025: Optimize Human Performance, Men’s Health, Hormones & Peptide Therapy with Dr. Lee Howard

Today we are thrilled to be joined by Dr. Lee Howard, the medical director of Compass Human Performance in Nashville. In our conversation, Dr. Lee talks about his belief that advancements in diagnostic and technological tools can allow us to achieve our ideal health and live pain-free lives. We also discuss our own experiences with Dr. Lee, because he is our personal doctor!   You don’t want to miss this delves into the shortcomings of modern medicine, the potential for regenerative medicine to provide solutions, and the importance of taking a proactive approach to your health.  

Alternative Approaches to Modern Medicine

Dr. Lee’s experience in modern medicine began with his training as a general surgeon, which gave him a broad appreciation for how disease affects the body.   However, he began to question the traditional medical approach when he noticed that he was not feeling his best despite being a doctor himself. He realized that he was going to get the same answers that other people were getting if he went to his regular doctor, which led him to dive deeper into nutrition and exercise.   Today, Dr. Lee believes that there are diagnostic and technological advancements that, when implemented, allow us to achieve our ideal health and live active, energetic, and pain-free lives. He is passionate about the shortfalls in modern medicine and has moved towards alternative approaches to getting and staying well.   Alternative approaches focus on the whole person, including their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. They also take into account the unique needs of each individual and use a variety of techniques to achieve optimal health.   Some of the alternative approaches to modern medicine include nutrition, exercise, acupuncture, massage therapy, and herbal medicine. These approaches focus on preventing disease and promoting wellness rather than just treating symptoms. They also emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management.  

Normal ≠ Optimal

One area where this is particularly evident is in the realm of hormone health. While traditional doctors may rely on normal ranges to determine if a patient’s hormones are functioning properly, this approach may not be sufficient for achieving optimal health.   There are many factors that can impact hormone health, including chronic stress, lifestyle conditions, bad diet, and becoming a parent. These factors can cause hormone imbalances that may not be detected by traditional testing methods.   Plus, we can’t ignore the fact that changes in hormone health are occurring earlier than in previous generations. This means that individuals may need to be proactive in addressing hormone imbalances to prevent long-term health problems.   

Testosterone Therapy: Is It For You?

We all know that testosterone is a crucial hormone for men, but what many people don’t know is that its levels can fluctuate throughout a man’s life, leading to a range of symptoms such as low energy, low libido, and muscle loss.   Of course, individuals should carefully consider the risks and benefits before embarking on this treatment, so get a blood test and consult with your doctor before taking any supplements on your own.   In Kyle’s experience, however, since being on testosterone heh as experienced less brain fog, less fatigue, and higher libido. It’s also important to note that testosterone is not just a hormone for men. Women need testosterone for many of the same biological functions, and may benefit from testosterone therapy as well. However, as with men, a personalized approach to hormone health is key.  

Let’s Talk Peptides

A specific topic we were excited to discuss with Dr. Less was the use of peptides in improving human physiology and capacity.   Peptides are pieces of hormones that are more designated for specific biological action. Dr. Lee explained that they can be thought of as the wheel of a car: a specific part with a specific function. Peptides are used for a variety of purposes, including anti-aging, brain health, growth hormone release, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties.   Peptides are a taboo topic in the health and wellness industry, with some individuals being for it and others advising to stay away. However, Dr. Lee emphasized that peptides are a good thing and that there is a huge reward to be had from them. The problem with peptides is not safety and efficacy but sourcing them. It can be challenging to find good peptides that can influence human physiology and capacity.   Before beginning peptide therapy, please consult with your doctor.   

Remember The Basics

The importance of focusing on the basics, rather than supplements, cannot be overstated. Dr. Lee emphasized that if you are experiencing fatigue, brain fog, low libido, etc., the importance of exercise, nutrition, and sleep in achieving optimal health and wellbeing.   While supplements and peptides can be useful tools, they should not be relied upon as the sole means of achieving your health goals. Dr. Lee is one of our favorite guests that we have had on Trust Issues so far, and we hope you now love him as much as we do. If you’re local to Nashville and looking to optimize your health for the long term, check out Compass Human Performance!

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