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Testosterone - Another Unfortunate Effect

There's been a great deal in the media about the potentially harmful effects of testosterone supplements, particularly when they are taken by men who have no real medical need. These effects can include elevated risk for stroke and heart attack, which have led to a number of injury lawsuits in recent months. Men eager to regain their youth and virilty – or increase it – nonetheless seek out these treatments, egged on by clever ad campaigns with snappy phrases such as “T it up!”

There is another unfortunate effect of excess testosterone that biologists have known about for decades – but has flown largely under the radar until recently.  Medical News, Eureka Science News and even Busines Standard have recently come out with reports that testosterone can increase the brain's threat response in otherwise healthy men. It's the old “fight-or-flight” reaction, which evolved in order to help our hunting-gathering, cave-dwelling ancestors survive an encounter with a hungry saber-toothed tiger.

That was an event that might happen to a person twice in a lifetime. Today, however, our brains perceive threats on an almost daily basis. That primitive part of our brain does not know the difference between a saber-toothed tiger and say, a driver who nearly hits us in traffic, or an angry employer, or an encounter with law enforcement...the list is endless.

When otherwise healthy men take extra testosterone, it is likely to increase aggressive behavior – which can be very unhealthy to those around them.

On the other hand, recent research from Duke University and the University of Utah suggests that lower testosterone may have led to early humans developing the ability to co-operate, and ultimately create a civilized society.

In light of the recent obsessions with masculine dominance, the disdain for the feminine – and increasing violence throughout society – it's food for thought. 

Learn more about Testosterone lawsuits 

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