An article in the Sunday NY Times highlighted how the misconceptions about the use of testosterone has tried to tap the energy of so many men who are fundamentally dissatisfied with so much about their lives as men. The promise that testosterone (T) is the key to a brand of masculinity that equates physical power and dominance with manliness is a dangerous rabbit hole that leads to embracing the falsehoods promulgated by the manosphere.
The article does do a good job of explaining the T story and how when appropriately used it can be a useful medical intervention. Men who have a legitimate diagnosis of low T have seen the benefits of the medication. They report greater energy, increased physical stamina and heightened libido. Unfortunately, many men with low T are undiagnosed and miss the benefits of T. However, men taking T when they are not properly diagnosed – usually through tele health sites –believe that maximizing T is the pathway to achieving the status of the alpha male. It appears that some T abusers are also aligned with “looksmaxxers” who believe that the only way to be appealing to women is anatomical perfection. It seems counter intuitive that obsessing about personal appearance to attract women becomes a retreat into self-absorption that avoids the potential difficulties of finding a relationship with a female.
As discussed in a previous blog the notion that a so-called alpha male is better equipped to govern and lead is simply a formula for male dominance. Body builders and their wannabe followers use large doses of T – which is essentially a steroid – to enhance muscular development despite the consequences of over use. The myth that well defined biceps and a six-pack abdomen makes you a real man distorts the conversation of how to define masculinity in our gender equal world. I find it hard to believe that a majority of women will make a sculpted body and face as their primary criteria for forming a relationship with a man. Simply put, high T does not make you a better man.