Dr Max Draper, author of Testosterone Decoded, joins Catriona Williams to discuss the dramatic decline in testosterone levels since the 1980s and its implications for men's health. After experiencing low testosterone following testicular cancer, Dr Draper changed his career focus to specialise in this overlooked area of men's health. In this episode, he explains how testosterone affects far more than muscles and sex drive, influencing energy, mental clarity, mood, and fertility.

Key takeaways:

1. Testosterone levels have been declining across generations since the 1980s, with each decade showing lower average levels than the previous one

2. Low testosterone symptoms include low energy, brain fog, reduced motivation, mood changes, and reduced resilience to stress

3. Proper testing requires checking both total and free testosterone levels, not just total testosterone alone

4. Lifestyle factors including sleep, exercise, diet, stress management, and body composition should be optimised before considering testosterone replacement therapy

5. Testosterone replacement therapy can complicate fertility and requires careful consideration, particularly for younger men who haven't completed their families

Dr Max Draper is a medical doctor, author, and specialist in testosterone and men's health, bringing both professional expertise and personal experience to this crucial health topic.

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My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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Living with Gallstones

When Juliet Sullivan collapsed in agony on a pavement in England, she had no idea what was happening to her.

The diagnosis was gallstones, and along with it came instructions to follow a low-fat diet for several months until her gallbladder could be removed. What she could not find anywhere was a practical, accessible book to help her through it. So she wrote one.

In this episode, Juliet joins Catriona Williams to talk through her experience from first attack to full recovery, and shares the dietary wisdom she gathered along the way.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Gallstone attacks are frequently misdiagnosed at first because the pain, though felt in the upper abdomen, can mimic other conditions including appendicitis or cardiac events.

2. A low-fat or very low-fat diet is typically recommended to reduce the risk of triggering further attacks while awaiting surgery, but it is not a long-term solution and healthy fats remain important for overall wellbeing.

3. Keeping a food diary after diagnosis can help identify personal trigger foods, which vary between individuals. Common culprits include oils, butter, avocado, and rich restaurant or ready-made meals.

4. Gallbladder removal is a common procedure, but recovery is a genuine physical experience that deserves honest preparation rather than being minimised by healthcare teams.

5. After surgery, most people can gradually reintroduce a full and healthy diet, though many find their eating habits and awareness of fat content change permanently for the better.

Juliet Sullivan is the author of The Gallstone Friendly Diet, a practical and warmly written guide for anyone navigating life with gallstones before and after surgery.

Find the book online and follow My Health Focus for more conversations on everyday health.

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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In this episode, we are joined by Oliver Rolfe, author of The Addiction Blueprint, to explore a form of addiction that often goes unnoticed — high-functioning addiction.

From the outside, it can look like success: long hours, professional drive, financial achievement, responsibility.

But beneath the surface can sit exhaustion, trauma, stress and emotional disconnection.

Oliver shares his own experience of burnout, the moment he realised something had to change, and what recovery actually involves. We discuss:

• The link between trauma and addictive behaviours

• Why overworking can become socially acceptable avoidance

• The difference between stress and true burnout

• The stigma around the word “addiction”

• The importance of awareness and early intervention

• Why relapse is part of the journey — not failure

This is not a conversation about extremes.

It’s about recognising the quieter patterns many high achievers live with — and understanding that support is available long before crisis point.

If you’ve ever felt you were running on empty, this episode may resonate.

My Health Focus is not a medical service. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

JOIN THE MY HEALTH FOCUS COMMUNITY AND SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.