Age-Related Testosterone Decline is a progressive, physiological decrease in testosterone production starting around age 30–40, typically at 0.4–1.6% per year for total testosterone (faster for free testosterone at ~1.3% per year). It’s a normal part of aging, affecting 20–50% of men over 60.
Male hypogonadism is a medical condition where the body produces insufficient testosterone (typically <300 ng/dL) due to specific issues with the testes (primary) or pituitary/hypothalamus (secondary). It can occur at any age and may cause severe symptoms like infertility, osteoporosis, or profound sexual dysfunction.
Diagnosis: Both are diagnosed with symptoms and low testosterone (<250–300 ng/dL) as well as testing for underlying cases.
Treatment: For age-related decline, lifestyle changes (e.g., exercise, weight loss) are often tried first. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is used only if symptoms are significant and levels are low, with comprehensive discussion of benefits and risks. Hypogonadism typically requires TRT, especially for primary or secondary causes, and may involve treating underlying conditions (e.g., surgery for tumors).
No, longevity medicine is not inherently alternative medicine. It represents an evolution of conventional, evidence-based practices like precision and preventive medicine, powered by biogerontology and geroscience. While it incorporates some holistic elements (e.g., nutrition and stress reduction), its core relies on rigorous biomarkers and clinical data, distinguishing it from unproven alternatives. Early forms, like "age management," were once viewed as alternative, but modern longevity medicine is gaining legitimacy through organizations like the Healthy Longevity Medicine Society.
Subcutaneous Pellets are specific Testosterone doses, surgically implanted every 3-6 months. They are often associated with supraphysiologic levels that leave women with side effects often needing additional medications to fix. Additionally, once they are implanted, they are not able to be removed. For all of these reasons, I do not use pellets and recommend avoiding any practitioner that only offers this modality.
My primary tools when it comes to longevity are maximizing your metabolic health through nutrition, activity and stress resilience. All of my care is centered on these main modalities. While I love to use cutting edge medicines, diagnostics and devices, I will always go back to optimizing lifestyle first! Let's work together to make this easy, sustainable and fun so you can live a long healthy life!!!
