Hormone Doc Amy Killen Reveals the TRUTH About TRT and HRT Safety

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Amy Killen discusses various aspects of hormone optimization, aging, and longevity. She covers key topics such as the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on ovarian health, the role of DHEA, progesterone, and DHT, as well as the benefits and risks of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Dr. Killen emphasizes the importance of lifestyle factors like exercise, sleep, stress management, and nutrition for optimizing hormones. She also touches on peptides, growth hormone, and gene therapy as future potential tools for extending healthspan and vitality, rounding out a comprehensive look at hormone health and aging.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sleep is essential for health: Getting a full eight hours of sleep every night is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing hormonal imbalances.
• 😀 Stress management impacts hormones: Chronic stress leads to an imbalance in cortisol and sex hormones, which can affect both men and women.
• 😀 Exercise is key: Lifting heavy weights and maintaining an active lifestyle help optimize hormone levels and support overall well-being.
• 😀 Lifestyle factors are critical: Diet, sleep, stress reduction, and exercise have a direct impact on optimizing testosterone and estrogen levels.
• 😀 Supplements can support goals: Supplements like vitamin D, zinc, and selenium may help maintain healthy testosterone levels, but they should complement a healthy lifestyle.
• 😀 DHEA supplementation: While DHEA supplementation might help some individuals, particularly women for fertility and ovarian aging, it's not a universal solution for low testosterone.
• 😀 Hormone therapy is a delicate balance: Hormone replacement therapies like testosterone injections or HCG can be beneficial but should be used with caution and based on individual needs.
• 😀 Growth hormone benefits: Growth hormone and its secretagogues, like CJC-1295, can aid in muscle building, fat loss, and better sleep, but there are still concerns about its long-term effects.
• 😀 IGF-1 and longevity: There's an ongoing debate in the longevity space about the benefits of increasing growth hormone and IGF-1 for muscle mass versus the potential risks of high IGF-1 levels.
• 😀 Gene therapy in the future: Cellular reprogramming and gene therapy may offer future solutions for extending vitality, fertility, and preventing the decline in hormones associated with aging.

Q & A

What are the key factors that affect mitochondrial dysfunction in the body, and why is it particularly problematic for the ovaries?

Mitochondrial dysfunction occurs as we age, affecting various organs in the body. However, it is particularly problematic for the ovaries because they are highly dependent on mitochondrial function for hormone production and egg viability. Slowing mitochondrial dysfunction could potentially help slow ovarian aging and improve fertility.

What role does DHA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) play in the body, and is it beneficial as a supplement for hormone regulation?

DHA is a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen, making it an important androgen in the body. While research on DHA supplementation is mixed, it may be useful for some individuals, especially those with stress or autoimmune diseases. It is more effective in women than men for increasing testosterone levels, but it is not considered a key hormone for broad supplementation.

Is it recommended to take DHEA supplements to increase testosterone or slow down ovarian aging?

DHEA supplementation might help in certain situations, such as improving fertility or slowing ovarian aging, but it is not a universal solution for testosterone issues. It can be helpful in women for ovarian aging, but its effectiveness and safety as a general testosterone booster are limited.

What are the potential risks of taking progesterone in men, and under what circumstances would it be used?

Progesterone can have adverse effects on men, particularly at high doses, including infertility and erectile dysfunction. It is generally not used in men except in rare cases, such as for sleep improvement in low doses, but caution is necessary due to potential side effects.

What is DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), and how does it affect both men and women?

DHT is a potent androgen derived from testosterone and is involved in male pattern baldness, acne, and other androgenic issues. In women, high levels of DHT can lead to increased facial hair, acne, and hair loss. While it has positive effects such as enhancing libido and muscle growth, it can cause unwanted side effects at elevated levels.

What are the common methods for administering testosterone, and how do they compare in terms of side effects?

Testosterone can be administered through injections (intramuscular or subcutaneous), topical creams, or oral preparations. Injections are the most common, with subcutaneous injections preferred for their smaller needles and less pain. Oral testosterone, such as undecanoate, bypasses the liver and may have less impact on fertility and lipid levels compared to older oral forms.

What is the difference between injectable testosterone and the new oral testosterone preparation, testosterone undecanoate?

Testosterone undecanoate is an oral testosterone that bypasses the liver, unlike older methylated forms of oral testosterone, which caused liver issues. It also seems to have less impact on suppressing natural testosterone production, making it a potential option for men who want to maintain some level of fertility while supplementing testosterone.

Why is it risky to buy testosterone or other hormones from unreliable sources, and how should people approach hormone therapy safely?

Buying hormones from unregulated sources like sketchy websites can be dangerous as the purity and dosage are often uncertain. To safely approach hormone therapy, it's crucial to consult a professional, preferably in a reputable clinic, to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment with regulated, quality products.

What are the foundational lifestyle changes that can optimize hormone levels for both men and women without resorting to hormone supplementation?

The key lifestyle changes include regular strength training, maintaining a healthy body composition (keeping belly fat low), managing stress, and getting sufficient sleep. Nutritionally, ensuring adequate intake of vitamin D, zinc, and selenium can support testosterone production, while addressing stress and sleep can naturally optimize hormone levels.

How do supplements help in hormone optimization, and what is their role in conjunction with other lifestyle factors?

Supplements can be beneficial in addressing lifestyle factors like stress or sleep that impact hormone levels. Adaptogens for stress reduction, sleep aids, and creatine for muscle building are examples. However, supplements should be viewed as supportive, not as direct solutions for low testosterone or hormone imbalances.