Famed as the fuel behind strength, sex, masculinity, and fertility, testosterone makes men perform at their best. Or does it? It's difficult to separate fact from fiction when it comes to one of the most talked about hormones.
Let’s take a look at some of the myths and facts.
1. Only men produce testosterone
FALSE
Men may produce more, but testosterone is also found in women. And it’s vital for a variety of functions. Made in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and peripheral tissues, it keeps bones healthy, promotes cognitive health, and maintains sex drive.
Like men, women can suffer from low testosterone levels, which affects sexual desire, mood, and other health conditions. On the flip side, men also produce estrogen - a hormone frequently associated with women - and can experience symptoms if they have low levels of the hormone.
2. It helps your libido
TRUE
One of the main symptoms of low testosterone is losing your libido. There’s plenty of scientific evidence for Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) increasing it. Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the main reasons men want to do it.
However, it’s not a magic bullet. There’s a whole host of issues that could cause a lack of libido, such as stress, anxiety, and relationship issues.
3. It makes your penis bigger
TRUE (kind of)
But only during puberty. And this should only happen naturally. We’re sad to report that taking testosterone as an adult won’t give you a massive boost in the penis department.
There’s no way to increase your penis size without drastic measures. And it doesn’t matter anyway - 85% of women are perfectly happy with their partner’s penis size. Studies prove how we’ve inflated women’s care for penis size.
Boosting your testosterone might not increase the size of your penis, but it does impact your sex drive, giving you stronger and sturdier erections.
4. Testosterone makes you good in bed
FALSE
Undeniably, the male sex hormone maintains your libido and ability to stay erect, which could be a game changer for your sex life. But you won’t suddenly become amazing in bed just by having more testosterone. That part is down to you.
If you’re worried about it, speak to your partner, improve your health - or you could even try something more adventurous in the bedroom. And if you’re worried about other sexual health issues, like ED or PE - it’s better to face them head-on.
5. It leads to aggression
FALSE
The link between testosterone and hyper-masculine traits such as risk-taking, aggression, and competitiveness is limited. Research has shown that the highest levels of testosterone don’t always lead to hostility in men. In a cross-analysis of many studies, there was only a weak positive correlation between testosterone and aggression.
In fact, TRT improves mood and decreases anger and irritability.
6. You can boost your testosterone levels naturally
TRUE
If you suspect you have low testosterone, it’s always worth taking a blood test to see if you need treatment. But there’s a chance you can boost your levels through natural means, or by taking a supplement.
Here are a few ways to increase it naturally:
- Choose low-fat, low-calorie whole foods over processed options
- Establish a healthy sleep routine
- Include lean sources of protein, fresh fruits, vegetables, and fibre-packed whole grains in your diet
- Do at least 30 minutes of exercise on a minimum of five days per week
- Include weight training in your exercise schedule
- Limit your alcohol intake
- Refrain from smoking
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The numan take
Face the facts - low testosterone hinders your performance. Particularly in the bedroom. Take charge of your health and seek a solution if it’s holding you back.
