A recent survey of 2,200 men reveals that many hold potentially dangerous misconceptions about testosterone, including beliefs that it directly measures masculinity, enhances attractiveness, and promotes longevity.
The study, published by Men's Health, found that 54% of men believe testosterone will help them live longer, a claim unsupported by current medical consensus for individuals who do not have clinically low testosterone levels. While testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help manage symptoms associated with low testosterone, such as fatigue or low mood, it is not a direct driver of increased lifespan on its own.
Furthermore, nearly half of the men surveyed, 49%, associate testosterone levels with masculinity, and 37% believe higher testosterone equates to better physical appearance. These beliefs can act as strong motivators for men to seek testosterone supplementation, even when not medically indicated.
A majority of respondents, 57%, also expressed a belief that testosterone is not dangerous. However, medical professionals warn that TRT, particularly when used improperly or without medical supervision, carries significant risks. These can include worsening sleep apnea, potentially leading to high blood pressure and heart issues, and an increase in red blood cell count, which can cause life-threatening blood clots. Unsupervised testosterone use can also stimulate prostate growth, potentially exacerbating existing prostate cancer.
These misunderstandings are compounded by where men are seeking information. The survey indicates that a substantial number are not consulting healthcare professionals. Combined, 38% of men reported getting their information from sources such as friends, family, podcasters, influencers, AI, news outlets, and social media forums like Reddit, Facebook groups, and TikTok. Only 34% of men indicated they ask their doctors about testosterone.
Younger men, particularly Gen Z, are more likely to turn to these alternative information sources. This demographic also shows a higher propensity to believe that testosterone is a measure of masculinity and that higher levels improve attractiveness, with half of Gen Z men subscribing to the latter belief.
The survey also highlighted a significant lack of awareness regarding the potential side effects of elevated testosterone. Many men are unaware of its association with serious health issues, including heart and liver problems (59%), infertility (62%), acne (53%), and hair loss (57%).
Approximately 11 million men are currently undergoing testosterone replacement therapy. The survey suggests that only about 12% of men on TRT may actually require it based on medical necessity. The findings underscore a gap in understanding the risks and appropriate use of testosterone, with a significant portion of men relying on non-medical sources for their health information.