode description

In this special Asprey Archive episode you’ll learn that while yes, testosterone fuels energy and performance, it’s not the be-all and end-all solution for men’s health woes. A systems biology approach considers many other aspects and provides a broader perspective about what’s going on with you.

This conversation features board-certified urologist Tracy Gapin, M.D. He joined us in 2022 for this episode to discuss new ways for men to improve their health and performance. He uses epigenetic coaching, hormones, peptide therapy, biometric monitoring, and unique nutrition and lifestyle interventions.

In his book, “Male 2.0™: Cracking the Code to Limitless Health and Vitality,” he says medical school, residency training and even a two-decade career in urology and surgery specialties didn’t teach him how to get to root causes of men’s issues and solve them. He had a health crash of his own at 42. Since neither he nor his doctor had good answers, he went on a quest of discovery and change. 

He founded the Gapin Institute for High Performance Medicine and created the proprietary N1 Performance Health Program to go beyond conventional options.

This conversation goes even further into what creates epigenetic signals that affect the function and expression of your genes. You’ll learn, too, that your mindset, stress and environment—and how you do or don’t control those things—have everything to do with your energy and focus. If you’re aiming for higher performance, Dr. Tracy suggests a trifecta that makes sleep a priority, builds resilience to stress, and creates consistent behaviors with intention.



Sponsors:



Resources:

Dave Asprey’s Book ‘Smarter Not Harder’ is out now: https://daveasprey.com/books 

Website: Gapin Institute for High Performance Medicine

Instagram: @DrTracyGapin

Instagram: @Dave.Asprey

YouTube:

Episode description

In this special Asprey Archive episode you’ll learn that while yes, testosterone fuels energy and performance, it’s not the be-all and end-all solution for men’s health woes. A systems biology approach considers many other aspects and provides a broader perspective about what’s going on with you.

This conversation features board-certified urologist Tracy Gapin, M.D. He joined us in 2022 for this episode to discuss new ways for men to improve their health and performance. He uses epigenetic coaching, hormones, peptide therapy, biometric monitoring, and unique nutrition and lifestyle interventions.

In his book, “Male 2.0™: Cracking the Code to Limitless Health and Vitality,” he says medical school, residency training and even a two-decade career in urology and surgery specialties didn’t teach him how to get to root causes of men’s issues and solve them. He had a health crash of his own at 42. Since neither he nor his doctor had good answers, he went on a quest of discovery and change. 

He founded the Gapin Institute for High Performance Medicine and created the proprietary N1 Performance Health Program to go beyond conventional options.

This conversation goes even further into what creates epigenetic signals that affect the function and expression of your genes. You’ll learn, too, that your mindset, stress and environment—and how you do or don’t control those things—have everything to do with your energy and focus. If you’re aiming for higher performance, Dr. Tracy suggests a trifecta that makes sleep a priority, builds resilience to stress, and creates consistent behaviors with intention.



Sponsors:



Resources:

Dave Asprey’s Book ‘Smarter Not Harder’ is out now: https://daveasprey.com/books 

Website: Gapin Institute for High Performance Medicine

Instagram: @DrTracyGapin

Instagram: @Dave.Asprey

YouTube:

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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