291 ‒ Role of testosterone in men & women, performance-enhancing drugs, sustainable fat loss, & more

View show notes here: Become a member to receive exclusive content: Sign up to receive Peter’s email 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: 0:00:00 - Intro 0:00:11 - Testosterone and DHT: mechanisms of action, regulation of muscle growth, and influence on male and female characteristics 0:07:38 - TRT in women: the complexities and potential risks associated with testosterone use in women 0:22:08 - DHEA supplementation: exploring the benefits and risks for women, and the differing effects on men vs. women 0:28:38 - The role of progesterone in both men and women, pros and cons of supplementation, the importance of tailored doses, and more 0:38:32 - Measuring levels of free testosterone 0:43:42 - The trend towards earlier interest in TRT, and the risks of underground sources of testosterone 0:48:00 - The complexities and considerations surrounding the use of Clomid, E-Clomid, and hCG in TRT 0:56:46 - Low testosterone: diagnosis, potential causes, treatment options, and other considerations 1:07:44 - Growth hormone-releasing peptides: rationale and implications of the recent FDA categorization as high-risk substances 1:20:00 - Follistatin gene therapy and myostatin inhibition for increasing muscle mass: the recent hype online, human and animal data, and the need for more research 1:39:53 - Simple tips for lowering calorie intake and losing fat 1:48:32 - Methods of sustainable fat loss with muscle preservation: insights gleaned from bodybuilders 2:05:11 - Could prolonged fasting impact testosterone levels? 2:06:56 - High-protein ice cream 2:12:36 - Exploring fat loss supplements and drugs: L-carnitine, yohimbine, and more 2:23:57 - Potential remedies for individuals experiencing metabolic dysfunction due to hypercortisolemia 2:31:17 - The cornerstones of body composition improvement remain nutrition and exercise, even in the presence of exogenous testosterone 2:36:12 - The importance of approaching health advice found online with a critical eye and a healthy dose of skepticism -------- About: The Peter Attia Drive is a deep-dive podcast focusing on maximizing longevity, and all that goes into that from physical to cognitive to emotional health. With over 70 million episodes downloaded, it features topics including exercise, nutritional biochemistry, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, mental health, and much more. Peter Attia is the founder of Early Medical, a medical practice that applies the principles of Medicine 3.0 to patients with the goal of lengthening their lifespan and simultaneously improving their healthspan. Learn more: Connect with Peter on: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: Subscribe to The Drive: Apple Podcast: Overcast: Spotify: Google Podcasts: Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and the materials linked to this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content on this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they have, and they should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. I take conflicts of interest very seriously. For all of my disclosures and the companies I invest in or advise, please visit my website where I keep an up-to-date and active list of such companies. For a full list of our registered and unregistered trademarks, trade names, and service marks, please review our Terms of Use: