Low Testosterone Explained: What to Fix Before Starting Testosterone Therapy

In this episode of Hormones & Hope, Dr. Chhaya Makhija sits down with Dr. Justin Dubin, a urologist and men's health specialist based in South Florida, to unpack one of the most widely misunderstood topics in men’s health: low testosterone (hypogonadism). From symptoms like low libido and fatigue to the role of metabolic health and fertility preservation, this conversation explores how testosterone affects overall quality of life, not just hormone levels. Dr. Dubin explains how physicians evaluate low testosterone, why a single lab test isn’t enough for diagnosis, and how lifestyle factors like obesity, sleep apnea, and diabetes play a major role in hormone health.The episode also dives into treatment options, including clomiphene, a medication that can raise testosterone levels while preserving fertility.Together, Dr. Makhija and Dr. Dubin discuss the importance of looking beyond a single hormone level and instead approaching men’s health through a whole-person perspective that includes metabolic health, lifestyle, and long-term wellbeing. This is Part 1 of a two-part series, where the focus is on diagnosis, symptoms, and evaluation of low testosterone.Dr. Justin Dubin is a Urologist who specializes in Men's Health including sexual medicine and male infertility in South Florida. Justin grew up in Wayne, NJ and graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in Biology. He attended Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson for medical school then completed his training in Urology at the University of Miami followed by his Andrology fellowship at Northwestern University.  Dr. Dubin is passionate about men’s health and education with the goal of improving both the lives of men and their partners. He has published multiple papers on both male infertility and sexual health, has been quoted in the NY Times, Insider, GQ, The Cut, USA Today, and Men’s Health and is the current co-host of the men’s health podcast Man Up: A Doctor’s Guide to Men’s Health through which he hopes to destigmatize men's health topics and motivate men to improve their overall lives.Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here:https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrinehttps://unifiedendocrinecare.com/https://www.youtube.com/@chhayamakhijamdhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/Email: [email protected] Download Free Guides/ Resources here:https://linktr.ee/chhayamakhijamdFollow Dr. Dubin here:https://www.mhs.net/providers/d/dubin-justinhttps://www.instagram.com/justindubinmd/?hl=enhttps://x.com/justindubinmd?lang=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@justindubinmdhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/man-up/id1582655811Don’t forget to subscribe to Hormones and Hope, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who could use a little inspiration on their wellness journey.Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.