Why Are Men’s Testosterone Levels Plummeting? - Dr Shanna Swan - #769

**Chris Williamson** (0:00)
Hello, friends, welcome back to the show. My guest today is Dr. Shanna Swan. She's a professor at the Icahn School of Medicine, an environmental and reproductive epidemiologist, and an author. Many of us have heard about the harmful chemicals in plastics, food and water that can mess with our hormones, but just how much truth is in this? How much of our health is being disrupted by the modern environment? Expect to learn what is happening to male and female reproductive health, how important testosterone is for everyone, the problems with male fertility rates and sperm count, the chemicals that are most impacting reproductive health, what men can do to improve and increase their sperm count, how to limit your exposure to bad chemicals and much more. This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Shopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business, from the launch your online shop stage to the first real life store stage, all the way to the did we just hit a million orders stage, Shopify is there to help you grow. Whether you're selling scented soap or offering outdoor outfits, Shopify helps you sell everywhere, from their all in one e-commerce platform to their in-person POS system, wherever and whatever you're selling, Shopify has got you covered. Shopify helps you turn browsers into buyers with the internet's best converting checkout, 36% better on average compared to other leading commerce platforms. You would be amazed at how many massive brands you love use Shopify. Gymshark, perhaps one of the biggest independent sportswear companies in the world, uses Shopify. And if it is good enough for them, it is good enough for you. So if you are looking to get started at selling something online, Shopify is the easiest, quickest and most convenient way to do it. Plus, you can sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/modernwisdom, all lowercase, that's shopify.com/modernwisdom to grow your business no matter what stage you're in. This episode is brought to you by Manscaped. It is the best ball and body hair trimmer ever created. It's got a cutting edge ceramic blade to reduce grooming accidents, a 90 minute battery so that you can take a longer shave, waterproof technology which allows you to groom in the shower, and an LED light which illuminates grooming areas for a closer and more precise trim or if you're just a particularly crevice-y human. They've also got a 7,000 RPM motor with quiet stroke technology and a wireless charging system that helps the battery to last even longer. So if you or the man in your life is hairier than you would like them to be, this is a fantastic gift to get yourself or someone else, head to manscaped.com/modernwisdom and use the code modern wisdom at checkout for 20% off plus free shipping worldwide. That's manscaped.com/modernwisdom and modern wisdom at checkout. This episode is brought to you by Element. Stop having coffee first thing in the morning. Your adenosine system that caffeine acts on isn't even active for the first 90 minutes of the day, but your adrenal system is and salt acts on your adrenal system. Element contains a science-backed electrolyte ratio of sodium, potassium and magnesium with no junk, no sugar, no coloring, artificial ingredients, gluten fillers or any other BS. It plays a critical role in reducing muscle cramps and fatigue whilst optimizing brain health, regulating appetite and curbing cravings. It's how I've started my morning every single day for over three years now. And I absolutely love it. The orange flavor in a cold glass of water, first thing in the morning is fantastic. It is the best way to start the day. Also, they have a no BS, no questions, ask refund policy. So if you do not like it for any reason, they will give you your money back and you don't even need to return the box. That's how confident they are that you love it. Head to drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom to get a free sample pack of all eight flavors with your first box. That's drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom. But now, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Dr. Shanna Swan.
What's happening to testosterone levels in men?

**Shanna Swan** (4:13)
So that's a great question. And actually, I work with a research group and have been for quite a long time now since, 10 years, looking at trends. And the trend we're looking at right now is testosterone. And it's difficult. We haven't finished it, we're in the midst of it. Maybe I'll come back and talk to you when we get the results. But there are a number of papers published that we think are pretty authoritative that talk about declining testosterone. But the other thing that we can look at, which is different from doing a literature review, you can say, well, how is it clinically? And there's a lot of data showing that the use of testosterone, particularly by young men, has been climbing alarmingly, actually.