Testosterone or “t maxxing” encourages adolescent men to increase their testosterone levels, either through diets and synthetic hormones. But do you really need more testosterone?
The videos that promote the #testosteronemaxxing They have millions of views. Like “looksmaxxing” or “fibremaxxing”, this trend encourages people to improve appearance, but at extreme levels.
Popular podcasters among young men, such as Joe Rogan and Andrew Huberman, promote these habits enthusiastically, as a form of combat aging, improve performance or increase strength.
However, taking testosterone without medical needs entails serious health risks.
In addition, this trend is influenced by the insecurities of young people and the developing boys who want to be considered masculine and strong. This can leave them vulnerable to exploration – and seriously affect your health.
What is testosterone?
Everyone produces testosterone sex hormone, but the levels are much higher in men. It is mainly produced in the testicles and in much smaller amounts in the ovaries and the adrenal glands.
The effects of testosterone on the body are very varied, including helping growth and repair of muscles and bonesthe production of red blood cells and the Stabilization of mood and libido.
During male puberty, testosterone production increases 30 times and causes changes such as a more serious voice, the development of facial hair and the increase of muscle mass and sperm production.
It is normal for testosterone levels to change throughout their lives and even fluctuates daily (usually at their highest point in the morning).
Lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep and stress can also affect the amount of testosterone it produces.
Natural testosterone levels usually reach their peak at the beginning of adulthood, around twenty -nine years. Then they begin to progressively decrease with age.
In men, healthy testosterone levels usually vary between 450 and 600 ng/dL (nanograms by blood serum deciliter). Low testosterone levels are usually less than 300 ng/dL.
Diagnosis of low testosterone
In Australia, testosterone is only legal with prescription and continuous supervision. The only way to diagnose a low level of testosterone is through blood analysis.
Testosterone can be prescribed to men diagnosed with hypogonadismwhich means that the testicles do not produce sufficient testosterone.
This condition can lead to:
- reduction of muscle mass;
- Increased body fat;
- decreased bone density;
- low libido;
- Erectile dysfunction;
- fatigue;
- depression;
- anemia;
- Difficulty of concentration.
Hypogonadism was really associated with the premature death of men.
A panic made about “low t”
Hypogonadism affects about one in 200 menalthough estimates vary. It is more frequent in older men and those suffering from diabetes or obesity.
However, on social networks, the low t (low testosterone) is being framed as an epidemic among young men.
Influencers warn us to seek signs, such as the fact that they do not develop muscle mass or strength as quickly as expected-or simply do not have a “masculine” look.
As Extreme self-improvement and optimization trends spread like fire on the internet. These trends exploit common anxieties on Masculinity, Statute and Popularity.
Confuse “virility” with testosterone levels and a muscular physical appearance explores an insecurity that can be marketed.
This has fueled an increase in the “solutions” market, including private clinics that offer “testosterone optimization” packages, supplements that claim to increase testosterone levels and influencers on social networks that promote extreme exercise and diet programs.
There is evidence that some people are doing testosterone replacement therapy, even when they have no clinically low testosterone levels.
What are the risks of testosterone replacement?
Take testosterone as medication can suppress the production of the body itself, turning off the hypothalamus-hypothalum axiswhich controls the production of testosterone and sperm.
Although testosterone production can recover after being taken testosterone, this recovery can be slow and is not guaranteed, particularly after prolonged use or without supervision. This means that some men may feel a significant difference when they stop taking testosterone.
Testosterone therapy can also cause side effects in some people, including acne and skin problems, baldness, fertility reduction and high counting of red blood cells. It can also interact with some medications.
Thus, the use of testosterone without prescription and without proper supervision causes added risks.
Testosterone can be improperly sold in gyms or online. But such products may be contaminated, be counterfeit or incorrectly dose.
People who take these medicines without medical supervision face potential infections, organs or even deathsince contaminated or counterfeit products have been associated with toxic metal poisoning, heart attacks, cerebral vascular accidents and fatal organ failure.
What hides the “t maxxing”?
T Maxxing offers young people a seductive image: increasing testosterone, being more virile.
But for healthy young people without hypogonadism, the best ways to regulate hormones and development are healthy lifestyle choices. This includes Sleep and eat well and stay active.
Young people looking for “t maxxing” often hide deeper issues, such as anxiety of body image, social pressure or mental health problems.
Often, young people postpone the search for help until they have an unforeseen or medical emergency. If you are concerned about your testosterone levels, always talk to your doctor.
