Users of social media, particularly men, may have noticed a new trend gaining traction on their algorithm: T-maxxing, or testosterone-maxxing, in which men naturally and artificially try to raise their testosterone. One user on TikTok, @learningwliam, drew more than 177,000 views on a video in which he cited research that found testosterone has dropped in men over the last decade. The studies he cited have shown a notable drop in testosterone among obese individuals, while lifestyle habits like exercise, good sleep, a healthy diet and cutting alcohol may help boost the naturally-occurring hormone.
However, doctors say an increasing number of men influenced by their social media algorithm are attempting to boost their testosterone via artificial means, which could mean problems, especially when it isn't medically indicated. Newsweek spoke with Alexander W. Pastuszak, MD, PhD, a urologist and associate professor, as well as Chief of the Section for Surgical Innovation at the University of Utah School of Medicine to see whether this trend has safety concerns.
According to Pastuszak, exogenous testosterone—or testosterone produced from an outside force—can cause a host of problems if it is used without a deficiency. In his TikTok video, Liam called out zone 2 cardio and good sleep hygiene as two of the ways he fixed his testosterone, both of which are doctor-approved. Additionally, Liam said he cut doom-scrolling on his phone as well, which can indirectly lower testosterone levels by increasing stress and affecting sleep.
His fourth claim—that cold showers after training or first thing in the morning, can boost testosterone—is unproven, but cold showers can be healthy independent of their effect on testosterone. Pastuszak told Newsweek that the obsession with testosterone is of "considerable concern" for men's health. "[Testosterone therapy] when it's not indicated, can create dependence on a therapy the person never needed," Pastuszak said.
"Many men chasing higher numbers are treating symptoms like fatigue, low libido or poor mood that can stem from sleep, weight, stress or other conditions rather than testosterone." According to Pastuszak, getting testosterone therapy that isn't needed can mask actual solutions. "With hormones, 'more' isn’t 'better,'" he added. "The goal is a physiologic level, not a supraphysiologic one." Supraphysiological doses are higher than what the body would normally produce, which is often what over-the-counter supplements provide.
Social media claims about testosterone, according to Pastuszak, have turned it into a "proxy for masculinity and vitality." That doesn't just include gains in the gym. Bryan Johnson, an American venture capitalist, has called himself "the world's healthiest man" and a "biohacker." On X, Johnson wrote that testosterone "doesn't drive universal rebellion or blind conformity. It motivates the brain to focus on behaviors that grant them social capital and status that the local culture values." Pastuszak said he has "absolutely" seen an increase in concerns about low testosterone thanks to podcasts and influencers.
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