Show Notes
If you’ve been trying to lose weight… eating better, moving more, doing “all the right things”… and the scale still won’t budge, this video is for you.While it might be diet, lack of movement, or a season where you haven’t cared for your body the way you wanted to… it also might be something your doctor has never checked…
Your body may be working against you — not because you’re doing something wrong, but because something deeper is out of balance.
In today’s episode, Functional Medicine PA, Collin Dees, breaks down the real reasons so many adults struggle with stubborn weight:
🤫 Hidden hormone imbalances that your regular doctor never tests
🥱 Why low energy and poor sleep make weight loss feel impossible
😖 How stress, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies silently slow your metabolism
🫠 And why the “calories in, calories out” model fails millions every year
If you’ve ever wondered “What’s wrong with me?” — you’re not alone. Patients come to Med Matrix every day feeling frustrated, dismissed, and told “everything looks normal”… even when nothing feels normal.
This video will help you understand why your body isn’t responding — and what you can ACTUALLY do about it.
Credit
Host: Cole Siefer
FAQ
1. What are the earliest signs testosterone may be dropping in men?
Early signs include lower baseline energy, feeling exhausted after work, reduced motivation to exercise, and easier fat gain—especially around the abdomen. Many men also notice reduced muscle and strength gains, lower sex drive, and sometimes erectile dysfunction.
2. What is andropause, as explained in this episode?
Andropause refers to the gradual decline in male hormones, especially testosterone, that often occurs with aging. This decline can affect energy, body composition, motivation, performance, mood, and libido.
3. How does testosterone affect the body beyond sex drive?
Testosterone acts as a chemical messenger that binds to androgen receptors throughout the body, including muscle, brain, and prostate tissue. Depending on where it binds, it can influence muscle growth, cognition, motivation, energy, and overall vitality.
4. Why can low testosterone feel like “nothing is turning on” in the body?
Colin compares testosterone to a key in a lock. When levels are low, important processes like muscle building, motivation, recovery, and dopamine signaling still occur—but at a much lower level.
5. What daily symptoms are commonly linked to low testosterone?
Men often report fatigue, poor motivation, decreased exercise drive, slower recovery, increased body fat, lower confidence, and reduced sexual interest. These changes can develop gradually and feel like “normal aging.”
6. If testosterone levels are considered “normal,” why might symptoms still exist?
Conventional medicine often defines normal as “not dangerous.” Functional medicine looks for optimal hormone levels tied to quality of life, performance, and long-term health—not just whether a major medical event is imminent.
7. How does testosterone influence energy, motivation, and mental drive?
Testosterone affects neurotransmitters like dopamine, which play a role in motivation and reward. When levels decline, men may feel less driven, less confident, and less motivated to pursue physical or mental challenges.
8. When does MedMatrix consider testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)?
TRT decisions are individualized and based on symptoms, lab values, age, fertility goals, and lifestyle realities. Some men can improve levels naturally, while others remain suboptimal despite strong lifestyle efforts.
9. How much can testosterone realistically increase without TRT?
Some men see improvements of 200–300 points through sleep, stress reduction, nutrition, exercise, and fat loss. While beneficial, this may still fall short of an optimal range for certain individuals.
10. What lifestyle factors can limit natural testosterone improvement?
Night-shift work, chronic stress, multiple jobs, limited access to quality food, poor sleep, and lack of exercise time can all restrict how much testosterone can improve naturally—even with good intentions.
11. Why do some men choose TRT even if natural improvement is possible?
TRT can provide more consistent testosterone levels regardless of stress, travel, sleep disruption, or environmental exposures. Some men view it as an “insurance policy” for maintaining stable performance and energy.
12. Why is age 40 often discussed as a TRT decision point?
Age 40 is not biologically magical, but it’s a practical milestone because fertility often becomes less of a priority. Testosterone therapy can reduce sperm production, making family-planning discussions essential before starting.
13. Does starting TRT mean being on it forever?
Not necessarily. While TRT is often long-term, clinicians can use protocols to help patients come off if circumstances change. It is best viewed as a health tool rather than a permanent sentence.
14. Are there alternatives to TRT for men who want to preserve fertility?
Yes. The episode mentions medications like enclomiphene or clomiphene, which can raise testosterone without suppressing natural production in certain men. These options are considered on a case-by-case basis.
15. How does testosterone optimization affect long-term health span?
Testosterone influences muscle mass, insulin sensitivity, body weight, exercise motivation, and mental well-being. Optimizing levels may help men maintain higher quality of life for longer, rather than accepting steady decline as inevitable.
