Calvin Johnson Discusses Low Testosterone and Telehealth Solutions

NFL Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson has opened up about his personal journey with declining testosterone levels, which he began experiencing in his late 30s. Johnson, known as "Megatron" during his football career, described noticing symptoms such as low energy and brain fog as early as age 38.

"I started to experience symptoms of low testosterone in my late 30s. Say 38, I started to notice low energy, maybe a little brain fog here and there," Johnson told The Post at The Tune Up event in New York City on October 21. He noted that as he entered his 40s with three children, the fatigue became more pronounced, particularly in the afternoons and evenings.

Testosterone levels naturally decline by approximately 1% per year starting in a man's early 30s, according to Cleveland Clinic. The Yale School of Medicine reports that testosterone deficiency affects between 10% and 40% of adult males. Johnson, identifying as part of this demographic, decided to take proactive steps to understand his health.

"I like to know my scoreboard. I like to know where I’m at. I’ve done other tests in the past just to see where my health is at, because I have cancer in my family, just to be proactive," Johnson explained. "This is just another area to be proactive."

To assess his condition, Johnson utilized the Hims Men’s Core Panel, a telehealth service that offers at-home testing. This panel measures total and free testosterone, along with 22 other biomarkers related to hormone health, heart health, blood, nutrients, and thyroid function. The process involves a quick blood sample collected at home and mailed back with expedited shipping. Results are reviewed by a licensed healthcare provider and delivered digitally within a week.

Dr. Peter Stahl, SVP of Men’s Health at Hims, commented on the potential implications of testosterone levels. "We don’t know yet whether giving you testosterone makes you live longer, but we do have a lot of data that giving men testosterone makes them feel a lot better physically, sexually and psycho-cognitively," Dr. Stahl said during the panel discussion. He added that low testosterone can lead to loss of lean muscle, weight gain, weakened bones, decreased libido, and diminished vitality.

If a significant hormone deficiency is detected through the Hims panel, a doctor may prescribe an oral medication. The Hims service does not require insurance, and prescription treatments start at $99 per month for a 10-month course.

Johnson's experience highlights the growing awareness and accessibility of health monitoring for men, particularly concerning age-related hormonal changes. He encourages men experiencing similar symptoms to monitor their health proactively.