Snack Time | Tanking testosterone, fertility gets a reframe, and your brain on menopause
April 2024 | My monthly round up of health and wellness news
It’s Snack Time, my monthly roundup of fascinating health and wellness news. It could be a headline, podcast, product discovery or resource that could support you on your health journey. Think of this post as a platter of quick digestible bites meant to nourish and educate for those who don’t have a lot of time but want to stay informed.
Who has Spring Fever? Many of us shed our winter layers (literally and metaphorically) to make room for new ideas and habits to bloom. But, what happens to this pep in our step and frisky seasonal mood when our health is compromised? This month’s roundup ended up having a general theme: why we need to optimize our hormonal health for energy, virility and longevity.
Tackling Low T
It's well-documented that testosterone levels are experiencing a significant decline across generations, surpassing the typical 1% annual decrease associated with aging. Nowadays, concerns about "Low T" are emerging among men as early as their mid-30s, often accompanied by complaints of reduced libido, decreased energy, and mood swings. When it comes to expert medical advice on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), physicians specializing in longevity, like Dr. Peter Attia, carefully consider four key markers (testosterone, free testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, and albumin), in addition to symptoms, before recommending TRT for patients. Other signs of low testosterone may include insulin resistance, difficulty in gaining muscle mass, and prolonged recovery from exercise.
WATCH: Excerpt from Found My Fitness podcast #85 with Peter Attia with Rhonda Patrick, PhD where they discuss his strategic approach for TRT and why supplementation doesn’t work for everyone. The full podcast which covers cancer prevention, heart disease and aging here.
Fertility Takes Two
When discussing fertility, the traditional narrative has been to solely attribute the task of conceiving and carrying a pregnancy to women. However, recent studies are shedding light on a different reality. They reveal concerning trends regarding infertility issues on both sides of the equation. Our modern lifestyle, characterized by diets heavy in ultra-processed foods and exposure to endocrine-disrupting substances, is significantly impacting our reproductive capabilities. What has been uncovered is that 50% of miscarriages can be attributed to poor sperm quality.
WATCH/BUY: Two amazing founders Vida Delrahim and Ronit Menashe are on a mission to educate by reframing fertility and conception as a shared health journey. The WeNatal site has a wealth of information and access to experts for couples trying to conceive as well as pre-natal supplements to support both female and male reproductive health. For a deep dive on these infertility issues, watch their podcast interview with Dhru Purohit here.
A Menopause Renaissance
Studies show that the loss of estrogen can increase risk of dementia by up to 30%. According to neuroscientist, Lisa Mosconi, PhD, menopause causes a literal rewiring of our brains. If we invest in protecting our health through diet, lifestyle and, hormone replacement therapy, we can preserve the vitality of our brains for the last third of our lives. Every major transition in life means we must let go of something to usher in something new. While post-menopausal women may no longer be reproductive, they gain something positive: increased happiness and a sense of peace.
READ: In her new book, The Menopause Brain, Mosconi explains the numerous neurological changes to the brain during this transition, underscores the importance of protecting ourselves against dementia and offers a message of optimism as women enter a chapter of rebirth. If you prefer the cliff notes, an educational and enlightening podcast interview between Rich Roll and Mosconi, here.
Special Subscriber Perks
All of this talk about hormones as a driver of libido, fertility and general brain health might encourage you to be proactive about your well-being. Use Celia15 for a subscriber discount at Joi Women’s Wellness and Blokes, telemedicine providers who offer advanced, comprehensive bloodwork, digital consultations and prescriptions for hormones, peptides and supplements. I’ve just gotten my labs done and learned more in the 1 hour consult than any other doctor appointment. More to come on my personal experience.
As an integrative nutrition health coach, I always begin with diet and lifestyle modifications and find ways for my clients to get their nutrients from whole foods. However, supplementation can be an effective tool, when used correctly.
As a subscriber, you can visit my Fullscript dispensary for 20% off your order of supplements.
All writing is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Love snacks. And this. Thank you for the helpful info, as always.
Dementia and brain health...more fantastic reasons to lean into HRT. I am so grateful our generation is unearthing the right research and tactics to care for ourselves and achieve longevity.