Testosterone Myths

Myth #1 

Testosterone is just for big muscles.

That’s just not true!  Men who have Low T experience

1. Brain Fog

2. Poor Sleep

3. Decreased Energy

4. Lack of overall drive

5. Poor Mood

6. Fertility Issues

7. Heart issues

8. Low libido

It’s NOT a steroid, but a man’s MOST important hormone – bar none!

Myth #2

My doctor said my testosterone is in range, so I am good.

The normal range of testosterone is 250ng/dl to 1000ng/dl.  That is a massive range.  We know that when you are not in the upper thresholds of normal (above 650ng/dl), symptoms of low testosterone are more prevalent. 

Additionally, the expected normal reading for men in the 1970s was 680ng/dl, and now it is lowered to 450ng/dl in 2025.  Why?  It is not because we were wrong about normal levels; instead, it has to do with declining averages in America due to the prevalence of obesity and overall declining health in men of all ages.  Just because the average reading has dropped does not mean that our expected testosterone levels should be reset.  Quite the contrary – it is an indication that a healthy lifestyle and testosterone replacement therapy is more vital than ever before!

Myth #3

Proper diet and exercise is enough.

Unfortunately, we have more environmental factors that affect our testosterone levels than ever before.  From higher stress and longer work hours to chemicals, plastics, and pesticides, our hormones are under a constant attack!  This means that discipline towards lifestyle and habits is more important than ever.  Nonetheless, 

Myth #4

If my testosterone levels are too high, I will be aggressive and angry.

While hormones in general play a part in mood, it is actually the opposite.  Men who have low testosterone and higher levels of estrogen, or just hormone imbalance in general, display higher levels of stress, emotional instability, and anger/aggression. 

Myth #5

If I take testosterone, I will go bald, have terrible acne, and get sick!

This could not be further from the truth.  While these may be side-effects of testosterone, it is only from long-term abuse of exogenous testosterone.  When monitored and prescribed by a competent and knowledgeable physician, there are almost zero downsides or side-effects associated with testosterone replacement therapy.

Myth #6

Testosterone replacement therapy is expensive and I can just use supplements to increase my levels.

Unfortunately, there are no available supplements that can be taken to increase testosterone to optimal levels.  While high protein diets, weight training, good sleep, and the use of some supplements like creatine can help increase your current testosterone levels, the simple truth is that if you are low, even these lifestyle habits will not increase your testosterone levels more than a 100 or so points.  The only thing that can bring your levels of testosterone to a high-normal optimized level is exogenous testosterone.

Myth #7

Testosterone will give me prostate cancer

Multiple studies, including large-scale analyses and randomized trials, have shown no significant difference in the incidence of prostate cancer (including high-grade, aggressive cancer) between men with low testosterone who receive TRT and those who receive a placebo.

In fact, some research has actually suggested an inverse relationship, meaning men with lower baseline testosterone levels may have an increased risk of more aggressive prostate cancer upon diagnosis.

Myth #8

Testosterone will shorten my lifespan

Multiple large observational studies and meta-analyses have found that men with LOW endogenous (naturally produced) testosterone levels have a higher risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality compared to men with normal levels.  Ensuring that testosterone levels are optimized may be essential for longevity and overall vitality.