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
Oct 6
#367 - Tylenol, pregnancy, and autism: What recent studies show and how to interpret the data
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 special episode of The Drive, Peter addresses the recent headlines linking acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy to autism in exposed ... Show More
1h 27m
Sep 29
#366 ‒ Transforming education with AI and an individualized, mastery-based education model | Joe Liemandt
View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter’s Weekly Newsletter Joe Liemandt is a software entrepreneur turned education reformer who left Stanford in 1989 to found Trilogy, a highly profitable private software c ... Show More
1h 47m
Sep 22
#365 ‒ Training for longevity: A roundtable on building strength, preventing injury, meeting protein needs, guidance for women and youth athletes, and more | Gabrielle Lyon, Mike Boyle, Jeff Cavaliere
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 special episode of The Drive, Peter hosts a strength and conditioning roundtable with three experts in the field—Gabrielle Lyon, Jeff Cavali ... Show More
2h 15m
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
Sep 5
#106 How To Increase Your Testosterone Levels Naturally | Derek from MPMD
Get access to more than 70 Ask Me Anything episodes with Dr. Rhonda Patrick when you sign up as a FoundMyFitness Premium Member When testosterone runs low, libido isn’t the only casualty—muscle mass drops, fat accumulates, insulin resistance rises, and motivation declines. In thi ... Show More
3h 16m
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
Feb 2023
Breaking the Taboo: Exploring Testosterone Replacement for Women with Dr. Rand McClain
Dr. Rand McClain is a dedicated regenerative & sports medicine specialist who enjoys helping patients with their complex medical care and providing insightful patient education at Regenerative & Sports Medicine in Santa Monica, CA. Dr. Rand’s patients (many of which are A-List ce ... Show More
1h 11m
May 2025
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
Jun 2025
Part 221 - Easy Fat Loss with Natural Hormone Optimization w/ Chris Kruger
Chris Kruger returns to Peak Human for an electrifying, no-nonsense breakdown of why the calorie paradigm is broken, how hormone health is the real foundation of lifelong fitness, and what he calls the “Forever Jeans” formula — a simple, powerful way to track your health without ... Show More
1h 22m