Summary
In this episode of The Huberman Lab podcast, Dr. Andrew Huberman interviews Dr. Kyle Gillett about male hormone optimization. They cover a range of topics related to hormone optimization, including the impact of childhood obesity on puberty, the importance of bloodwork and daily habits for hormone optimization, and the potential side effects of medications and supplements. The hosts also discuss the relationship between porn, masturbation, and hormones, cautioning against excessive viewing of pornography and frequent masturbation as they can lead to depressive episodes and low libido. They emphasize the importance of exercise in hormone optimization, recommending a sustainable exercise regimen that limits vigorous exercise to three to four times a week and includes less vigorous exercise.
The conversation also covers the use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for younger males with normal testosterone and estrogen levels and the potential negative effects on fertility and overall health. The hosts suggest natural supplements such as creatine, betaine, and l-carnitine to optimize hormones without suppressing endogenous production. They also touch on the correlation between genetics and hair loss, recommending betaine for those who are non-responders to creatine or have persistently elevated homocysteine levels.
The hosts discuss various supplements and their effects on hormones, including tongkat ali and fadogia agrestis. They also touch on the use of peptides to increase growth hormone and the potential risks associated with taking them. The conversation then moves on to discussing exogenous hormones, specifically testosterone, suggesting that taking a low dose of testosterone more frequently may be more beneficial than a high dose once every two weeks. The hosts emphasize the importance of working with a doctor and being cautious when taking any supplements or hormones.
The hosts also discuss various lifestyle factors that can impact hormone levels in men, including the effects of cannabis and nicotine on testosterone levels, the potential risks of excessive cycling on the pelvic floor, and the importance of saturated fat in hormone optimization. They also touch on the use of low dose tadalafil for improving prostate health in men and the potential risks of turmeric and black pepper extract on DHT levels. Finally, they briefly touch on the harmful effects of BPAs and phthalates on fetal development. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of moderation and balance in maintaining healthy hormone levels.
