Rethinking Testosterone: Modern Approaches to Hormone Health

In a recent conversation with Dr. Jared Pelo, Shalin Shah shared groundbreaking insights about testosterone therapy and its evolving role in modern medicine. As someone who has spent nearly a decade in the testosterone space, Shah brings a unique perspective on how this essential hormone has been misunderstood and why that's finally changing.

The Journey to Understanding Testosterone

Shah's journey began in 2015 when, as an investment professional, he encountered a drug that would later become Kyzatrex. At the time, testosterone was facing scrutiny due to cardiovascular concerns and lawsuits. However, deeper research revealed something remarkable: if testosterone had been discovered today, Shah suggests it would be considered one of the most valuable molecules on the planet.

"There is an androgen receptor on every organ in the body," Shah explains, highlighting testosterone's critical role as a metabolic hormone. Yet, this fundamental understanding has been overshadowed by decades of misconceptions.

Dispelling Historical Myths

The vilification of testosterone can be traced back to 1990 when Congress scheduled it as a controlled substance—a decision opposed by the FDA, DEA, and American Medical Association. This classification, combined with associations with sports doping scandals and the prevalence of injection-based treatments, created significant barriers to legitimate medical use.

Recent Research Changes Everything

Two major studies have transformed our understanding of testosterone therapy:

1. The Traverse Study (2023): The largest randomized, placebo-controlled trial in testosterone history conclusively showed no cardiovascular risk with testosterone therapy.

2. T4DM Study (2020): Demonstrated testosterone's significant impact on diabetes prevention and management, showing better results than metformin in its pivotal study.

The Innovation of Daily Oral Treatment

Traditional testosterone treatments, primarily injections, create unnatural hormone spikes and valleys. Shah draws an apt analogy: "Would you wake up on Monday morning and have 10 cups of coffee for the week?" This is where daily oral medication shows its advantage.

Kyzatrex's innovative formulation, using plant sterols for absorption through the lymphatic system, allows for more natural hormone rhythms. This approach maintains the body's pituitary function and minimizes side effects commonly associated with long-acting treatments.

The Future of Testosterone Therapy

The Testosterone Project, a nonprofit initiative, focuses on three crucial areas:

1. Making testosterone testing standard in preventive care

2. Creating a pathway for FDA-approved female testosterone treatments

3. De-scheduling testosterone as a controlled substance

Beyond Traditional Uses

The implications of optimal testosterone levels extend far beyond the conventional focus on muscle mass and libido. Shah points to testosterone's role in the "four horsemen" of aging-related diseases:

• Cardiovascular disease

• Type 2 diabetes

• Dementia

• Cancer

"Testosterone has a specific role in each one of these issues," Shah emphasizes, suggesting a broader role for hormone optimization in preventive health care.

Accessibility and Innovation

In an innovative move, Kyzatrex adopted a cash-pay model to improve accessibility. This decision bypasses traditional insurance barriers and prior authorizations while maintaining affordability—a crucial factor in expanding access to hormone therapy.

Looking Forward

The future of testosterone therapy looks promising, with potential changes to FDA labeling and increasing recognition of its role in preventive health. For those interested in learning more, resources are available at:

• Kyzatrex.com

• RethinkTestosterone.com

• TestosteroneProject.com

Conclusion

The conversation between Dr. Pelo and Shah reveals a shifting paradigm in hormone therapy—one that moves away from stigma and toward understanding testosterone as a crucial metabolic hormone with wide-ranging health implications. As research continues and access improves, we may be entering a new era of hormone optimization for both men and women.

This transformation in perspective, backed by solid research and innovative delivery methods, suggests that testosterone therapy could play a significant role in the future of preventive medicine and healthy aging.

Key Timestamps:

00:18 - Shalin's journey into testosterone research and development of Kyzatrex

03:18 - Understanding oral testosterone and debunking liver toxicity myths

06:03 - Historical misconceptions: Why testosterone was unfairly vilified

11:04 - The Traverse Study (2023): Proving cardiovascular safety

13:28 - T4DM Study: Testosterone's impact on diabetes prevention

15:22 - Why daily oral testosterone better mimics natural body rhythms

24:05 - The Testosterone Project's three initiatives:

- Making testosterone testing standard

- Creating FDA-approved options for women

- De-scheduling testosterone

36:09 - Why Kyzatrex chose a cash-pay model for better access

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From Tech Executive to Health Optimizer: How Small Changes Led to Major Health Transformations

In the fast-paced world of technology, where long hours and high stress are the norm, maintaining optimal health often takes a backseat. But for Scott, a successful tech executive and Bionic Health member, a chance encounter with the concept of "healthspan" sparked a journey that would transform his approach to health and wellness.

The Wake-Up Call

"I heard a podcast with Peter Attia talking about healthspan," Scott recalls. "The idea that you start at one, and as you age, you eventually approach zero. The longer you can prolong that line closer to one, the better your life will be."

This concept resonated deeply with Scott, particularly the understanding that health failures are typically cascading events. A single health issue can trigger a domino effect, leading to increasingly serious problems. This realization, combined with the challenges of staying active as he aged, motivated Scott to take a more proactive approach to his health.

Beyond Traditional Healthcare

Like many professionals, Scott had followed the conventional path of annual check-ups and basic blood work. "I did what everybody does," he explains. "I went to my family practice doctor once a year and got the basic CBC blood test. Everything was fine on that test, so I didn't really have a foundation around why I should be paying much more attention to these markers."

His perspective changed dramatically when he discovered the power of comprehensive health monitoring and optimization. Through detailed blood work and regular tracking of health markers, Scott gained insights that weren't available through traditional medical appointments.

Transformative Changes

Scott's journey with Bionic Health led to two significant transformations:

1. Strength Training Revolution Despite a lifetime of athletics, Scott had never embraced weight training. "I've always been kind of spindly. For me, lifting weights was something meatheads do," he admits. However, after seeing his first DEXA scan results, he realized the importance of muscle mass for long-term health. Within 12 months of starting a structured strength training program, Scott achieved remarkable results: dropping 12 pounds of visceral fat while adding 3 pounds of muscle.

2. Nutrition Optimization "I thought I ate pretty healthy," Scott reflects. "I think everybody, most people think they eat pretty healthy." Through careful tracking and guidance, he discovered he was "overnourished" – eating more than his body needed despite regular exercise. By implementing strategies like the 800-gram fruit and vegetable challenge, he transformed his relationship with food, learning to eat more mindfully and efficiently.

The Power of Small Changes

What makes Scott's story particularly inspiring is his approach to change. Rather than pursuing dramatic transformations, he focused on making small, sustainable adjustments over time. "I'm not a goals person," he explains. "The way my brain works is I make small changes over time, and those changes then compound hopefully in my favor."

This systematic approach allowed him to:

• Dramatically reduce alcohol and soda consumption

• Develop sustainable portion control habits

• Build consistent strength training routines

• Maintain a more balanced, nutrient-dense diet

Technology Meets Healthcare

As a technology executive, Scott particularly appreciates Bionic Health's tech-forward approach to healthcare. The ability to track progress, access support, and view results through technology has made his health journey more manageable and effective. "I shouldn't have to go see the doctor unless I need to," he notes, emphasizing the value of having health data and support readily available through technology.

Looking Forward

Scott's journey exemplifies the power of combining health education, regular monitoring, and sustainable lifestyle changes. His progress showcases how understanding our health markers and making informed decisions can lead to significant improvements in both current health and future healthspan.

"We suck less every day," Scott says with a laugh, summarizing his philosophy of continuous improvement. It's this approach – focused on progress rather than perfection – that has enabled his remarkable transformation and continues to guide his health optimization journey.

Ready to start your own health optimization journey? Learn more about how Bionic Health can help you achieve your health goals by visiting bionichealth.com.

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Beyond the Numbers: What Sport Scientists Can Teach Us About Performance and Progress

In a recent conversation with sport scientists Dr. Morgan Smith and Dr. Mo Merritt, we explored the intricate relationship between metrics, mindset, and human performance. Their insights, drawn from years of working with elite athletes and extensive research, offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to improve their performance – whether in sports, fitness, or life in general.

The Human Behind the Numbers

Dr. Smith, a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford studying applied human performance, emphasizes a crucial point often overlooked in our data-driven world: "Before you check your metrics, before you check your readiness score, check in with yourself first. How do you feel?"

This simple yet powerful approach reminds us that while data can be invaluable, it shouldn't overshadow our intuitive understanding of our bodies and capabilities. As technology advances and we have access to more metrics than ever before, it's essential to remember that these are tools to support our journey, not define it.

The Power of Perspective

Dr. Merritt, who works with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, brings a compelling perspective on mindset and learning. She shares that one of the most significant barriers to progress is our comfort with familiarity. "As adults, we've done it in the past, but it's easy to get away from those types of things as we age and we kind of settle into who we are and who we think we are."

When facing new challenges or learning new skills, Merritt suggests two primary approaches:

1. Cognitive behavioral shift: Challenging negative thoughts and exploring alternative perspectives

2. Acceptance: Acknowledging where you are while focusing on moving forward

Breaking Through Perceived Limits

One of the most interesting discussions centered around how people often underestimate their capabilities. Dr. Smith shared an example of working with untrained individuals in the weight room: "They'll push the leg sled or the leg press and they'll be like, 'okay, that's it.' Like that feels hard... It's them actually learning what their body is capable of."

This revelation highlights an important truth: what feels like our limit often isn't. It's simply our current perception of what's possible, shaped by our experience – or lack thereof.

Practical Takeaways for Personal Growth

Both scientists offered valuable advice for anyone looking to improve their performance or start a new health journey:

From Dr. Smith:

• Find a movement or activity that you genuinely enjoy

• Be kind to yourself during the process

• Remember that change and progress take time

• Don't get too caught up in the metrics – use them as tools, not rules

From Dr. Merritt:

• "Enjoy the traffic" – appreciate the process of creating new habits

• Take small, manageable steps forward

• Build trust with yourself through consistent action

• Understand that the process of creating habits is as valuable as achieving the goal

The Role of Data in Modern Performance

While both experts acknowledge the value of metrics and data in performance optimization, they emphasize the importance of context. Data should inform our decisions and understanding, not dictate them. As Dr. Smith points out, "Games don't get rescheduled based on your readiness score."

Moving Forward

The key to sustainable progress lies in finding the right balance between objective metrics and subjective experience. Whether you're an elite athlete or someone just starting their fitness journey, remember:

• Trust the process

• Be patient with yourself

• Use data as a tool, not a master

• Focus on progress, not perfection

• Embrace the journey of learning and growth

As we continue to navigate an increasingly data-driven world, these insights remind us that while numbers can guide us, it's our human experience – complete with its ups and downs, triumphs and struggles – that truly defines our journey to better performance and health.

Remember Dr. Merritt's powerful closing thought: enjoy the traffic. The process of creating new habits and pushing past our perceived limitations isn't just a means to an end – it's where the real growth and learning happen.

0:00 - Introduction and Guest Backgrounds  

2:26 - Morgan Smith's Path to Sport Science  

3:05 - Mo Merritt's Journey Through Kinesiology and Team USA

6:58 - Applied Sports Science and Performance Research  

9:16 - Working with Athletes and Real-Time Data Collection  

12:18 - Learning New Skills and Brain Aging  

14:02 - Practical Mindset Strategies for Athletes  

15:03 - Acceptance and Different Approaches to Mental Challenges  

18:20 - Managing Performance Metrics and Self-Assessment  

20:09 - Performance Beyond Readiness Scores  

21:34 - Tools vs. Metrics: Finding the Right Balance  

24:39 - Using Metrics to Push Past Barriers  

27:19 - Understanding Physical Capacity and Effort  

29:20 - Building Trust and Taking First Steps  

31:45 - Key Takeaways:

• Morgan: Finding Enjoyable Movement and Self-Kindness

• Mo: "Enjoying the Traffic" - Embracing the Process  

• 34:55 - Closing and Contact Information

For more insights from Dr. Morgan Smith and Dr. Mo Merritt, you can find them on LinkedIn, where they continue to share their expertise in human performance and athletic development.

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