logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2024
2h 38m

#291 ‒ The role of testosterone in males...

Peter Attia, MD
About this episode

View the Show Notes Page for This Episode

Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content

Sign Up to Receive Peter’s Weekly Newsletter

Derek is a fitness educator, the entrepreneur behind More Plates More Dates, and an expert in exogenous molecules commonly used and misused by bodybuilders and athletes. In this episode, Derek returns to the podcast to explore the impact of exogenous molecules on male and female health. He covers testosterone, DHT, DHEA, progesterone, clomiphene (Clomid), hCG, and various peptides, alongside updates from the FDA affecting peptide use. Additionally, he addresses the recent hype around increasing muscle mass through myostatin inhibition via follistatin gene therapy and supplementation. Additionally, Derek discusses the various strategies that bodybuilders use for losing fat while preserving muscle, including insights on weight loss drugs.

We discuss:

  • Testosterone and DHT: mechanisms of action, regulation of muscle growth, and influence on male and female characteristics [2:15];
  • TRT in women: the complexities and potential risks associated with testosterone use in women [9:00];
  • DHEA supplementation: exploring the benefits and risks for women, and the differing effects on men vs. women [22:00];
  • The role of progesterone in both men and women, pros and cons of supplementation, the importance of tailored doses, and more [28:00];
  • Measuring levels of free testosterone [37:15];
  • The trend towards earlier interest in TRT, and the risks of underground sources of testosterone [42:00];
  • The complexities and considerations surrounding the use of Clomid, E-Clomid, and hCG in TRT [46:00];
  • Low testosterone: diagnosis, potential causes, treatment options, and other considerations [53:45];
  • Growth hormone-releasing peptides: rationale and implications of the recent FDA categorization as high-risk substances [1:03:45];
  • Follistatin gene therapy and myostatin inhibition for increasing muscle mass: the recent hype online, human and animal data, and the need for more research [1:14:45];
  • Simple tips for lowering calorie intake and losing fat [1:32:30];
  • Methods of sustainable fat loss with muscle preservation: insights gleaned from bodybuilders [1:40:00];
  • Could prolonged fasting impact testosterone levels? [1:55:30];
  • High-protein ice cream [1:57:00];
  • Exploring fat loss supplements and drugs: L-carnitine, yohimbine, and more [2:02:15];
  • Potential remedies for individuals experiencing metabolic dysfunction due to hypercortisolemia [2:12:30];
  • The cornerstones of body composition improvement remain nutrition and exercise, even in the presence of exogenous testosterone [2:19:15];
  • The importance of approaching health advice found online with a critical eye and a healthy dose of skepticism [2:23:30]; and
  • More.

Connect With Peter on TwitterInstagramFacebook and YouTube

Up next
Jul 7
Navigating bone health: early life influences and advanced strategies for improvement and injury prevention (#214 rebroadcast)
View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter’s Weekly Newsletter In this episode from July 2022, Peter dives deep into the topic of bone health and explains why this is an important topic for everyone, from childr ... Show More
1h 31m
Jun 30
#355 – Skincare strategies, the science of facial aging, and cosmetic-intervention guidance | Tanuj Nakra, M.D. & Suzan Obagi, M.D.
View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter’s Weekly Newsletter Tanuj Nakra and Suzan Obagi, two leading experts in aesthetic medicine, join Peter to explore the science of facial aging and skin health as well as ... Show More
2h 57m
Jun 23
#354 – What the dying can teach us about living well: lessons on life and reflections on mortality | BJ Miller, M.D. and Bridget Sumser, L.C.S.W.
View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter’s Weekly Newsletter BJ Miller, a hospice and palliative care physician, and Bridget Sumser, a licensed social worker specializing in serious illness and end-of-life car ... Show More
2h 16m
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2024
The Women's Hormone Masterclass with Dr. Kyle Gillett: A Deep Dive Into Testosterone, Dutasteride, SHBG, & Menopause Weight Gain
Dr. Kyle Gillett enjoys providing holistic individualized care to his patients. His practice includes preventative medicine, aesthetics, sports medicine, hormone optimization, obstetrics and infertility, integrative medicine, and precision medicine including genomics. He believes ... Show More
1h 24m
Mar 2025
Steroids & Testosterone: The Science Behind Anabolic Therapies | Nelson Vergel
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 h ... Show More
1h 35m
Jul 2024
Biohacking Tips to Boost Testosterone with Dr. Tracy Gapin : 1184
In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Dr. Tracy Gapin, a board-certified urologist, men's health expert, and founder of the GAPIN Institute, discusses the critical role of testosterone in health. He addresses the alarming decline in testosterone levels globally, the symptoms of l ... Show More
1h 40m
Sep 2024
Protein & Creatine for Women: Nutrition Expert Reveals Muscle Gain Myths & Science
This episode is brought to you by MYOXCIENCE Nutrition. JJ Virgin dispels the myth that women will get bulky from resistance training and highlights the benefits of supplements like creatine and herbs like Ashwagandha and more. Sponsored Message: Crush your workouts with the Crea ... Show More
1h 20m
Sep 2024
E062 - Proven Tips for Boosted Health, Confidence & Attractiveness | Menno Henselmanns
This week, we’re joined by Menno Henselmans, a leading voice in evidence-based fitness. With a unique background in business and fitness, Menno has become a trusted expert for those looking to cut through fitness myths and focus on what really works. As the author of several book ... Show More
1h 41m
May 6
Why Men Are Fading: The Hidden Testosterone Crisis
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Mark Richards, one of the leading experts in testosterone replacement therapy. There are many environmental causes of low testosterone, including plastics, forever chemicals, pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides. If you’ve been exposed to too m ... Show More
12m 15s
Feb 2025
Essentials: How to Optimize Testosterone & Estrogen
In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I explain how to optimize hormones—particularly testosterone, estrogen, and related sex steroids—to enhance fertility and overall well-being. I discuss the sources of testosterone and estrogen and how their levels fluctuate with age in bot ... Show More
37m 2s
Aug 2024
2672: How Squats Affect Testosterone: Research Findings Explained by Christian Finn of Muscle Evo on Hypertrophy
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2672:Christian Finn of MuscleEvo.net debunks the common claim that squats and other compound exercises significantly increas ... Show More
13m 8s
Nov 2024
Understanding Testosterone and Muscle Preservation | Shalin Shah
Testosterone Matters for EveryoneIn this episode of The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show, Dr. Lyon sits down with Shalin Shah, CEO of Marius Pharmaceuticals, to explore the science, benefits, and future of testosterone therapy. Shalin has been a driving force behind bringing Kyzatrex, an ... Show More
1h 21m
Oct 2024
Peptide & Hormone Therapies for Health, Performance & Longevity | Dr. Craig Koniver
In this episode, Dr. Craig Koniver, M.D., a board-certified physician trained at Brown University and Thomas Jefferson University, discusses the therapeutic application of peptides and hormones for enhancing physical and mental health and performance. We explore GLP-1 analogs for ... Show More
2h 29m