FEAR & GREED | Business News Q+A: Sleep, stress and testosterone levels explained
Feb 12, 2026
Dr Zac Turner, medical doctor and biomedical scientist who demystifies testosterone therapy. He explains exogenous versus natural testosterone and what the TRAVERSE trial revealed about heart safety. They explore how poor sleep and high stress can cut hormone levels and discuss practical lifestyle fixes that can boost testosterone before considering replacement.
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What Exogenous Testosterone Means
- Exogenous testosterone is given when the body cannot make enough even after stimulation.
- The TRAVERSE trial studied thousands of men to test safety and cardiovascular risk of replacement therapy.
Major Trial Reassures On Heart Risk
- The TRAVERSE trial enrolled over 5,000 men and targeted mid-to-high normal testosterone ranges.
- Its primary question was whether safe replacement increases heart attack or stroke risk and the answer was no in this context.
Try Lifestyle Fixes First
- Before prescribing testosterone, check pathology and review sleep, stress, diet, and routine.
- Improve sleep, morning sunlight, walks and protein intake first; many patients raise testosterone 20–30% naturally.