How to Optimize Testosterone & Estrogen | Episode 15

<p>This episode I discuss the hormones testosterone and estrogen and how they impact the brain, body, and behavior at ages after puberty. I also discuss how various behaviors such as exercise (resistance and endurance training) and sex, or observing sex impact these hormones and their levels. I ask: "what specifically is it about such activities that impacts testosterone and estrogen?"; the resounding theme is that when our nervous system is activated in particular ways it drives our endocrine system and vascular system to activate or repress certain hormone networks in predictable ways. I also discuss peer-reviewed studies and protocols addressing (at a mechanistic level) how light, cold and heat, and respiration (breathing) can positively or negatively impact testosterone and estrogen. And we discuss specific supplements and compounds that peer-reviewed studies illustrate can adjust testosterone and estrogen levels: by changing their binding to other proteins, by raising them directly, or by changing other hormones released from the brain and pituitary. I discuss optimization in the normal reference ranges for these hormones, and I discuss pheromones, apnea, menstrual cycles, menopause and andropause. As always a mix of basic science, biological mechanisms and tools and protocols are discussed.</p> <p>**Note: Future episodes will focus on the science of prescription hormone replacement therapies, the science of hormone-based birth control and the role of testosterone, estrogen and other compounds in fertility, athletic performance and recovery.</p> <p> </p> <p>Thank you to our sponsors:</p> <ul> <li>Four Sigmatic - <a href= "http://foursigmatic.com/huberman">http://foursigmatic.com/huberman</a></li> <li>Blinkist - <a href= "http://blinkist.com/huberman">http://blinkist.com/huberman</a></li> <li>Theragun - <a href= "http://theragun.com/huberman">http://theragun.com/huberman</a></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>Bloodwork sponsor:</p> <ul> <li>InsideTracker - <a href= "http://insidetracker.com/huberman">http://insidetracker