I saw this video from Modern Healthspan. It is about the observation that his testosterone is above the reference values for a healthy male. Hi is 62, and T is 26.7 nmol/L. My T is 28 nmol/L and I am 61. I am not sure this kind of testosterone is a healthy level for longevity. it makes me wonder what the optimal level for T. A low T is bad for you, and most likely, a high T is also bad for longevity.
The episode in which every This American Life crew member decides to measure their testosterone levels competition-style begins with Alex Blumberg’s quest to find out how much the hormone has shaped his life. Two excellent, extended interviews give this 2002 show its verve: one with a journalist whose body briefly stopped producing testosterone, one with a transgender man who noticed a series of astounding changes to his own thought patterns when he began testosterone injections. The episode doesn’t seek to prove anything, but hearing these two men, plus every TAL producer, try to understand how hormones inform their character is funny and fascinating.
Eunuch longevity suggest low testosterone is beneficial for longevity. But for males it can reduce healthspan.
Fantastic podcast! Lots of fun. I could tell when I was low a couple years ago, maybe 450. Now it’s 750… I’m in the same boat as Richard from modern healthspan.
I feel good, not sure if I should be worried.
His natural testosterone level is 770 at 61 years old, which is excellent beyond belief. That isn’t even close to being too high. People on TRT usually aim for 800-900. I’d bet the house his testosterone level would be extremely helpful for longevity.
I think you should not consider T in isolation. You should also consider SHBG.
High T and high SHBG will to some extent counteract.
Here are my last few T measurements in nmol/L
15.6 20.8 17.35 16 19.5 18.3 18.35 17.7 17.6 16.22 15.9 17 17 18.89 19.7 28.9 17.9
These are from four different labs. The 28.9 outlier (I am 63) looks to me like an outlier. I have not tried to work out what affects T levels, but I do weekly blood tests.
I think my normal level looking at these is more like 18 than 28.
Fewer labs do SHBG so I don’t get it weekly. I think higher melatonin increases SHBG. Its running around the 80-90 nanomoles level.
I am 63.
Good point. I am on TRT myself so I measure SHBG so it doesn’t get too low. Proper balance is key. I would be very surprised if someone’s SHBG was too low at a total T level of 770 and it would tell me there is probably something else going on.