Each pattern produces a distinct clinical syndrome and responds to different therapeutic approaches. Cortisol dysregulation describes any departure from this healthy diurnal pattern. Because cortisol touches every organ system, its dysregulation does not stay in one lane. In search of a functional medicine doctor in The Woodlands? With the help of a functional medicine practitioner, you can learn how to address the underlying causes of low testosterone with lifestyle changes and possibly supplementing hormones in an optimal manner. Defining what constitutes optimal testosterone levels isn't a straightforward task due to the variations influenced by factors such as age, health status, and lifestyle choices. Shockingly, up to 25% of men who receive testosterone therapy do not undergo pre-prescription testing for their testosterone levels. Reducing stress is crucial for maintaining healthy testosterone levels. In the following video, IFM educator Mark Holthouse, MD, FAAFP, IFMCP, discusses the functional medicine approach to optimizing testosterone levels naturally. For instance, the TRAVERSE study evaluated the safety of TRT in men aged 45 to 80 with low testosterone and heart disease risks. TRT may alleviate symptoms such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, anemia, and bone density loss. Current 2024 recommendations for TRT in men stress the importance of accurate diagnosis and ongoing monitoring. Unlike the abrupt hormonal changes of female menopause, andropause occurs more slowly but can still cause symptoms such as fatigue, low libido, weight gain, and cognitive changes. Strength training and moderate intensity aerobic exercise at a duration of 200 minutes per week not only improves testosterone but also improves sexual function. Grapes, flax seed, green tea, and white button mushrooms are also foods that can be added into your diet to improve testosterone, while avoidance of dairy (specifically cow’s milk products), alcohol, and trans fats should be limited. Testosterone is needed for optimal brain functioning, building muscle mass and bone density, reducing abdominal fat, and maintaining cardiac health, among other benefits. Not every patient absorbs topical testosterone adequately, and lab work plus symptom monitoring should guide any decision to stay the course or pivot. Cortisol balance had also normalized on follow-up DUTCH testing. Estradiol remained stable and within a healthy range. Total testosterone more than doubled. The four-point salivary cortisol test is the most practical clinical tool for mapping the diurnal curve. What is the best test for cortisol dysregulation? Circadian entrainment is the primary intervention before any adaptogenic support. It produces the paradox of morning fatigue despite adequate sleep hours and a second wind at bedtime that prevents sleep initiation. Low AM cortisol with elevated evening cortisol is the phase-shifted pattern common in circadian-disrupted individuals. Let’s break it down clearly so you (and your patients) can feel confident about treatment decisions. Join healthcare leaders for live online sessions and Q&A — delivering evidence-based strategies to guide patients toward lasting longevity. Lifestyle predictors of healthy ageing in men. Andropause and the development of cardiovascular disease presentation-more than an epi-phenomenon.