According to Business Insider, monitoring testosterone levels and receiving supplemental injections when levels decline is becoming increasingly common, shedding its former taboo. Alexis Ohanian, 41, co-founder of Reddit and husband of tennis star Serena Williams, has openly discussed his (relatively high) testosterone levels, attributing them to weightlifting, reduced meat and alcohol consumption, and testosterone supplements. In 2018, broadcaster Joe Rogan shared on his podcast that he began testosterone injections in his 40s for improved "well-being". In 2021, actor Dax Shepard also reported gaining 10.8 kg of muscle through this method.
A search for "Testosterone maxxing" yields millions of videos promising a "masculine" appearance, impressive muscles, and enhanced "manhood." Like other extreme beauty trends such as "looksmaxxing", testosterone maxxing preys on young men's insecurities about masculinity, status, and fame.
Testosterone, the primary male hormone, plays a crucial role in muscle development, bone density, and sexual function. Levels of this hormone fluctuate throughout life, peaking in the 20s and gradually declining with age. Healthy testosterone levels in men typically range from 450 to 600 ng/dL, while low levels are considered below 300 ng/dL. Only a blood test can accurately determine if a man has hypogonadism (where the testes don't produce enough testosterone).
On social media, "low T" is being portrayed as an "epidemic" among young men. Influencers warn viewers about vague symptoms like "slow muscle growth" or "not looking masculine enough", fueling a booming market for hormone-boosting "solutions", including private clinics, supplements, and even strenuous workout programs.
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Illustrative photo: NM Tracking |
Illustrative photo: NM Tracking
In reality, according to Business Insider, testosterone use often requires lifelong commitment because it impacts the body's natural hormone production. Abruptly stopping injections can create withdrawal effects. Users are often willing to pay hundreds of USD monthly for testing and injections. For example, Low T Center, headquartered in Texas, offers prescriptions for 105 USD per month after users pay 160 USD for two initial tests. Some clinics offer discounts for 6-month or 1-year subscriptions.
Furthermore, unsupervised testosterone therapy can lead to side effects such as acne, baldness, reduced fertility, and increased red blood cell count. Procuring the drug on the "black market" through gyms or messaging apps is even more dangerous due to counterfeit and contaminated products that can cause heavy metal poisoning, heart attacks, strokes, and even death.
Experts emphasize that for healthy young men without hypogonadism, the best way to regulate hormone development is through a healthy lifestyle: adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and regular physical activity. A study from the University of Chicago found that men who slept less than 5 hours a night for a week experienced a testosterone decrease of up to 15%. Conversely, getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night helps maintain stable testosterone levels.
Research published in the Journal of Sports Medicine indicates that resistance training can improve testosterone levels, particularly in men experiencing age-related decline. Full-body exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses are recommended at least 3 times a week. Combining resistance training with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can optimize results.
Binh Minh (According to Business Insider, Conversation)
