Tools for Hormone Optimization in Males | Dr. Kyle Gillett

Host of the Huberman Lab podcast and professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine.

A Stanford colleague and expert in addiction who has discussed the seesaw effect of pleasure and pain, relevant to dopamine and intense experiences.

A guest on the Huberman Lab podcast who covered specific high-volume training protocols known to increase growth hormone.

A researcher whose work has shown that phthalate exposure to fetuses negatively impacts sperm counts, testosterone levels, and genitalia size in males.

Dual board-certified physician in family medicine and obesity medicine, and an expert in male hormone optimization.

An individual known for training for very long periods of time, contrasting with the one-hour exercise threshold recommended for hormonal health.

Host of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, where Dr. Shanna Swan was a guest to discuss her research.

A clinically validated screening tool used to assess for depression.

A screening questionnaire described for evaluating men's health and hormone-related concerns, though not clinically validated like some diagnostic tools.

A clinically validated screening tool used to assess for anxiety.

Supplement that helps with amino acid synthesis, oxidative stress, and acts as a backup fuel tank for mitochondria, slightly increasing total testosterone and its conversion to DHT. 5 grams per day is a strong clinical dosage.

A plant that increases LH (luteinizing hormone) release from the pituitary, thereby boosting testosterone. A safe dose is around 300 mg/day, with regimens of 600 mg every other day or three times a week to avoid potential toxicity.

A medication that can be prescribed topically but is absorbed systemically due to its molecular size, making it less suitable for topical use in males to avoid systemic effects.

A known 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, but only affects some isoenzymes, making it less comprehensively effective than finasteride or dutasteride for DHT reduction.

A compound that can slightly decrease TMAO conversion and has other effects on blood sugar, potentially causing headaches and carbohydrate cravings in some individuals.

A GHRH-like peptide that belongs to the class of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormones, similar to sermorelin and CJC.

A supplement company partnered with Huberman Lab to provide high-quality supplements discussed on the podcast, available internationally.

A peptide that shuttles nutrients into mitochondria and increases the density of androgen receptors in cells, enhancing testosterone binding. Oral doses range from 1,000 to 5,000 mg/day, with much higher absorption from injectable forms.

A supplement, often mixed with creatine, that helps with amino acid synthesis and energy shunting, particularly useful for creatine non-responders or those with elevated homocysteine, taken at 1-3 grams per day.

A compound found in garlic that can help decrease the conversion of carnitine and choline to TMAO, a potential carcinogen.

A ghrelin agonist peptide that stimulates growth hormone release, potentially increasing hunger and anxiety.

A peptide mentioned by the host for its potential to improve tissue healing and recovery, though not discussed in detail by Dr. Gillett regarding safety or efficacy.

A trace mineral that can acutely help lower Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) at doses of 5-12 milligrams per day, and is high in soils in countries like Greece and Turkey.

A plant extract that upregulates enzymes in the steroidogenesis cascade, increasing total and free testosterone, especially useful in caloric deficits or low-carb diets. Dosages range from 300-1200 mg/day, with eurycomanone content being key for standardization.

A long-acting ghrelin agonist, also known as MK-677, studied mainly for growth hormone deficiency. Can cause increased hunger, anxiety, and elevated blood glucose.

A mattress and pillow company that customizes products based on individual sleep needs through a brief quiz.

A personalized nutrition platform that analyzes blood and DNA data to provide insights and recommendations for optimizing health markers.

A company founded by two All-American swimmers from Stanford that produces high-quality eyeglasses and sunglasses designed for performance and aesthetics.

A vitamin-mineral-probiotic drink that provides foundational nutritional needs, including probiotics for gut health and adaptogens.

A peer-reviewed academic journal where a paper was published linking body fat accumulation and leptin secretion to the onset of puberty.

A GHRH-like peptide, similar to tesamorelin and sermorelin, used to stimulate growth hormone release.

One of the diastereomers of clomiphene, with a different mechanism of action and half-life compared to enclomiphene.

A topical anti-androgen often used in formulations with other weak anti-androgens like caffeine to prevent hair loss.

A selective estrogen receptor modifier (SERM) that blocks estrogen's action on the hypothalamus and pituitary, increasing testosterone. It has a unique side effect profile, including visual changes, and is not recommended for long-term testosterone optimization.

A substance with effects similar to luteinizing hormone (LH), stimulating testosterone production and maintaining spermatogenesis. Can also bind to the TSH receptor, affecting thyroid function.

One of the diastereomers of clomiphene, potentially better tolerated with a faster half-life, but a drug for it (Androxal) did not complete FDA approval.

A drug containing enclomiphene that did not go through the full FDA approval process despite Clomid being FDA approved.

An underrated medication, also a blood pressure medication, prescribed at low doses (2.5-5 mg/day) to improve prostate health and increase androgen receptor density. Can cause slight visual changes at higher doses but is generally safe up to 10 mg/day.

A 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that inhibits all three isoenzymes. Topical dutasteride has a faster half-life at lower doses and does not affect systemic DHT levels.

A testosterone ester commonly used in hormone therapy, typically administered at 100-120 milligrams per week, divided into multiple injections.

A GHRH-like peptide that stimulates growth hormone release. Can lead to deep but short sleep and may cause a spike in PSA. Sourcing safety is a concern for non-prescription versions.

A 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (inhibits isoenzymes 1 and 2) used for hair loss and prostate issues, but can cause side effects like loss of sensation and erectile dysfunction, and lowers PSA levels.

A company that creates custom nootropics designed to optimize brain and body states for specific goals.

A test to measure periodic erections during sleep, typically used to determine if erectile dysfunction has a physiological or psychological origin.