More testosterone won't make a better soldier or a tougher man

1659447091 25 points 4 comments July 21, 2026
theconversation.com · View on Hacker News

Discussion Highlights (3 comments)

dentemple

> For instance, testosterone therapy often carries risks. Supplementing the hormone signals the body to shut down production of its own supply, which can shrink the testicles and suppress sperm. Some researchers have even studied testosterone for its contraceptive effects. > Moreover, because testosterone revs up oil glands and hair follicles – and partly converts them to estrogen – it can also bring about acne, balding and even some breast tissue growth. You gotta love ironic consequences. It turns out that all you need to do to become stronger and more "manly" is to exercise, sleep well, and maintain a nutritious diet. Men who try to shortcut all that by taking extra T may find themselves enhancing the very physical traits that they're seeking to avoid.

dubious2

What are the risks of testosterone therapy for normal aging? Testosterone therapy has various risks, including: Worsening sleep apnea — a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Causing acne or other skin reactions. Stimulating noncancerous growth of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and growth of existing prostate cancer. Enlarging breasts. Limiting sperm production or causing testicles to shrink. Stimulating too much red blood cell production, which contributes to the increased risk of forming a blood clot. A clot could break loose, travel through your bloodstream and lodge in your lungs, blocking blood flow (pulmonary embolism). Also, some research shows that testosterone therapy can increase your risk of heart disease. More research is needed. Dear leader knows best!

superxpro12

Any time a strongman chooses some inherent immutable characteristic to justify their superiority, its usually because they are inherently inferior in almost every other way including politically and morally. They have no other way to justify their power, so they pick something that is an inherent body characteristic instead. It's literally no different than saying "well i have a bigger dick than you, so shut up". It's the same.... f'ing... thing... And the net result of all of this will be a weaker nation that descends into fascism and oligarchy.

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