Step into the origins of modern men’s health and testosterone therapy with Dr. Alex Tatem as he sits down with his mentor, Dr. Larry Lipshultz — the pioneer behind male fertility surgery, testosterone research, and advanced hormone therapy.
In this powerful conversation, they discuss:
* How the field of men’s health began
* The early days of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
* The future of peptides, compounding pharmacies, and patient-driven medicine
* Why patient care and innovation often clash with outdated FDA rules
* Personal stories of breakthroughs, mentorship, and the evolution of men’s medicine
If you’ve ever wondered how testosterone, fertility, and wellness became what they are today — this interview is a masterclass in the history and future of men’s health.
The Future of Men's Health: What Testosterone and Peptides Can Do for You
If you've been wondering about testosterone therapy or hearing buzz about peptides, you're not alone. These treatments are changing the game for men's health, and the future looks even brighter. We sat down with Dr. Larry Lipshultz, a pioneer in men's health who's trained over 100 doctors in male reproductive medicine, to get the inside scoop on where men's health is headed.
What You Need to Know About Modern Men's Health Treatment
Men's health isn't what it used to be. We're no longer stuck with limited options when dealing with low testosterone, weight gain, or other health issues. Thanks to decades of research and clinical practice, doctors now have better tools than ever to help men feel their best.
Dr. Lipshultz has been working in men's health for over 40 years. He started his career when male fertility and sexual health weren't even recognized as real medical specialties. Today, he's one of the most respected voices in the field, having trained doctors who now treat thousands of men across the country.
Understanding Testosterone Therapy Beyond Blood Levels
Here's where things get interesting. Most people think testosterone therapy is only about getting your blood levels into a "normal" range. But Dr. Lipshultz predicts that's about to change in a big way.
Think about it like this: when you take steroids like prednisone for inflammation, doctors don't just look at your blood levels. They use it because it helps with specific health problems. The same could happen with testosterone therapy in the future.
How Testosterone Treatment Works Today
Right now, if you go to a doctor complaining about low energy, poor sleep, or trouble in the bedroom, they'll typically run a blood test. If your testosterone levels are low, you might get prescribed testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). This treatment can come in several forms:
- Injections you give yourself once or twice a week
- Gels you apply to your skin daily
- Pellets placed under your skin every few months
- Patches worn on your body
But here's what's changing: doctors are starting to realize that blood levels don't tell the whole story. Some men feel terrible with "normal" levels, while others feel great with levels on the lower end. Your symptoms matter just as much as the numbers on your lab results.
The Future of Testosterone Use
Dr. Lipshultz believes we'll eventually use testosterone to treat specific health issues, regardless of where your blood levels sit. Just like doctors prescribe other medications based on symptoms rather than just lab values, testosterone therapy might work the same way.
This shift could help millions of men who suffer from symptoms but fall into that "gray zone" where their levels aren't technically low enough for treatment under current guidelines.
The Peptide Revolution in Men's Health
You've probably heard people talking about peptides, especially if you follow fitness or health content online. But what exactly are they, and why does everyone seem excited about them?
What Are Peptides?
Peptides are basically small proteins made up of amino acids. Your body naturally produces thousands of different peptides that do all sorts of jobs, from healing injuries to burning fat. When doctors talk about peptide therapy, they mean using specific peptides to target certain health problems.
The cool thing about peptides is that they're not synthetic chemicals made in a lab. Many of them come from natural sources. For example, one peptide called PMAP is extracted from placentas. Because they occur naturally in the body, peptides tend to have fewer side effects than traditional medications.
Common Peptides Used in Men's Health
Several peptides have become popular among men looking to improve their health and performance:
BPC-157 helps heal joints, tendons, and gut issues. Many men use it when recovering from injuries or dealing with chronic joint pain.
GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (you might know it as Ozempic or Wegovy) help with weight loss by controlling appetite. These are peptides too, even though most people don't think of them that way.
Growth hormone peptides can help build muscle, improve recovery, and boost energy levels.
Tesamorelin targets belly fat specifically. It was originally developed for HIV patients who gained weight around their midsection, and it's been FDA-approved for over 15 years.
The Problem With Peptide Access
Here's where things get tricky. Right now, getting legitimate peptides through proper medical channels is harder than it should be. Federal regulations have made it difficult for compounding pharmacies (the ones that make custom medications) to produce peptides legally.
This creates a dangerous situation. Men who want to use peptides often turn to online sources from overseas, mainly China. These products might be contaminated, improperly dosed, or not even contain what's listed on the label. You're basically playing Russian roulette with your health.
Dr. Lipshultz sees this as a major problem. When a patient comes to him already using peptides from sketchy online sources, he faces a dilemma. He could refuse to help and send the patient back to buying dangerous products online. Or he could work with FDA-inspected compounding pharmacies to provide the same peptides safely.
Most good doctors choose option two. They want to keep their patients safe, even when regulations make it complicated.
Why FDA-Approved Compounding Pharmacies Matter
Not all compounding pharmacies are created equal. The good ones undergo regular FDA inspections. Inspectors check their clean rooms, review their manufacturing processes, and make sure everything meets strict safety standards.
When you get peptides from an FDA-inspected compounding pharmacy, you know you're getting:
- The correct dose listed on the label
- Sterile medication that won't cause infections
- Products free from heavy metal contamination
- Quality that matches or exceeds what you'd get from major pharmaceutical companies
The price is often the same as what you'd pay for sketchy online products. The only difference is that you're actually getting what you pay for, and it's safe to inject into your body.
The Business Side of Men's Health Treatment
Here's something most people don't think about: big pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly and Pfizer don't make peptides (except for a few like the GLP-1 medications). Why not?
It comes down to money. Bringing a new drug to market costs hundreds of millions of dollars. You need years of clinical trials, FDA approval processes, and massive marketing campaigns. For big pharma, this only makes sense if they can sell billions of dollars worth of the drug.
Peptides serve smaller markets. Sure, lots of men want them, but not enough to justify the huge investment for major drug companies. That's why compounding pharmacies fill this gap. They can make smaller batches for specific patients without the massive overhead.
But this also means big pharmaceutical companies don't have much incentive to support peptide therapy. Some people believe this influences regulatory decisions, though that's harder to prove.
What This Means for Your Health Journey
So where does this leave you? If you're dealing with low energy, weight gain, poor recovery from workouts, or declining sexual performance, here's what you should know:
Working With the Right Doctor
First, find a doctor who specializes in men's health. Not all doctors understand testosterone therapy or peptide treatments. You want someone who stays current with research and treats lots of men with these issues.
A good men's health doctor will:
- Listen to your symptoms, not just look at lab numbers
- Explain all your treatment options clearly
- Work with reputable pharmacies
- Monitor your progress regularly
- Adjust treatments based on how you feel
Being Honest About What You're Taking
If you're already using testosterone or peptides from online sources, tell your doctor. They can't help you if they don't know what you're taking. Good doctors won't judge you or kick you out of their practice. They'll work with you to transition to safer, legal sources.
Understanding the Costs
Men's health treatments aren't always covered by insurance, especially newer therapies like peptides. You might pay out of pocket for:
- Initial consultations and lab work
- Monthly prescriptions
- Follow-up visits and monitoring
But compare this to the cost of feeling terrible for years, or worse, using contaminated products that could land you in the hospital.
Being Patient With the Process
Neither testosterone therapy nor peptides work overnight. Most men start feeling better within a few weeks, but it can take several months to dial in the perfect treatment plan. Your doctor might need to adjust doses or try different combinations to find what works best for you.
The Bigger Picture: Specialized Training in Men's Health
One reason men's health treatment has improved so much is the growth of specialized training programs. Dr. Lipshultz runs one of the most successful fellowship programs in the country, training doctors specifically in male reproductive medicine and sexual health.
These fellowships last one to two years after doctors complete their regular urology residency. Fellows learn advanced techniques for treating:
- Male infertility
- Low testosterone
- Erectile dysfunction
- Peyronie's disease (curved penis)
- Premature ejaculation
- Post-vasectomy pain
Before these fellowship programs existed, most urologists got maybe a few weeks of training in men's health issues. Now, specialists spend years mastering these treatments. That's why finding a fellowship-trained men's health doctor makes such a difference in your care.
Real Talk About Side Effects and Risks
Let's be straight: no medical treatment is completely risk-free. But when done properly under medical supervision, testosterone therapy and peptide treatments are generally very safe.
Testosterone Therapy Side Effects
Most men tolerate testosterone therapy well. Potential side effects include:
- Acne or oily skin
- Increased red blood cell count (your doctor monitors this with blood tests)
- Mood changes
- Testicular shrinkage
- Reduced sperm production (important if you want to have kids)
The key is regular monitoring. Your doctor should check your blood work every few months and adjust your treatment as needed.
Peptide Safety
Because most peptides are natural compounds, they tend to cause fewer problems than synthetic drugs. Dr. Lipshultz notes that some peptides have been used safely for 15-20 years.
That said, we don't have decades of data on every peptide. This is why working with a knowledgeable doctor and FDA-inspected pharmacy is so important. You want to minimize any potential risks.
Looking Ahead: The Next Decade of Men's Health
Dr. Lipshultz predicts big changes coming in the next 10 years:
Testosterone will be prescribed more like other therapeutic drugs. Instead of focusing only on blood levels, doctors will use it to treat specific symptoms and health conditions. This will help millions of men who suffer but don't qualify for treatment under current guidelines.
Peptide therapy will become more accepted and accessible. Federal regulations will likely evolve to allow compounding pharmacies to legally produce peptides while maintaining safety standards. This means you'll be able to access these treatments without resorting to sketchy online sources.
More research will clarify benefits and risks. As peptides become more mainstream, we'll get better data on long-term effects and optimal uses. This will help doctors prescribe them more confidently and effectively.
Insurance coverage might expand. As evidence grows for testosterone and peptide benefits, insurance companies may start covering more men's health treatments. Right now, coverage is spotty at best.
Taking Control of Your Health
The field of men's health has come incredibly far. What started as a small specialty that barely existed now offers real solutions for millions of men struggling with low energy, weight gain, sexual problems, and other issues.
You don't have to accept feeling lousy as just part of getting older. Modern medicine offers tools that can help you feel strong, energetic, and healthy well into your later years.
But here's the catch: you need to be your own advocate. Find a doctor who specializes in men's health. Ask questions. Be honest about your symptoms and any treatments you're already trying. And work with medical professionals who use legitimate, FDA-inspected sources for your medications.
The future of men's health is bright. With continued research, better access to treatments, and more doctors trained in this specialty, more men will get the help they need to live their best lives.
Take the Next Step in Your Health Journey
Don't let another year go by feeling less than your best. Whether you're dealing with low energy, struggling with weight, or experiencing other men's health issues, help is available.
Start by finding a qualified men's health specialist in your area. Look for doctors who are fellowship-trained in male reproductive medicine or sexual health. Schedule a consultation to discuss your symptoms and get proper testing done.
Remember, the goal isn't just to get your lab numbers into a normal range. It's to help you feel strong, energetic, and confident in every area of your life. With the right doctor and proper treatment, you can get there.
Your health is worth investing in. Take that first step today and see what's possible when you work with specialists who truly understand men's health. The treatments are available, the doctors are trained, and the future is brighter than ever for men who want to take control of their health and vitality.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, including testosterone therapy or peptide treatments. Individual results may vary.
Last edited by a moderator:
