Most conversations about testosterone leave women out entirely - and according to Dr. Mohit Khera, that's a serious problem. Women produce five times more testosterone than oestrogen, yet it remains the most overlooked hormone in women's health. In this episode, we sit down with one of the leading voices in testosterone science and sexual medicine to break down why the "PET triangle" (progesterone, oestrogen, and testosterone) is incomplete without all three hormones, and what women are losing by not understanding their own androgens.
We cover everything from testing correctly, to the surprising impact of the birth control pill on SHBG, to why sleep is the most underrated testosterone tool you have.
If you've ever been told your hormones are "fine" but still feel off - this episode is for you.
Timestamps:
00:10 Why testosterone has always been seen as a "male" hormone - and why that's wrong
00:42 Women have been using testosterone for over 80 years
02:36 How to test properly - total T, free T, SHBG, and what mimics low testosterone
04:38 What markers to run and the "four pillars" that make everything work better
07:25 What causes low testosterone in women (it's not just ageing)
09:30 PCOS and the testosterone paradox
10:08 The male weight-loss/testosterone connection - and why women are different
11:49 GLP-1s, muscle mass loss, and what's coming next 1
2:09 The pill, cortisol, gut health, and other overlooked causes
13:11 Stress, cortisol, and the direct impact on arousal and sexual function
17:08 The gut microbiome, endocrine disruptors, and declining testosterone levels
18:00 Why testosterone is the single best marker of men's health
20:08 Sexual dysfunction as the gateway to men's health
21:46 Why testosterone is still a scheduled drug - and the push to deregulate it
23:31 Is it easier for men to raise testosterone through lifestyle?
24:37 The research gap: what we still don't know about women
26:23 Why pharma companies haven't pursued a women's product - and what's changing
29:30 The case for testosterone in bone density and why it's not in the conversation
31:11 Exercise recommendations: 160 minutes cardio + 60 minutes weight training
34:07 DHEA, ashwagandha, zinc, boron, and supplement quality concerns
36:13 Mediterranean diet, anti-inflammatory eating, and why extremes don't work
36:59 Sleep and testosterone: why the first part of your sleep cycle matters most
40:19 The downward spiral - and how to reverse it
41:06 The Testosterone Project: resources and advocacy for men and women
About our Guest
With an extensive clinical background and a patient-first approach, Dr. Khera is especially passionate about bringing testosterone into the women's health conversation, where research has historically lagged and access remains unequal. He translates complex science into practical insight without the promotional spin - something that is rare, and needed.
🔗Learn more about Dr. Khera
Meet Kylie:
Instagram: @within.nutrition
Apply for 1:1 coaching here.
Welcome to the Within Nutrition Podcast.
There is so much noise in the health world that often sounds so convincing but doesn't actually work for you so we're here to breakdown the science, challenge the common myths and share the strategies that truly make a difference for you.
