September 1, 2025
Why It Matters WHEN You Test Your Testosterone (From a Harvard Urologist)
The Sex DoctorsAbout this episode
In this episode Dr. Morgentaler and Dr. Brandon talk about whether the time of day really matters for testosterone testing, challenging the old "only in the morning" rule and showing how real-world evidence proves it makes little difference. 00:43 Debating Testosterone Testing Times – The doctors question the long-standing rule that testosterone must be tested in the morning. 04:56 Research Findings and Implications – A large study shows no real difference between morning and afternoon testosterone levels. 14:36 Understanding Testosterone Levels and Libido – They explain that libido doesn't rise and fall with small shifts in testosterone throughout the day. 15:20 Challenges with Testosterone Testing Protocols – Insurance rules forcing two morning tests create unnecessary hurdles for patients. 18:02 Debunking Myths and Practical Advice – The doctors stress that symptoms and context matter more than rigid numbers on a lab sheet. Resources: Novaes, L. F., Flores, J. M., Benfante, N., Schofield, E., Katz, D. J., Nelson, C. J., & Mulhall, J. P. (2024). Analysis of diurnal variation in serum testosterone levels in men with symptoms of testosterone deficiency. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 21(5), 408–413. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdae026 Crawford, E. D. (1997). Prostate Cancer Awareness Week: September 22 to 28, 1997. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 47(5), 288–296. https://doi.org/10.3322/canjclin.47.5.288 Mulhall, J. P., Trost, L. W., Brannigan, R. E., Kurtz, E. G., Redmon, J. B., Chiles, K. A., Lightner, D. J., Miner, M. M., Murad, M. H., Nelson, C. J., Platz, E. A., Ramanathan, L. V., & Lewis, R. W. (2018; valid through 2024). Evaluation and management of testosterone deficiency: AUA guideline. The Journal of Urology, 200, 423. https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/testosterone-deficiency-guideline Morgentaler, A., et al. (2015). Fundamental concepts regarding testosterone deficiency and treatment: International expert consensus. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. With Dr. Abraham Morgentaler and Dr. Marianne Brandon Listen to the podcast on all of your favorite platforms: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ec/podcast/the-sex-doctors/id1761813985?l=en-GB Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0apSFzquJXKoOGnmI6ndgT?si=e5a1e482c7ca46c7 Find us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesexdoctors?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesexdoctors YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesexdoctorspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesexdoctor LinkedIn (Dr. Abraham): https://www.linkedin.com/in/abraham-morgentaler-md-81628b6 LinkedIn (Dr. Marianne): https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariannebrandon-59224513 X (Dr. Abraham): https://x.com/DrMorgentaler X (Dr. Marianne): https://x.com/drbrandon #TestosteroneTesting #DiurnalVariation #HealthInsuranceRules