Erectile Dysfunction Radio Podcast Testosterone Levels: Who Benefits from Treatment?
Dec 30, 2024
Dr. Josh Schammel, a urology resident specializing in infertility and sexual medicine, shares insights on testosterone's vital role in men's health. He explains how testosterone affects everything from libido to mental well-being and the age-related decline many experience. Dr. Schammel discusses the causes of low testosterone, including lifestyle factors, and critiques direct-to-consumer clinics for their lack of oversight. He emphasizes the importance of careful testing and the nuances of treatment options to preserve fertility.
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Lifestyle And Stress Harm Testosterone
- Stress and obesity raise cortisol and disrupt the hormonal axis, reducing testosterone production.
- Dr. Josh Schammel calls these factors part of a multifactorial 'ball of yarn' causing low T.
Total Versus Free Testosterone Explained
- Total testosterone measures overall production while free T is the metabolically active fraction.
- Dr. Josh Schammel explains total T guides U.S. treatment thresholds, with morning tests required.
Follow AUA Testing Steps
- Do measure total testosterone with two morning draws below 300 ng/dL before diagnosing deficiency.
- Also require three or more related symptoms to meet AUA criteria for treatment.