Dr. Rhonda Patrick

Welcome back to the podcast.

Today, we're exploring one of the most influential hormones in human health and performance, testosterone.

Joining me for this comprehensive conversation is Derek, founder of the popular YouTube channel, More Plates, More Dates, and co-founder of Merrick Health, a company focused on personalized preventative healthcare.

Derek and I recently spent an intensive eight-hour session together in Vancouver recording back-to-back podcasts where I joined him as a guest and he joined me.

Today, you'll hear a deep dive into testosterone, addressing critical topics like testosterone's fundamental roles in men, including muscle mass, bone density, mood regulation, libido, cognitive function, and aging.

How testosterone is accurately measured, interpreted, and optimized, including distinctions between total and free testosterone and why these nuances matter.

Identifying symptoms and underlying causes of low testosterone and understanding why two individuals with similar hormone levels may experience vastly different health outcomes.

Lifestyle factors that significantly lower testosterone from chronic stress and poor sleep to environmental endocrine disruptors.

Practical evidence-based strategies to naturally boost testosterone levels, emphasizing diet, exercise protocols, sleep optimization, and stress management.

We also discuss an evidence-driven evaluation of popular testosterone-boosting supplements, vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, ashwagandha, fenugreek, tonga ali, and more.

We highlight what truly works and what's hype.

We also discuss the intricacies of testosterone replacement therapy, who should consider it, the expected benefits, potential risks, safe dosing practices, and responsible monitoring protocols.

We also discuss testosterone's increasingly recognized importance for women's health, including impacts on libido, body composition, cognitive function, and athletic performance, alongside crucial considerations for therapeutic use and risk management.

And finally, we have a focused exploration of testosterone's role in hair loss,

the interplay with DHT, genetic predisposition, and also we discussed Derek's personal hair loss journey and proven strategies for mitigation.

By the end of this episode, you'll have a nuanced, scientifically robust understanding of testosterone and practical guidance on how to assess, optimize, and manage your levels effectively.

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