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Peak Health with Ravi Gupta, MDAuthor: Ravi Gupta, MD
Peak Health with Dr. Gupta is for those who want to optimize their health, maximize their genetic potential, and have some fun along the way. We discuss how a Functional Medicine and Integrative Health approach can help you heal and boost your performance! Language: en Genres: Alternative Health, Health & Fitness, Medicine Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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The Testosterone Blueprint: Lifestyle, Labs, TRT, and Peptides
Wednesday, 3 December, 2025
In this episode, Dr. Ravi Gupta is joined by Steve Jones, MD, as they break down what every man needs to know about testosterone— why levels decline, which symptoms actually matter, and how to rebuild your hormonal foundation the right way. From lifestyle fixes to lab testing, boosters, TRT, and peptides, this is a practical, evidence-based guide to feeling stronger, sharper, and more resilient. Key Takeaways Start with lifestyle. Nutrition, sleep, stress management, and resistance training are the non-negotiable foundation before any medical intervention. Labs guide everything. FSH/LH levels help pinpoint the cause of low testosterone and determine whether boosters or TRT are appropriate. Boosters vs. TRT. Enclomiphene supports natural testosterone production and preserves fertility. TRT is powerful but suppresses endogenous production and carries fertility risks. Peptides as advanced tools. Options like BPC-157 and GH secretagogues support repair, recovery, and performance when used strategically. What We Cover 1. The Problem: Testosterone Decline & Symptoms Testosterone naturally drops beginning in the 30s; muscle mass declines ~1% per year after 40. Common symptoms: fatigue, brain fog, low libido, poor strength gains. Clinical low is <300 ng/dL, but most men feel optimal between 600–1000 ng/dL. Free Testosterone matters most — high SHBG can bind up circulating T and require higher total T. 2. The Foundation: Lifestyle & Supplements Before labs or prescriptions, dial in: Whole-food nutrition + high protein Resistance training ≥3x/week 7–9 hours of quality sleep Stress reduction Foundational supplements include zinc, vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3s. Most men benefit from a 1–2 month lifestyle-first approach. 3. Medical Options: Boosters vs. Testosterone Replacement Labs to order: Total T, Free T, SHBG, FSH, LH, Estradiol (test before 10 AM). Enclomiphene (Booster): Increases natural FSH/LH → boosts endogenous testosterone. Best for secondary hypogonadism (low T + low FSH/LH). Pros: preserves fertility, reversible, mild side effects. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): Direct hormone replacement; suppresses natural production. Best for primary hypogonadism (low T + high FSH/LH). Pros: very effective for severe deficiency. Cons: infertility risk, potential long-term suppression, requires careful physiologic dosing. Monitoring labs: Total/Free T, Estradiol, H&H. Does not increase prostate cancer risk. 4. Advanced Tools: Peptides Peptides assist with targeted physiologic functions: BPC-157: tissue repair, gut healing Sermorelin / GH Secretagogues: sleep, recovery, natural GH release KPV: anti-inflammatory support Typical cycle: 8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off. Use only high-quality, third-party tested sources (≥98% purity). Suggested Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Stem Cells and Hormones 00:54 – Understanding Testosterone and Men's Health 01:05 – Meet Dr. Steve Jones 01:48 – The Basics of Testosterone Deficiency 05:43 – Lab Testing for Testosterone Levels 11:56 – Lifestyle Changes to Boost Testosterone 19:33 – Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Boosters 26:30 – Long-Term Commitment to TRT 27:55 – Side Effects of Enclomiphene 29:11 – Managing Off-Label TRT Use 31:02 – Cardiovascular Risks and TRT 33:08 – Monitoring and Lab Tests 35:59 – Introduction to Peptides 39:47 – Popular Peptides and Their Benefits 45:35 – Finding Quality Peptide Suppliers
