How to Optimize Your Hormones for Health & Vitality | Dr. Kyle Gillett

A benzodiazepine that works on GABA receptors, used as an example of a medication that promotes sleep.

A medication that can help with insulin sensitization, sometimes useful for women with PCOS who have significant insulin resistance.

A non-benzodiazepine sleep aid that works on GABA receptors, used as an example of a medication that promotes sleep.

A synthetic progestin derived from spironolactone, available as an oral contraceptive, relevant for its anti-androgenic effects.

An alpha-antagonist medication that binds to receptors in smooth muscle, helping to relax them and alleviate symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

A melanotan-related peptide that is FDA-approved for hypoactive sexual desire disorder, primarily in women. It acts centrally on the nervous system and can be administered via nasal spray, injection, or troche. Contraindicated for individuals with a history or risk of melanoma.

A 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that inhibits all three isoenzymes, used for prostate health and hair loss. Also discussed as a component of mesotherapy for targeted scalp application.

A common synthetic estrogen in oral contraceptives, 100 times more potent than endogenous estradiol in the liver, leading to increased SHBG and decreased free testosterone.

A 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that prevents the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Used for prostate health, hair loss, and cardiac remodeling.

A sleep supplement that should not be taken daily.

An FDA-approved brand name for oral testosterone undecanoate capsules that are absorbed through the lymphatic system, avoiding hepatic metabolism.

A hormone similar to TSH, found in pregnant women's urine and synthetically produced. It prevents hypothyroidism in pregnancy and can potentially improve thyroid function. Used in both men and women for fertility and to maintain testicular function during testosterone therapy. High doses can suppress LH and increase estrogen. Can also re-upregulate DHT in post-finasteride syndrome.

A medication for hair loss that can cause an initial 'shed' of unhealthy hairs before growing new, healthier follicles.

A phosphodiesterase inhibitor with a shorter half-life than tadalafil, primarily used for erectile dysfunction. May also increase eyebrow hair growth by improving blood flow and can potentially alter vision.

A phosphodiesterase inhibitor with a long half-life (almost a day), commonly used for erectile dysfunction but also prescribed at low doses (2.5-5mg daily) to decrease prostate congestion and improve urinary symptoms in men.

A neurodegenerative genetic disorder mentioned as a comparison for trinucleotide repeats in genetic transcription.

A supplement commonly taken by older men for prostate health, which inhibits the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme (isoenzymes 1 and 2), similar to finasteride but generally weaker.

A form of magnesium beneficial for sleep, considered safe for daily use.

A protein found in grains that is a mu opioid receptor agonist in the gut and can increase prolactin levels. Eliminating it might help manage higher prolactin.

An extract from a Nigerian shrub that can increase testosterone by enhancing luteinizing hormone (LH) release and LH receptor sensitivity. Recommended cycling: three weeks on, one week off due to limited long-term safety data. Dosage of 600mg per day was discussed.

An insulin sensitizer that can help manage PCOS. It is distinct from D-chiro-inositol, which is a weak antiandrogen.

Discussed as potentially neurotoxic at high doses, with P5P being the safer, pre-activated form.

A growth agonist peptide signaling molecule, an analog of thymosin beta-4 produced in the thymus. It shrinks as people age, and its youthful presence contributes to better healing in children. Synergistic with GHK-copper peptide and BPC-157.

Dehydroepiandrosterone, an androgen that usually goes hand-in-hand with testosterone. Women naturally have significantly more DHEA than estrogen or testosterone.

An anti-androgen medication, also a potassium-sparing diuretic and blood pressure medicine, sometimes used in women with PCOS.

An Indonesian herb that can reduce sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), thereby freeing up testosterone. It also weakly reduces aromatase and acts as an estrogen receptor modifier. Useful for men and women with hyperestrogenism or elevated SHBG (e.g., after discontinuing oral contraceptives). Recommended dosage: 400mg/day, with an 11 months on, 1 month off cycle.

A compound found in garlic that can significantly reduce TMAO levels and may also improve cardiovascular tone and blood flow. Dosage of 600mg capsule or eating garlic can be effective.

A peptide produced endogenously in the liver at younger ages, involved in liver regeneration. Can help with the nervous system, especially in copper-deficient individuals (e.g., after bariatric surgery). Synergistic with BPC-157 and thymosin beta-4.

A plant polyphenol found in turmeric that inhibits the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Can cause negative side effects like reduced vitality if DHT is already low.

A weak antiandrogen, often found in combination with myo-inositol, which can be a better therapeutic option for women with PCOS seeking to reduce androgen activity.

A supplement that can assist with estrogen control by aiding excretion and modulating estrogen receptor sensitivity. Less potent than aromatase inhibitors.

An element found in rich soils (e.g., in Greece and Turkey) that can acutely help regulate SHBG. Recommended dosage: 3-6mg once to twice daily.

A milk protein that is a mu opioid receptor agonist in the gut and can increase prolactin levels. Eliminating it might help manage higher prolactin.

A hormone released when one is hungry, which contributes to the overnight release of growth hormone. Some peptides are very similar to ghrelin.

Body Protective Compound 157, a synthetic version of a gastric protective compound naturally produced in the stomach. It increases vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and can significantly aid injury healing by increasing blood flow to damaged areas like cartilage and ligaments. Not FDA-approved, but considered standard of care for short-term use in injuries. Caution advised for individuals with cancer due to its VEGF-promoting effects. Sourcing from reputable compounding pharmacies is crucial to avoid LPS contamination.

A supplement that can significantly increase the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Also discussed for its potential cognitive-enhancing effects.

A sleep supplement whose daily use is arguable and depends on the situation.

The pre-activated form of vitamin B6, recommended as a safe dopamine agonist (50mg 1-2 times daily) to help decrease prolactin. Considered safer than pyridoxine to avoid neurotoxicity.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Progestogenic activity helps improve sleep by acting as a GABA agonist. Some sleep supplements and substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines also work on GABA.

An ecdysteroid that acts as a beta estradiol receptor agonist. May be beneficial for individuals with naturally low estrogen for water retention, but unlikely to impact libido or growth plates.

Can help decrease prolactin levels, especially if people have low levels of the gamma form of vitamin E.

A supplement beneficial for sleep, considered safe for daily use.

Another ecdysteroid and beta estradiol receptor agonist, similar to Turkesterone, that can work well for some individuals but not others. Risks and benefits are similar to Turkesterone.

A weak antiestrogen and antiandrogen derived from cruciferous vegetables. Caution is advised as it can reduce both estrogen and testosterone.

A di-peptide that acts as a shuttle, helping to transport fatty acids into mitochondria for energy utilization, improving mitochondrial function. It also slightly increases androgen receptor density. Beneficial for sperm motility and fertility in both men and women. Oral bioavailability is 10%, so 10g oral intake is needed for 1g effect; injectable form is 100% bioavailable.

An FDA-approved growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) peptide used to treat lipodystrophy (abnormal body fat distribution), often associated with specific conditions like AIDS or severe burns. It primarily helps redistribute body fat.

Recommended food source for selenium intake (3-5 nuts per day).

A peptide hormone used to treat diabetes, highlighting the life-saving potential of properly prescribed peptides. It can be dangerous if taken at incorrect doses.

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, a hormone whose levels are sequentially increased by growth hormone, with a much longer half-life.

A general marker of inflammation in the body. High levels are associated with increased reactive oxygen species and atypical cell turnover in the prostate.

Diagnostic criteria for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), including androgen excess, insulin resistance, and polycystic ovaries (though not always required for diagnosis).

An element that, along with hCG, is beneficial for thyroid health. Can be obtained from Brazil nuts.

Researcher whose work on belief effects and how understanding impacts physiology is referenced.

Former director of the National Institutes of Health, mentioned as someone who has discussed the notion of spirit in health.

Podcast host mentioned by Dr. Gillett in the context of becoming 'obsessed' with a topic to achieve mastery.

Famous neuroscientist whose analogy about testosterone exacerbating existing personality traits (jerks become bigger jerks, kind people become kinder) is referenced by Huberman and Gillett.

Dual board-certified in family medicine and obesity medicine, practicing out of Kansas. He is recognized for his breadth and depth of knowledge on hormone optimization, integrating behavioral, nutritional, exercise, and supplemental tools.

Host of the Huberman Lab Podcast and a professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine. He interviews Dr. Gillett on hormone optimization.

Educational institution where Andrew Huberman is a professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology.

Medical school attended by Dr. Kyle Gillett, noted for its emphasis on full-spectrum care, 'exercise is medicine,' and 'food is medicine.'

Book discussed in relation to addiction pathways.

Medical journal that published a systematic review in March of last year on caloric restriction and testosterone parameters.