January 16, 2020
Last year I spoke at an event called “A4M” in Las Vegas on how to increase testosterone naturally with no injections or hormone replacement protocols required.
I'm not against bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), but I do think one should explore as many natural alternatives as possible first. Or, for even more bang for the buck, pair BHRT with the tactics you'll discover in this episode.
A4M, which stands for “The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine” is dedicated to the advancement of tools, technology, and transformations in healthcare that can detect, treat, and prevent diseases associated with aging. They promote the research of practices and protocols that have the potential to optimize the human aging process. The organization is also dedicated to educating healthcare professionals and practitioners, scientists, and members of the public on biomedical sciences, breakthrough technologies, and medical protocols through our advanced education entity: Metabolic Medical Institute (MMI). Their event in Vegas each year is, in my opinion, well worth checking out.
Recently, in two separate papers, testosterone therapy has gotten a bad rap (Testosterone and the Cardiovascular System: A Comprehensive Review of the Clinical Literature and Age-Related Low Testosterone), and been blamed as a culprit for coronary artery disease and stroke risk, but as I discuss in my podcast with Jay Campbell, this is simply not true. As a matter of fact, in Jay's Testosterone Optimization Bible, he clearly lays out the research behind optimized testosterone levels improving heart health, optimizing cognitive function, combating Alzheimer's disease, staving off bone loss, and much much more. My friend Carl Lanore also recently addressed some of this unfair testosterone vilification in Superhuman Radio episode #2451. Furthermore, as I explain in the introduction to this podcast, I recently began to use microdoses of testosterone cream (compounded by Dr. Craig Koniver) in the morning and evening to simulate the natural diurnal release of testosterone, and have noted a profound impact in my own energy levels and recovery (although this is not a strategy I endorse as a “band-aid” but instead the icing-on-the-cake for males in their late 30's and beyond once all other foundational practices I outline in this podcast are established). Incidentally, my wife is now using progesterone from Dr. Koniver for similar purposes.
In this episode, I will review the key biomarkers for achieving peak male health, along with the most potent and effective practices for optimizing biological variables for men's fertility and longevity. I will also unveil a host of little-known biohacks proven to enhance or restore peak testosterone and libido, along with how to practically implement a blend of ancestral wisdom and modern science to amplify sexual performance.
You'll discover a multimodal approach to optimizing male sexual performance, learn how to identify key biomarkers to assess male health and get the best ancient practices and modern scientific strategies that enhance or restore men's fertility and longevity.
Oh, and by the way, women need testosterone too, and all these tactics will work for the ladies as well.
In this episode, you'll learn…
-Research I've encountered since I last spoke on this topic on the podcast…2:00
- Microdosing (transdermal application) testosterone cream (code BEN2020 at checkout to receive 15% off our products)
- Simulates diurnal increase of testosterone (vs. a sudden increase via an injection)
- Overseen by a knowledgeable doc
- Morning and evening small amount of cream (not gel)
- Working w/ Dr. Craig Koniver
-How to increase testosterone naturally with working out…12:43
Sprint
- Study: Physiological and performance changes from the addition of a sprint interval program to wrestling training
- Airdyne bike
- Elliptical trainer
Lift heavy stuff
- Article: How Many Reps Should You Do To Build Muscle?
- Study: Testosterone physiology in resistance exercise and training: the upstream regulatory elements
- Workouts: squats, deadlifts, bench presses, Olympic lifts
- Article: How to Use Weight-Lifting Machines
- Hex bars
- Kettlebells
- Book: Body by Science by Doug McGuff
Use long rest periods
Do forced reps
- Study: Acute hormonal responses to heavy resistance exercise in strength athletes versus nonathletes
- Article: 10 Tips for Proper Gym Etiquette
Use your legs
- Vasper
- Study: The effect of short-term strength training on human skeletal muscle: the importance of physiologically elevated hormone levels
- Article: What is the Best Way to Warm Up?
- Article: How to Warm Up And Cool Down
Avoid chronic cardio
- Study: Effects of strength training on submaximal and maximal endurance performance capacity in middle-aged and older men
- Podcast: Primal Endurance: How To Escape Chronic Cardio & Carbohydrate Dependency & Become A Fat Burning Beast
-Notoriously missing nutrients that drastically affect testosterone levels…21:46
Magnesium
- Mag SRT
- Podcast: Magnesium Supplementation: Everything You Need To Know About Dosing Magnesium, Timing Magnesium, Forms Of Magnesium & More
Vitamin D
- Vitamin D3
- Vitamin K2
- Thorne Vitamin D/K2
- Book: The Magnesium Miracle by Dr. Carolyn Dean
- Sperti lamp
Zinc
DHEA
- Article: DHEA, Steroid Cycling, Liposomes & More: Everything You Need To Know About Fringe Over-The-Counter Health Supplements That Build Muscle & Burn Fat
- Vaxxen Labs
- DHEA
Creatine
Boron
- Boron
- Article: The Ultimate Guide To Biohacking Your Testosterone: 17 Ways To Maximize Muscle-Building, Drive & Anti-Aging
-How to increase testosterone naturally with herbs…32:39
- Maca powder
- MiCacao
- 75% organic dark chocolate
- Eurycoma Longifolia
- Fenugreek
- Pycnogenol
- Tribulus Terrestris
-Biohacking tools and tricks that actually work for increasing testosterone…40:51
Electrical Muscle Stimulation
- Study: Rapid increase in the number of androgen receptors following electrical stimulation of the rat muscle
- Study: Effects of low-frequency electrical stimulation on the change of male sex hormones in normal men
- NES Scanner
- Neu.fit
Red Light or Low-Lever Laser Therapy
- Article: I Put a Giant Red Light on My Balls to Triple My Testosterone Levels
- Joovv Light
- Article: Red Light and Near-Infrared Radiation: Powerful Healing Tools You’ve Never Heard of
- Study: The effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the testis in elevating serum testosterone level in rats
Cold Thermogenesis
- Study: Serum levels of thyroid and adrenal hormones, testosterone, TSH, LH, GH and prolactin in men after a 2‐h stay in a cold room
- Study: In Vitro Temperature Sensitivity of DNA, RNA, and Protein Syntheses Throughout Puberty in Human Testis
- Study: Seasonal variations of human sperm cells among 6455 semen samples: a plausible explanation of a seasonal birth pattern
- Primal Cold Jetpack
Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields
- Book: The Non-Tinfoil Guide to EMFs: How to Fix Our Stupid Use of Technology
- Study: Therapeutic uses of pulsed magnetic field exposure
- Study: The therapeutic effect of a pulsed electromagnetic field on the reproductive patterns of male Wistar rats exposed to a 2.45-GHz microwave field
- Study: The Effects of Cell Phone Waves (900 MHz-GSM Band) on Sperm Parameters and Total Antioxidant Capacity in Rats
- Study: The influence of direct mobile phone radiation on sperm quality
- Study: Effect of mobile telephones on sperm quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Pulse Center
- FlexPulse
- ICES® DigiCeutical® M1 Model System
- ICES® DigiCeutical® A9a Model System
- Earth Pulse
- Delta Sleeper
Gainswave
- Pycnogenol
- Article: How To Get All The Effects Of A Stem Cell Dick Injection…Without Actually Getting A Stem Cell Dick Injection
- Article: The Most Potent Natural Alternative To Viagra (and One Of The Most Shocking Biohacks I’ve Ever Done)
- Podcast: The Non-Pill, Natural Alternative To Viagra That Instantly Fixes Erectile Dysfunction, Boosts Drive In Men & Women, Enhances Orgasm & Much More
- Podcast: Sexual Biohacking With Scream Creams, Testosterone Replacement, Multiple Orgasms, Vaginal Stimulating Devices, Salad Dressings For Better Erections & More
Platelet Rich Plasma Injections (PRP)
- Study: Our experience in the treatment of priapism
- P-shot
- O-shot
- Study: The Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Tendinopathy: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials
Stem Cells
- Article: Shooting Up Stem Cells With Ben Greenfield – The “Down The Rabbit Hole” Video
- Article: Amniotic Stem Cell Injections, Advanced Muscle Integration Technique, High Dose Vitamin C Therapy & More: A Health Hacking Journey
-Mistakes you're probably making that impact testosterone and fertility…51:03
Underestimating the nasties of plastic
- Podcast: Estrogeneration: How Estrogenics Are Making You Fat, Sick, and Infertile
- Article: How to Protect Your Body from the Ten Hidden Killers in Your Home (Fully Updated Version)
- Article: Endocrine Disruptors
- Study: Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: Associated Disorders and Mechanisms of Action
- Study: Disruption of LH-induced testosterone biosynthesis in testicular Leydig cells by triclosan: Probable mechanism of action
- Activated charcoal filter
- Reverse Osmosis water filters
Thinking “Avoid Chronic Cardio” Means “Don’t Move Too Much”
- Study: Physically active men show better semen parameters and hormone values than sedentary men
- Study: Endurance Training Decreases Serum Testosterone Levels in Men without Change in Luteinizing Hormone Pulsatile Release
- Study: Reproductive hormonal profiles of endurance-trained and untrained males
- Study: Increased physical activity has a greater effect than reduced energy intake on lifestyle modification-induced increases in testosterone
- Tri-Ripped
- Triathlon Dominator
- Obstacle Dominator
Eating too often
- Study: Pituitary-testicular axis in obese men during short-term fasting
- Study: Reproductive Function during Fasting in Men
Thinking You’re Immune To EMF
Ejaculating Too Much
- Article: Taoist Ejaculation Formulas
- Sun Simiao
- Article: Ejaculation May Lower Prostate Cancer Risk
Ignoring The Power Of Sex
- Article: How To Get Fit For Sex
- Jordan Gray's website
- Book: The Multi-Orgasmic Man: Sexual Secrets Every Man Should Know
Eating Gluten
-Best ways to track and test male hormones…1:00:01
-And much more!
If you'd like this comprehensive list of resources from my talk at A4M in PDF format, click here.
Click here for the full written transcript of the original podcast episode.
Click here for the full written transcript of the fully updated re-released podcast episode.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
– BGF podcasts:
- What is Cortisol? A Hormone Crucial to Your Health and Survival
- How To Get Your Own Vitamin and NAD IVs, The Truth About Umbilical Stem Cells, Peptide Injections & Much More With Dr. Craig Koniver
– Book: The Magnesium Miracle by Dr. Carolyn Dean
– Book: Body by Science by Dr. Doug McGuff
– Book: Estrogeneration by Anthony Gay
– Book: The Multi-Orgasmic Man by Mantak Chia
– Book: The Non-Tinfoil Guide to EMFs: How to Fix Our Stupid Use of Technology by Nicolas Pineault
– My podcast with building biologist Brian Hoyer
Episode sponsors:
–Boundless: The launch is upon us. Visit boundlessbook.com for info about the launch parties in NYC and Los Angeles, and pre-order your copy today!
–Kion Clean Energy Bars: Satisfying, nutrient-dense, real-food energy bars with a delicious chocolate coconut flavor! Ben Greenfield Fitness listeners, receive a 10% discount off your entire Kion order when you use discount code: BGF10.
-Beekeeper's Naturals: A wellness company specializing in innovative nutraceuticals made from healing hive compounds and plant-based ingredients. Get 15% off your order when you use discount code: BEN
-Four Sigmatic: I’ve been using Four Sigmatic products for awhile now and I’m impressed by the efficacies of their mushroom products. I use them. I like them. I support the mission! Receive 15% off your Four Sigmatic purchase when you use discount code: BENGREENFIELD
I see no testosterone cream for sale in the link provided? Just consultations, peptides and Nitro cream. Would love to purchase some
Any preliminary data on the rocket compared to The gainswave?
What happened to all the videos on Ben’s youtube channel?
in the podcast you mention that you need to take Vit. D and Vit. K together otherwise they wont work. But in the book Rebuild your Bones they suggest taking them separate because Vit. D and K compete for absorption.
Hi, loved the talk…about the testosterone cream, are you sure the cream wont eventually shut down your own production, even with a small dose? This has happened to me and many others with test gel, and the levels got lower than baseline.
Aren’t you afraid of shutting down your endogenous production of testosterone due to the negative feedback loop of using exogenous T? I fully understand if your natural production is already impaired due to age or other factors but I believe you have said that yours has been fine.
I know, the guy’s so full of shit, he won’t answer the difficult questions in case you catch him out, lol!!!
Hi James, I submitted several questions on this topic to no avail. Since then, I started the cream, and yes, its TRT, no different than injections. Basically, a life commitment. I much prefer daily cream application vs injections. Besides the pain and anxiety of injections, the cream gives a steady level of T every day, no rise and fall that you get with injections. Also, better libido and higher DHT levels with cream. Greg.
Hi Ben,
How far should you be standing away from the red light therapy device on your testicles? Also is it ok to use NIR?
6 inches is recommended.
Hi Ben, Thank you so much for all that you do. I am forever grateful for all the FREE information you have provided me over the years. Currently I am in the U.S. Coast Guard and have been deployed in the Arabian Gulf for the past 9 months. I will be 42 years old next month and between being sleep deprived, stressed (constant flight or flight), irregular circadian rhythm levels (watch on a ship 24/7) my testosterone levels have plummeted. It’s really starting to take a toll on me mentally and physically. I have gained 12 lbs. and 5% BF since being here. I am the most tired I have ever been, low libido, slightly depressed etc.. Thankfully I use many of the life hacks you have taught me over the years to overcome some of these stressors, otherwise I would really be in trouble. I heard you mention the testosterone cream and how well it is working for you. I really believe this could help me in my current situation. The military is very “iffy” with this subject and basically I would probably have to do this on my own dime.
Is there any recommendations you could make on how I can obtain a safe cream at a minimum effective dose? When I google it, all kinds of creams come up, but I don’t trust them. I went to Dr. Konivers site, but he charges $400 for a 30 min consultation, which is way out of my league. I have 3 months left on this deployment and would really like to be optimal for when I go home to my wife and try to begin a normal routine again in my 40’s.
Thank you so much,
Very respectfully,
Gregory K. Panas
Hi Ben,
Are you still using this cream? Results? Is this something that once started I will have to use for life? My deployment was extended due to C-19. When I get back home in July I would like to set up a doctors appointment and ask for a cream like this. I am 42 and follow a healthy lifestyle, but T levels are dropping due to stress and lack of sleep from the military.
Thank you for all you do and all that you have taught me over the years. You are the best Ben, elite in my eyes!
Greg
Hi Ben,
Just wanted to comment in regard to your comment about injectable testosterone. I just feel you made an unfair statement especially since you have never tried it. I’ve been on testosterone replacement therapy for five years now. I tried compounded cream and had negative results. I would point I was forced to switch to injections. I’ve been on injections every 3 and a half days for the last 4 years and I’ve never had any anger, jitteriness or negative feelings from my testosterone Spike from my shot. I have nothing but good things to say about my testosterone replacement therapy and the method I use. A lot of people are severely influenced by your opinion and without actually trying therapeutic doses of injectable testosterone I just feel that was an unfair statement. For anyone interested I too started my testosterone about the same age, 38 years old. I did suffer from low testosterone for unknown reasons and I have been nothing but pleased with my therapy and highly recommend it to anyone who may be suffering from low testosterone. It will literally change your
Hi Ben,
Thank you for all you do.
My question is related to age, what age do you think is ideal for men to start looking at alternatives to increase testosterone?
On Free Testosterone level for 55 year old man what is the optimal level? Also if you have a higher Sex Hormone binding globulin which mine is 45 nmol/L counteracts the level of testosterone negatively?
Hey Ben! Thanks again for another fantastic dense info podcast! I’m doing a half marathon in a couple months and although not nearly an iron man, I’m wondering what a some good training tips would be to perform well but stave off the anti-testosterone effects. I’ll mix in some weight lifting and sprints but anything I might want to take before or after a long run to help testosterone? Or perhaps would you recommend weight lifting before or after a long run?
Anything helps thanks Ben!
Patrick
Ben,
Thank you for what you do. You’re information has helped me tremendously over the last few years. You have become my go to first podcast and site for info on health, bio-hacking, sports fitness, etc. Between you Joe Rogan, Dave Asprey, Tim Ferris, Ravi Zacharias(spiritual), a whole lot of blessing and of course a bit of effort on my part as well, i’ve been climbing out of my hole and becoming better than ever. i am working on a project for faster learning, while learning how to learn faster. With my house looking more like a lab with devices, psychedelics, nootropics, tcds,a big kitted out float tank in my garage, some off the record paperwork from our favorite usnswc venue(from while i was in), etc, etc i have in my mind what would mimic an exploded view of an engine for what will hopefully become a final product in the end that could possibly help many. Right now just hopes and dreams as i move forward with what is quickly becoming my life’s work. I will definitely be in touch when i have something worthy of your time. Just wanted you to know that your work is playing an important part in this one guys efforts to change the world for the better, and i would bet there are many others out there as well that could say the same. I have had one amazing life with some huge ups and downs, being a single dad to my now 7 year old boy has been the most important job i’ve ever done. Thanks to guys like you my life keeps getting better. Thanks so much Ben for everything you do. Oh, on a less serious note- my buddy from my FD visited the other day and saw my son and i playing x-box together online from two different rooms and said “no wonder you havent made any progress on your project, its like two kids home with no supervision and the parents have left the house indefinitely.“ Luckily he has school or i’d never get anything done. My son is my whole world and my motivation for being better. As a great dad yourself i know you can relate. Take care brother, and God bless you and your family.
CK
Great msg man! Blessings!
Ben are you still applying this to yourself? I am curious, because once introducing exogenous testosterone the body stops producing it. So I am guessing you either really had to do some hacking to get your body producing it again or you are going to be applying this to your testes for the rest of your life?
Thank you for all that you, love you man!