Episode Twenty-One: The Androgens: Testosterone and DHEA: NOT for Men Only

Kyle and Candace invite our brilliant friend and compounding pharmacist Natalie Gustafson, R.Ph., back into the studio for a two-part interview on Testosterone and DHEA, the ‘workhorse’ hormones that actually build and maintain the bone and muscle mass that our strength and stamina depend on, while also supplying the biochemical messengers that drive sexual energy, competitive drive, metabolism, mental clarity, and even our outlook on life! 

In Part One of the interview we delve in to the need-to-knows: where androgens are made in the body, how they function and work their magic in both men and women… and though we generally associate the androgens with typical male characteristics like heavier bones and muscles, more facial/ body hair, deeper voice, greater drive or aggressive tendencies), we point out that women’s bodies need these same hormones (albeit in lesser amounts) to feel strong, smart and sexy. 

We also review the role these hormones play in supporting the stress response, energy levels, metabolism and the immune system - and what happens /symptoms that arise when androgen levels drop (sore muscles, increased body fat, foggy brain, low sex drive) and the main causes/ culprits (lack of exercise, junk food, stress, aging) behind declining levels. 

Best ways to test for low Testosterone and DHEA levels, how test results can shed light on the symptoms we are experiencing and what we can do about it – from lifestyle modifications of diet, exercise and stress management to vitamins, herbs and bioidentical hormone options – are covered in detail. 

BIO for Natalie Gustafson: R.PH and compounding pharmacist for over a decade, she owns Lloyd Central Compounding Pharmacy in Portland, Oregon. Being able to customize medicine to a patient’s needs and helping providers achieve holistic care of their patients are the cornerstones of her practice. Women’s health is a huge focus of her work. She has struggled with her own health issues and is passionate about helping women regain their health, balance and quality of life. In her downtime she enjoys reading, practicing mindfulness, yoga and taking pictures of her three cats. 

Part II we get into what happens when Androgen levels get too high…Stay tuned!