Testosterone Deficiency: The Most Undiagnosed Hormone Problem

Testosterone deficiency is one of the most underdiagnosed hormone problems in both men and women, yet it affects energy, metabolism, brain health, libido, mood, and cardiovascular health.In this episode, Lu Bennett, NP, and Misty Wright, NP from Incandescence Medical & Aesthetics break down the science behind testosterone therapy and clear up some of the biggest myths surrounding hormones.For decades, hormone replacement therapy slowed dramatically after the Women's Health Initiative study, which led to a 79% decrease in hormone therapy use in women. But newer research shows hormones—including testosterone—play a critical role in overall health for both men and women.In this episode we discuss:• Why testosterone is not just a male hormone• What testosterone actually does in the body• Testosterone and brain health, depression, and anxiety• Why libido drops earlier in women• Testosterone’s role in metabolism and insulin resistance• The truth about testosterone and heart health• Testosterone and breast cancer research• The myths around testosterone and prostate cancer• Why lab “reference ranges” are often misleading• Testosterone therapy options for men and womenWe also talk about why working with a knowledgeable provider and monitoring labs properly is essential when it comes to hormone therapy.If you've ever wondered whether low testosterone could be contributing to fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, or low libido, this episode will help you understand the science.00:00 Introduction01:20 Fun facts about testosterone discovery03:10 What testosterone actually does in the body05:30 Why testosterone is not just a male hormone07:40 Why testosterone declines earlier in women09:30 Testosterone and metabolism11:10 Testosterone conversion to estrogen in men13:00 Testosterone and cardiovascular health15:10 Testosterone and breast cancer research17:40 Testosterone and prostate cancer myths21:00 Testosterone and brain fog, depression, and anxiety24:20 Hormones vs SSRIs: are we treating the wrong problem?27:30 Testosterone and bone health29:40 Why lab reference ranges can be misleading33:10 Common myths about testosterone therapy36:00 Testosterone and sexual health in men and women39:20 Treatment options: pellets, creams, injections41:30 Bioidentical vs synthetic hormones43:00 Final thoughts