Emily Oster, PhD

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Everyone Is Talking About Male Testosterone

Examining the facts behind testosterone levels and supplementation

Emily Oster, PhD

Jul. 26, 2026 7 minute read Share this article

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has made headlines with his recent announcement regarding the screening of American troops for low testosterone levels. This initiative will extend even to women, who may also consider hormone therapy if they qualify for low testosterone diagnoses.

This raises significant questions amidst a growing narrative: testosterone levels are declining, and many individuals might need supplements. Voices in popular culture, from influencers to podcasters, attribute a range of issues—including diminished libido and suboptimal workplace performance—to these lowered testosterone levels.

Aging males have started discussing the concept of “manopause,” drawing parallels to the dramatic declines in estrogen that characterize women’s menopause. While some jokes about rejuvenation through plasma from younger individuals have circulated, the seriousness of testosterone's perceived decline cannot be ignored.

The question remains: is there substantial evidence to support these claims? That’s where the data comes into play.

Skip to the bottom line

Understanding Testosterone

Testosterone is classified as a steroid hormone. Its role extends beyond sexual function; it influences body composition by balancing muscle and fat, supports sperm maturation, and stimulates red blood cell production from the bone marrow. Everyone, regardless of gender, has testosterone, yet typical levels are generally higher in men.

Additionally, at elevated doses, testosterone can boost athletic performance, which is illegal in professional sports. Thus, while testosterone's significance is backed by scientific research, that doesn’t automatically imply that all individuals should supplement.

The Aging Debate on Testosterone

A prominent argument in favor of testosterone supplementation centers on the notion that testosterone declines with age. But how accurate is this statement?

For context, the accompanying graph illustrates testosterone levels across different ages, sourced from a nationally representative study via NHANES...

Final Thoughts on the Parenting Journey Interface

This section wraps up a thoughtfully designed user experience aimed at guiding individuals through significant life milestones—whether they're trying to conceive, expecting, or already nurturing a growing family. A streamlined process like this not only simplifies users’ emotional journeys but also tailors relevant information to their current stage. This is no small feat in a digital age where personalization is often overlooked in user interfaces. What stands out here isn't just the clear segmentation into various parenting stages—trying to conceive, pregnancy, parenting, and grandparenting—but how it engages users on a personal level. Each checkbox in the initial selections, from “Trying to conceive” to “I’m a grandparent,” invites users to reflect on their current journey and the unique resources they might need. That one-size-fits-all approach is no longer de rigueur; instead, the interface prioritizes a tailored experience that acknowledges the different emotional landscapes of users. As you observe the flow progress indicators—steadily advancing with every step taken—there's a sense of accomplishment in what might otherwise be a complicated and often stressful process. This isn't just about information delivery; it's about crafting a supportive digital environment that acknowledges and validates users' experiences. However, it's essential to consider the challenges that remain. For instance, how effectively can this platform handle the complexities that arise from overlapping life stages, particularly with options like "having multiples" or varying definitions of family? The underlying data validation processes, which provide real-time feedback on user inputs, offer reassurance but might not fully alleviate the hesitation some might feel in sharing personal milestones. Ultimately, if you're in the tech or health sectors working to develop personalized user journeys, this model should prompt you to rethink the way you engage with users. The interplay between thoughtful design and user engagement can offer lessons on not just improving functionality, but profoundly enhancing the user experience. This isn't only about solving a problem; it's about opening up pathways to connection and support at some of life's most critical junctures.