The rise of influencers peddling testosterone tests to healthy young men has been touted as the key to achieving traditional notions of masculinity. These online purveyors of pseudo-masculinity claim that low testosterone levels are a major contributor to energy crashes, mood swings, and decreased libido – all symptoms they conveniently attribute to an inadequacy complex.
According to a recent study published in Social Science and Medicine, these influencers have been aggressively promoting hormone tests and treatments as essential for young men to become "real men." The researchers analyzed 46 high-impact social media posts about low testosterone testing made by TikTok and Instagram accounts with over 6.8 million followers combined.
The lead author of the study, Emma Grundtvig Gram, notes that these influencers often frame normal variations in energy, mood, or libido as signs of pathology, leading young men to perceive themselves as inherently deficient or in need of medical intervention. This creates a sense of urgency for solutions, which fuels lucrative markets for pharmaceuticals and supplements.
The study found that 72% of the social media posts analyzed had financial interests, such as selling testosterone tests or treatments, or were sponsored by industry. The researchers also discovered that many of these influencers were promoting narrow, idealized models of masculinity, while marginalizing non-traditional expressions of gender.
Testosterone naturally declines with age, but it's not inevitable for all men, and lower levels can be linked to various factors such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, or the use of certain medications. However, routine screening for low testosterone in asymptomatic young men is medically unwarranted according to Australian guidelines.
Experts warn that unnecessary testing and treatment can mask underlying conditions, expose individuals to side effects, and lead to infertility, cardiovascular risk, and thickened blood.
"This is not just about health; it's embedded in wider cultural and ideological narratives about gender and power," said Emma Grundtvig Gram. "The manosphere is not just an ideology but also an industry."
Critics argue that the rise of online influencers peddling testosterone tests to young men is a troubling trend that highlights the lack of regulation and oversight in the health and wellness industry.
"It's not hard to get testosterone on the black market or on the internet or in gyms," said Prof Ada Cheung. "Risks are unnecessary exposure to side effects, masking of underlying conditions, and unnecessary medical interventions."
The study serves as a wake-up call for young men to be cautious of online advice from influencers who may prioritize profits over facts. As one researcher noted, "You can't diagnose a medical condition based on one data point; it requires context."
According to a recent study published in Social Science and Medicine, these influencers have been aggressively promoting hormone tests and treatments as essential for young men to become "real men." The researchers analyzed 46 high-impact social media posts about low testosterone testing made by TikTok and Instagram accounts with over 6.8 million followers combined.
The lead author of the study, Emma Grundtvig Gram, notes that these influencers often frame normal variations in energy, mood, or libido as signs of pathology, leading young men to perceive themselves as inherently deficient or in need of medical intervention. This creates a sense of urgency for solutions, which fuels lucrative markets for pharmaceuticals and supplements.
The study found that 72% of the social media posts analyzed had financial interests, such as selling testosterone tests or treatments, or were sponsored by industry. The researchers also discovered that many of these influencers were promoting narrow, idealized models of masculinity, while marginalizing non-traditional expressions of gender.
Testosterone naturally declines with age, but it's not inevitable for all men, and lower levels can be linked to various factors such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, or the use of certain medications. However, routine screening for low testosterone in asymptomatic young men is medically unwarranted according to Australian guidelines.
Experts warn that unnecessary testing and treatment can mask underlying conditions, expose individuals to side effects, and lead to infertility, cardiovascular risk, and thickened blood.
"This is not just about health; it's embedded in wider cultural and ideological narratives about gender and power," said Emma Grundtvig Gram. "The manosphere is not just an ideology but also an industry."
Critics argue that the rise of online influencers peddling testosterone tests to young men is a troubling trend that highlights the lack of regulation and oversight in the health and wellness industry.
"It's not hard to get testosterone on the black market or on the internet or in gyms," said Prof Ada Cheung. "Risks are unnecessary exposure to side effects, masking of underlying conditions, and unnecessary medical interventions."
The study serves as a wake-up call for young men to be cautious of online advice from influencers who may prioritize profits over facts. As one researcher noted, "You can't diagnose a medical condition based on one data point; it requires context."
Come on guys, let's not fall for this testosterone hype 
these online influencers are just trying to sell you something and make a profit 
I mean think about it, if you're feeling energetic and confident, does that really need medical attention? 
And what's with the narrow definition of masculinity anyway? Can't we just be ourselves and not feel pressured to conform to some outdated norm? 
. I mean, low testosterone levels are normal in young men and don't necessarily mean you're not 'man enough' or whatever these influencers are saying 
. It's just not healthy for guys to be getting pumped up on hormone tests and treatments without a proper diagnosis from a doctor 
.
. And what about all the guys who don't fit into these narrow definitions of 'manhood' anyway? 
. We need more critical thinking and actual medical expertise in these conversations 
. And maybe, just maybe, we can find some healthier ways to talk about masculinity and being a man 
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. It's like they're trying to create a whole new industry around being "manly". Newsflash: just because you've got low testosterone doesn't mean you're not a great dude 
. And what's up with how narrow the definition of masculinity is? Everyone's so busy trying to fit into this unrealistic mold that we're forgetting about all the other ways to be awesome 
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. We need to start having some real conversations about what it means to be a man (or woman) in today's world, without all the added drama and expense 
. We should be promoting real health advice and science-backed solutions, not just whatever sounds good for your wallet or online following.
these "influencers" are like, totally selling a bill of goods here... they're preying on young dudes who wanna be "real men" and making bank off the anxiety and insecurity that comes with it 
no thanks! We need more nuanced conversations about men's health and less sales pitches from unqualified "experts" 
.
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. So yeah, I'm totally with Emma Grundtvig Gram when she says this is not just about health - it's also embedded in these wider cultural and ideological narratives about gender and power 
.
and let's be real, it's also super problematic that they're promoting these narrow, idealized models of masculinity 
I'm getting really worried about these social media influencers promoting testosterone tests and treatments to healthy young men. It's like they're selling a dream of being 'real men' but in reality, most guys are fine just the way they are 
. Let's promote healthy conversations, not just profits 
.
we need to be careful not to fall for these narrow ideals of what it means to be a man... its time to rethink what makes us "real men"... 
It's not just about the physical health risks, it's also about the culture they're peddling - this super narrow definition of masculinity that says if you don't fit in, you're broken 
With 72% of their posts having financial interests at play, it's clear that profits are driving the narrative over facts. 
As Emma Grundtvig Gram aptly put it, this phenomenon is embedded in wider cultural narratives about gender and power – a complex issue that requires nuanced discussion. 
It's like they're trying to sell us something instead of giving us actual health advice.
. Like, if you're feeling tired or stressed, it doesn't mean you're inadequate, okay? 
. We need more diversity and inclusion in the health space, not less 
.
. Let's be smart, let's be informed, and let's look out for each other 
like what's wrong with being a bit sluggish or not feeling the urge for sex all the time? we're all different, you know? and what's with this "real man" narrative anyway? who gets to define that? 
. We need to celebrate all kinds of men, not just the ones who fit into a narrow definition 
. Testosterone levels naturally decline with age and there are many other factors that can contribute to low energy or libido. We don't need unnecessary testing and treatment just because some influencer is peddling a certain narrative 
they're not even that interesting in real life... just props and filters.