Testosterone is to men what estrogen is to women; it is the primary male sex hormone. Even though it fully starts manifesting during puberty, the role of testosterone starts 7 weeks into the gestation period. From there, the rollercoaster continues into adulthood.
If you have been wondering how testosterone affects men/male animals or what happens when its levels spike, this article is here to help you find answers. Here are some fascinating testosterone facts to keep you in the loop.
1. It’s Possible To Have a Man’s Genes and a Woman’s Physical Traits
Through a condition known as Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome, a person can exhibit female physical traits while having the genetic makeup of a man. For instance, a woman might not have a uterus or ovaries even though she has a vagina and breasts.
2. Abstaining From Sex Can Help Boost Testosterone Levels in Men
While it’s true that abstaining for about 6 days has little impact on a man’s testosterone levels, doing so for more than 7 consecutive days can have a significant effect. Studies show that continuous semen retention practice can improve testosterone levels by about 146%.
3. Assuming Superhero Poses Can Improve Testosterone Levels
Studies show that standing like a superhero for about 2 minutes can help boost testosterone levels. The human brain copes well with otherwise stressful situations, improves the willingness to take risks, and increases the chances of doing well in a job interview.
4. A Woman’s Tears Can Decrease a Man’s Testosterone Levels
Just from the scent of a woman’s tears, a man’s testosterone levels can significantly reduce, affecting their sexual arousal. Interestingly, men can also subconsciously tell if the crying woman is genuine or forced/pretentious.
5. Chopping Wood Can Help Boost Testosterone Levels
Research shows that men who chop wood have a significantly higher rate of testosterone production. The rates are 17% higher than those of professional athletes, say, soccer players, and 46.8% higher than those of a regular person.
6. Men Have Hormonal Cycles That Affect Their Emotions and Sex Drive
Just like women, men undergo hormonal cycles that affect their testosterone levels. This affects their mood, libido, and overall behavior. Apparently, men can also respond to cues from women’s hormonal cycles, only that there is no “evidence” as with their female counterparts.
7. There Is A Link Between Testosterone and Baldness
Experts say proper testosterone levels can help prevent premature baldness. The possible link between the two first came to light in the early 1940s when a study in a mental hospital found that castrated men injected with testosterone grew their hair back. Some of the modern-day baldness treatment options rely on the findings made by those findings.
8. You Can Tell a Lion’s Testosterone Levels by Looking at Its Mane
Testosterone is significant in a lion’s ability to grow a healthy mane. This explains why most neutered ones always lose their manes. In the same breath, lions with black manes are alpha– they have significantly higher testosterone levels than regular males.
Besides boosting its ability to recover from wounds and injuries, an alpha male’s higher testosterone levels allow the big cat’s offspring to survive various adversities. When looking for a mate, lionesses usually prefer alpha males.
9. Elephants Testosterone Can Rise up to 60 Times Higher Than Normal
Through a condition called “musth,” scientists have discovered that elephant testosterone levels can rise 60 times the regular standard. While in this state, the big-eared animals are so violent that experts struggle to conduct further studies on the condition.
10. Men With Lower Testosterone Levels Can Live Longer
In the past, it was common belief that castrated men (eunuchs) lived longer than their uncastrated counterparts. The eunuchs lived about 13 years longer; experts associated this with their lack of testosterone. It was the only definitive difference. This might also explain why women generally live longer than men with testosterone.
11. Testosterone Can Help Relieve Anxiety
Past experiences show that patients administered with testosterone have a higher chance of “facing their fears.” In extreme cases, they can willingly take on challenges otherwise perceived as dangerous.
