Low Testosterone or Poor Testing Prep?
Before walking into the nearest Low T center, consider these factors before being told you're low on testosterone.
More and more are asking me about testosterone therapy. I don't provide it, but I am honored that they value my opinion on the matter. The reasons for taking it are vast, from trying to boost energy, sex drive, and build muscles etc.
The pause I have with external testosterone support centers and providers is that they don't ever address WHY testosterone may be dropping. Their commercials say they are treating the cause, but that's just an outright lie. They test and inject, end of story.
The reason your testosterone levels may be low on paper may not actually be low in reality. Here are a bunch of things to consider before having testosterone measured in anticipation of getting on hormone replacement.
CHOLESTEROL REDUCERS
The #1 selling medication in the US, based on prescriptions, is atorvastatin (brand name Lipitor). It's a statin medication used to lower cholesterol. What does this have to do with testosterone? Testosterone is a hormone built from cholesterol. If you are taking a medication to lower cholesterol, or even something natural like Red Yeast Rice, don’t be surprised if testosterone comes back low. Lowering cholesterol can also impact vitamin D levels, estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and aldosterone.
There are other medications that can lower testosterone levels, too:
Opioids (e.g., hydrocodone, oxycodone)
Glucocorticoids (e.g., prednisone)
Ketoconazole
Antidepressants (some SSRIs)
Chemotherapy drugs
Spironolactone
TIME OF DAY
Ladies have a “time of month” that has a shifting hormone profile; well, dudes have a “time of day.” This might be the most important factor in testing testosterone levels.
Testosterone peaks in the morning, typically between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Levels naturally decline throughout the day, so blood draws should be done in the early morning for the most accurate assessment.
Low T centers shouldn’t even test you past 10 am. If they are offering to test you anytime after that, that’s a red flag, and chances are, you’re going on hormone replacement. Maybe that’s what you want all along, since you’ve heard every fit podcast host or social media dude tout the benefits of testosterone therapy.
FASTING
Besides testing early in the morning, make sure you’re in a fasted state. NO CALORIES.
If you’ve had alcohol, wait at least 48 hours after alcohol consumption.
SLEEP QUALITY
If you’re planning on heading to the get tested in the morning but you had a shitty night of sleep, don’t go that morning. Poor sleep can significantly reduce testosterone levels.
HEAVY EXERCISE
This seems like an oxymoron as building muscle is one of the things to improve testosterone, but skip testing if you’ve had intense exercise for the previous 48 hours. Testosterone is primarily a recovery hormone. If you’re hammering the gym, you’re probably using up resources to aid in that recovery.
Are you seeing a trend? It might not be low T after all, as much as you’re just abusing your body. When you’re consistent with your eating, sleeping, fitness, and live a lifestyle where medication isn’t needed, more often than not, your testosterone levels aren’t going to be a factor. I’ve consulted with guys with testosterone levels in the 800s and 900s, and they were completely exhausted and had no drive. I’ve consulted with guys with testosterone levels in the 300s and 400s, and they were killing it in life.
Blaming a man’s lack of desire, poor gym gains, and lack of morning wood on an assumed testosterone issue is just lazy healthcare. Address more variables, and I bet the concern for low T won’t even be a priority anymore.