Pearls & Perspectives: Testosterone, Muscle, and Healthspan with Mohit Khera, MD, MBA, MPH

In this energizing episode of Pearls & Perspectives, recorded live at the 26th Annual Fall Scientific Meeting of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America in Grapevine, Texas, host Amy Pearlman sits down with Mohit Khera, MD, MBA, MPH, past president of the Society and one of the leading voices in men’s and women’s sexual health. Together, they unpack the latest research, insights, and philosophy driving the future of hormonal medicine and preventive health.

Khera reflects on the behind-the-scenes effort that goes into building a national meeting like SMSNA and gives credit to Petar Bajic, MD, and the organizing team for curating a record-breaking year of content and abstracts. His own research group contributed over 20 presentations, covering topics from testosterone and Peyronie disease to muscle mass, metabolism, and sexual function.

A key highlight of the discussion is the emerging research on testosterone in women, an area long underfunded and under-studied. Khera explains his collaborations with Gabrielle Lyon, MD, and Louise Newsom, BSc(Hons) MBChB (Hons) MRCP FRCGP Dhealth, exploring how muscle mass predicts sexual function, and why testosterone’s benefits on energy, mood, bone, and muscle extend far beyond men.

The conversation broadens into the concept of “healthspan vs. lifespan.” Khera emphasizes that the goal of medicine should be living well—not just living longer—and that preserving muscle and bone strength through diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management is central to healthy aging.

Pearlman and Khera dive into the next phase of medicine, where lifestyle modification becomes the true front line of prevention—before prescriptions or procedures. Khera calls it “Medicine 3.0”: preventing low testosterone, diabetes, heart disease, and sexual dysfunction through proactive, evidence-based lifestyle change.

In a memorable exchange, Khera notes that sexual health can be a “gateway” to broader wellness for men—patients who might ignore hypertension or diabetes often take action when it comes to improving sexual performance.

The episode closes with passion and purpose: a call to clinicians and listeners alike to prioritize lifestyle, maintain muscle and bone, and focus on healthspan—living stronger, longer, and better.