Testosterone and Its Role in Men’s Health
The United States of America, and the whole of western civilization, is suffering from a silent epidemic… low testosterone (T). It is insidious, spreading rapidly (although not contagious), and, unfortunately, hardly raised publicly. There is a growing consensus from emerging medical professionals that the drop in testosterone can be attributed to two major components: nutrition and environment. This article will discuss the roles of testosterone, possible nutritional and environmental factors that are contributing to the steady decline, potential reasons why medical authorities may be turning a blind-eye to the epidemic, and holistic solutions to this alarming crisis.
WHAT IS TESTOSTERONE & WHERE IS IT MADE?
Testosterone (T) is a hormone, or chemical messenger, that travels through the blood directing different functions and influencing various parts of the body. Although T is most commonly associated with men, it is also present (albeit in much lower concentrations) in women; T plays a vital role in maintaining the overall health and well-being of all human beings. For men, it is the key hormone influencing numerous aspects of physical, emotional, and sexual health.
Males and females have a lot of similar parts, like a heart, brain, lungs, kidneys, and adrenal glands to name a few… but, men also have parts that are unique to them — same with women. For instance, men have testes and women have ovaries. These organs, considered the sex organs, are differentiated based on a person’s chromosomes: XX for female and XY for male. For women, their ovaries make ~50% of their total concentration of testosterone, then ~25% in the adrenal glands, and the rest comes from the peripheral tissues. In men, the testes are the primary producers of testosterone, with some help from the adrenal glands. Now the maestro of T is not the testes, rather, the pituitary gland in the brain signals the testes to initiate – or halt – production of testosterone, depending on its concentration in the blood.
If you are interested in more scientific detail, keep reading - if you learned as much as you are interested to learn about the production and distribution of testosterone, skip to the next section. In medical terminology, testosterone is produced as follows: the hypothalamus sends gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) to the pituitary gland via impulses every 60-90 minutes to stimulate the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) into the bloodstream. LH binds the LH receptor in the Leydig cell in the testes. The binding causes a cascade of events including, significantly, the conversion of cholesterol (LDL) to pregnenolone (remember this for later). Pregnenolone then goes through a series of changes to become testosterone. Testosterone then is dispersed into the bloodstream to be distributed to various tissues throughout the body. Typically, the testosterone will bind directly to the androgen receptors (AR) of the liver, adipose, and skeletal muscles. In the prostate, skin, and gonads testosterone must be converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by 5-alpha-reductase, thus being able to bind to the androgen receptors. When impacting bone and brain tissue, the testosterone must go through an aromatization process to become estradiol (E2) to bind to the receptor E2R in order to carry out its effects.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF TESTOSTERONE?
During puberty, testosterone promotes the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as the growth of facial and body hair, deepening of the voice, and increased muscle mass. Think of all the characteristics of a macho or manly man - that is the effect of testosterone. Beyond adolescence, it continues to impact various physiological processes, including bone density, fat distribution, adequate levels of red blood cells, mood regulation, cognitive function, sexual function, and a sense of wellbeing.
The development and maintenance of muscle mass and strength in men rely heavily on testosterone. It stimulates protein synthesis, aiding in the growth and repair of muscle tissues. Optimal testosterone levels contribute to improved physical performance, increased stamina, and faster recovery from exercise or injuries. In addition to its positive effects on muscular health, testosterone is crucial for maintaining bone density and strength. Low testosterone levels can lead to decreased bone mineral density, potentially increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Adequate testosterone levels, combined with weight-bearing exercises, can help prevent bone loss and promote skeletal health.
LOW TESTOSTERONE AND WHAT IT MEANS
Low testosterone is common in men over the age of 30, typically declining by about 1% per year. If you're familiar with finance, think of this like compound interest—but in reverse. Instead of your gains multiplying over time, you're compounding losses. Losing 1% annually may seem minor, but, over time, it creates a significant downward spiral.
Clinically, low testosterone is defined as less than 300 ng/dL in the blood. The average range for American men is between 264 and 916 ng/dL—a wide span. To put that into perspective, imagine asking, “What’s the average IQ for men?” and getting the answer: “70 to 120.” Is it 70 (a severe cognitive impairment) or 120 (well above average)? This vast range makes it difficult to pinpoint what is truly "normal." That itself is a red flag, NIH — and we are watching.
Fortunately, we can use deductive reasoning by examining symptoms commonly linked to low testosterone: depression, fatigue, reduced concentration, low libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, and diminished well-being. You do not need to be Sherlock Holmes to recognize that America is facing a testosterone crisis.
Maintaining healthy testosterone levels can support better mood, sharper thinking, and a more positive outlook. Yet, testosterone’s role in behavior—especially aggression—is often misunderstood. You might think, “Well, sensitivity is good,” or “Too much testosterone makes men aggressive.” False. As the saying goes: “It is better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war.” — Miyamoto Musashi.
Neuroscientist Robert M. Sapolsky explains in Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst that testosterone's connection to aggression is more complex than commonly believed. He writes:
Testosterone has far less to do with aggression than most assume. Within the normal range, individual differences in testosterone levels don’t predict who will be aggressive. Moreover, the more an organism has been aggressive, the less testosterone is needed for further aggression. When testosterone does play a role, it’s facilitatory—testosterone does not ‘invent’ aggression. It makes us more sensitive to triggers of aggression. Also, rising testosterone levels foster aggression only during challenges to status. Finally, crucially, the rise in testosterone during a status challenge does not necessarily increase aggression; it increases whatever is needed to maintain status. In a world in which status is awarded for the best of our behaviors, testosterone would be the most prosocial hormone in existence.
This insight reveals testosterone’s true nature: it amplifies our responses based on context — it does not inherently drive violence.
In today’s culture, however, it often feels like masculinity — much like what we could term a good hunk of “traditional” American culture — is under siege. Men are frequently shamed for being “too manly” or “toxically masculine,” as if strength, courage, and leadership are outdated relics rather than essential virtues. We live in a time where, sadly, cowardice is rewarded — silence, passivity, and moral neutrality are praised over bravery and conviction. Somehow, doing the right thing has become controversial. A man who protects women, children, or a train full of strangers from violence is often condemned (even prosecuted) instead of celebrated. Meanwhile, society turns a blind eye to senseless acts of brutality — like the murder of a young high school athlete — revealing a disturbing inversion of values. Heroism should not be rare, and it certainly shouldn’t be punished.
This is where testosterone re-enters the conversation — not as the scapegoat for toxic behavior, but as a biological ally for men striving to live with honor. As Dr. Robert Sapolsky explains, testosterone doesn't cause aggression; it amplifies the behaviors necessary to maintain status in any given social structure. In a society that rewards strength, protection, and integrity, testosterone reinforces those very traits. It sharpens a man’s edge — not for destruction, but for decisive action when it matters most. It equips him to rise in the face of challenge, not to dominate recklessly, but to lead responsibly. If we build a culture that honors real masculinity — anchored in virtue, not vanity — testosterone becomes not a threat, but a force for good. In that kind of world, it is not the coward who is rewarded, but the man who stands tall when others shrink.
Beyond its impact on behavior and status, testosterone also plays a vital role in male physical health — especially in the realm of sexuality and reproduction. It supports libido, erectile function, and sperm production. Low levels can lead to reduced desire, erectile dysfunction, and fertility issues. Fortunately, optimizing testosterone — through lifestyle changes, medical treatment, or physical therapy — can improve not only sexual well-being, but also overall vitality and confidence. When we support men in restoring balance to their hormones, we are not just improving individual health — we are enabling stronger, more grounded men to “show up” in the world.
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF LOW TESTOSTERONE
Environmental factors are at the root of many of the health issues plaguing America today — glyphosate in our food, fluoride in our water, and bleached, deodorized, and refined oils used in just about every kitchen across the country. These things are wrecking our health. And unfortunately, the “medicines” we are prescribed often treat the symptoms instead of addressing the root cause — and, more often than not, they come with serious side effects that simply lead to more prescriptions. A lot of Americans are becoming painfully aware of this malicious cycle.
Now, it would be easy to blame low testosterone on another one of Big Ag or Big Pharma’s disasters. And look—I’m not here to say they are innocent, because they are most likely not. I mean, think about it: self-injection testosterone costs $40–$100 a month, but a convenient little pill like Jatenzo runs over $1,000 per month. In a country full of low-T men — and a growing population of women “transitioning” and using testosterone — that is oneserious revenue stream. So yeah, draw your own conclusions. But there are other factors that deserve some attention too.
Before we move on to other factors, there is one last point to consider regarding the potential involvement of multi-billion, multi-national institutions collectively referred to as Big Ag and Big Pharma. Do you remember how testosterone is produced? Scroll back up to the start of the article (the part you probably skipped)… the key is the conversion of cholesterol. That is the foundation. Now, think about the countless nutrition campaigns warning us that cholesterol is bad and urging us to limit it in our diets. Is it the demonization of a vital building block for testosterone production or a truly altruistic warning? Imagine this: nonstop campaigns claiming that bricks are harmful to the environment, so we start building everything with mud and hay. Then we are left wondering, “Why do our buildings keep collapsing in storms?” And here’s another piece of the puzzle — the most commonly prescribed drug in the U.S. in 2022 was atorvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering medication, with over 110 million prescriptions filled.
But hey, maybe it’s just a coincidence.
Let’s talk RF-EMR — radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation—from wireless devices. Ever since Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPhone back on June 7th, 2007, the world hasn’t been the same. And now, in 2025, Apple is the biggest company in America —well, second biggest as of this writing (those tariffs hit Tim Cook hard… ouch). The iPhone isn’t just a phone — it’s a lifestyle. Billions of people sleep next to it, talk with it pressed against their head, and when it is not in their hand, it is resting in their front pocket — right near the goods.
What most people do not know is that your phone is always searching for a signal. That means it is constantly emitting RF-EMR, staying connected to satellites and Wi-Fi routers 24/7. Now, research on RF-EMR’s effects on male hormones is a bit all over the place — animal and human studies vary widely — but a common thread is this: long-term exposure to RF-EMR seems to disrupt male reproductive hormones - especially…wait for it… testosterone. Which makes sense. Chances are you are keeping a radiation-emitting device next to your genitals, the very place testosterone is produced.
There was also a study by Nazıroğlu and Akman (2014) titled Effects of Cellular Phone- and Wi-Fi-Induced Electromagnetic Radiation on Oxidative Stress and Molecular Pathways in Brain, which found:
Electromagnetic radiation may induce some degenerative effects in the brain by increasing oxidative stress and DNA breakage, plus interference with blood–brain barrier permeability.
Now, sure, the key word is may. But that does not mean we dismiss it. If you are thinking critically, you will realize that having a wireless device near your brain or your testes — especially one that constantly emits EMR — could very well interfere with your pituitary gland, your hypothalamus, or the testes themselves.
Here is something practical: on every iPhone, if you go to Settings > General > Legal & Regulatory > RF Exposure, you will find a disclaimer. Apple literally recommends maintaining a distance of 5mm between your body and the phone — that is about the width of a pencil eraser. So if you’re keeping it in your front pocket all day, or right next to your head while you sleep, you are ignoring the manufacturer’s own safety guidelines. And that could be messing with your testosterone levels, fertility, or both. A small adjustment — like using airplane mode more often or keeping your phone out of your pocket — could make a big difference. If you followed the steps, but are having a hard time deciphering the legalease, here is a simplified breakdown per ChatGPT:
Apple recommends keeping your iPhone at least 5 mm (about 0.2 inches) away from your body during use, especially for calls or while it's transmitting data, to ensure that exposure to radio frequency (RF) energy stays within tested safety limits.
Here’s what that means practically:
Using it in a pocket or bra: Not recommended, because it's often pressed directly against your skin and can exceed those tested limits.
Holding it to your ear: Generally okay, but consider using speakerphone or earbuds for longer calls to reduce RF exposure.
Sleeping with it: Avoid keeping it under your pillow or directly beside your head while you sleep. Use airplane mode or place it at least an arm’s length away if it's on your nightstand.
This guidance is mainly precautionary and based on FCC safety standards. If you're especially cautious about EMF (electromagnetic field) exposure, things like EMF-reducing cases, airplane mode, or keeping the phone in a bag rather than a pocket can help further minimize contact.
Another overlooked example: melatonin supplements. Yep, the little sleep aid. For adults, small doses of melatonin can be helpful and generally safe. But when it comes to kids — especially pre-pubescent ones — it is a completely different story. Melatonin is made in the pituitary gland — the same place that produces luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). LH and FSH are the signals that travel to the testes (or ovaries) and trigger sex hormone production — testosterone for males, estrogen and progesterone for females. If a child is constantly taking melatonin, the brain starts to get lazy and does not communicate well between the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonads (HPG axis). And when one part of the system slows down, the rest can lag too. That is why long-term melatonin use in kids may delay or disrupt puberty. It is not something most parents think about, but it is worth knowing and considering before giving your child melatonin regularly as a sleep aid.
At the end of the day, testosterone is about far more than just physical strength or libido. It is a core driver of purpose, energy, and direction. As Romans 8:28 reminds us:
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.
Testosterone, when harnessed wisely, can empower men to pursue their calling with strength, clarity, and conviction. Whether it is showing up for your family, leading with integrity, or simply living with vitality, your testosterone is part of the fuel. Use it well, and align it with something greater than yourself. That’s where the real power is.
PHYSICAL THERAPY AS A SUPPORT FOR MEN’S HEALTH
Physical therapy, a holistic healthcare approach, offers a ton of benefits for men who want to maintain or reclaim optimal health. Now, most people do not usually connect physical therapy with testosterone concerns — but they should. Here’s how physical therapy can actually support men’s health in big ways:
Exercise: A good physical therapist can build a resistance training program that specifically targets testosterone production. Regular physical activity — especially high-intensity training tailored to your current condition — can help with stubborn symptoms like excess body fat and low muscle mass. It also stimulates your adrenal glands and skeletal system to naturally push for more testosterone production. Find a PT who understands testosterone — what it does in the body, why it matters, and how to build a plan that fits you. This might help you avoid jumping into Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) too soon. And sure, TRT is better than having zero testosterone, but it can lead to gonadal shrinkage and decreased sperm production —definitely not ideal if you’re thinking about having kids.
Also, think about this: you go to a personal trainer, but you’re starting from a place of low energy, zero motivation, and a deconditioned body — and then you get injured. Not helpful. A DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) can help you progress or pull back when needed, making sure your exercise plan gets you where you want to go without breaking you in the process.
Homeostatic Nervous System: Testosterone production starts in the brain. If your sympathetic nervous system is stuck in overdrive, it can wreck your ability to produce testosterone and make the whole situation worse. If you have read my recent article on erectile dysfunction, you already know that dry needling can be a game-changer. It helps restore balance in your autonomic nervous system – not just improving hormone production, but also easing some of the more emasculating symptoms that come with low T.
Weight Management: You probably have noticed that there is a vicious cycle: low testosterone leads to increased fat, and increased fat lowers testosterone. You get fat, your levels drop. Your levels drop, you get fatter. Not good. Physical therapists can help break that cycle. They will build out a weight management plan with smart goal-setting, exercise tailored to your needs, and even some nutritional information, encouragement and accountability to help you get leaner and healthier — and support your hormone levels in the process.
Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention: Physical therapy is foundational when it comes to healing injuries and preventing them in the first place. It is all-too-often under-appreciated, but PT is the reason surgeons get great outcomes and why patients walk out of hospitals instead of getting wheeled out. By improving movement, correcting imbalances, and enhancing function, physical therapists help you stay active and strong — two things you definitely want if you are trying to keep your testosterone up. Adding dry needling to the mix (when done by someone who really knows his/her stuff) can help bring your body back to nervous system balance, which supports hormone regulation, too.
Stress Management: Stress is brutal on testosterone levels. Another “fun” feedback loop: low testosterone can lead to erectile dysfunction, which causes stress, which further drops testosterone. Throw in weight gain, low energy, zero drive — yeah, it’s a lot, but physical therapy isn’t just about muscles and joints. It should also include tools like breathing exercises, mindfulness work, and guided movement to manage stress and restore balance. But the most powerful stress management tool? Exercise. Period. Full stop. If you want to build a stronger mind, it starts with building a stronger body. Past generations built stronger bodies from the get-go. Just look at a playground that veterans of the two world wars grew up using, and one has to wonder whether today's parents have become such safety zealots that their boys are having trouble becoming the men of their grandparents’ and great grandparents’ generations.
Most people do not want to work out at first. You have to force yourself to start. But doing hard things builds your brain — literally. It strengthens a part called the anterior mid-cingulate cortex (aMCC), which in turn, helps you deal with stress and adapt to life’s challenges.
So, if you are trying to reclaim your health, your hormones, your headspace, then let a doctor of physical therapy — a movement doctor — guide you. This is about building a sound body and a strong mind. And trust me, you want both.
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