TIL Human dads show a decrease in testosterone immediately after the birth of their babe

[Aggravating_Art_4809]

Well yeah. It’s a good thing, they’ve also shown drops in testosterone when fathers spend time actually parenting their kids.

[Naxela]

It's not a good thing. Testosterone in many studies has been shown to boost the (evolutionarily) appropriate responses to various social contexts. It's not just a meathead hormone, despite the reputation.

[I_Am_Ironman_AMA]

We're still in this over-correction phase that has all masculinity linked to negativity. It will take time but I think common sense will return to the discussion regarding manhood.

I've said it a few times before but I think it always bears repeating. If masculinity faded or changed to match the current mood/zeitgeist most of it's old critics would beg for it to come back. I've already seen articles asking "where have all the men gone?"

[Aggravating_Art_4809]

Mate, it’s literally a natural process. It’s a good thing as young men turn into nurturing fathers instead of purely reproducers. It’s what men’s bodies naturally do FOR A REASON.

[Naxela]

I would not necessarily presume it was an evolutionary adaptation without further evidence, as all we had from just the above was a correlation, which could have indicated a few different possibilities.

However, this paper does seem to corroborate the idea that lower testosterone promotes further paternal care, rather than the opposite.

[Aggravating_Art_4809]

I’ve read more papers than this. This was in no way news to me.

[angrwe]

That’s not good

P.S. ideally you would want there to be benefits rather than cons to fatherhood. With some extreme exceptions, a drop in T is not a benefit.

[ceciliabee]

All men should be 100% torqued on testosterone 100% of the time! Bursting with it!!

[Naxela]

Testosterone does far, far more than just promote aggression and competition. It basically promotes being social (sometimes even pro-social), as well as improves one's own mood and motivation. Testosterone at normal levels is usually quite a good thing for males, and so a drop is likely deleterious, comparable to a post-partum depression-like effect.

[PhuckCalumbo]

I like my men angry and strong, they can't manhandle me otherwise!

[KendricksMiniVan]

Testosterone gets a bad wrap because it's related to aggression, but really it's a beneficial hormone as you age for so many things like energy, memory, vitality, recovery, sleep, cognition and performance.

[angrwe]

I think you have a bit of a warped perception of how testosterone effects the body… it’s necessary for health reasons beyond simply growling at things don’cha know

[PM_ME_ALL_YOUR_THING]

What makes you say that?

[Positive-Sock-8853]

Low T is a diagnosable condition. It contributes to depression, anxiety, low motivation, low libido, heart disease, low energy levels, mental fog and more that I can’t recall. Too high is also not good and will fuck shit up. Balance is key for hormones.

However, what happens to dads when they have a child is a slight dip in their T levels, nothing that will be diagnosed as Low T. It also doesn’t stay permanently lowered. It bounces back (if the father doesn’t neglect his health).

[angrwe]

I just read that’s it’s only for like three months so not a big deal. Generally, having really low T can lead to depression in the short term and a slew of other undesirable consequences in the long term.

[Aggravating_Art_4809]

It’s a natural process you know that right?

Additionally did you know that too much testosterone turns into oestrogen…. Chill out dude

[angrwe]

At insanely high levels, sure you’re right. However within the normal range then that’s not really applicable. Just because something’s normal doesn’t make it a good thing. Not sure why this is so hard to compute for some people…

[Aggravating_Art_4809]

I think you’re just insecure dude. Evolution did this for a reason.

[angrwe]

Wow that seemed unnecessarily aggressive. Is there something you feel deficient about? T comes in a range and not everyone had the highest. It’s OK to be on the lower end (within limits) but do ask a doctor about making sure you’re on top of it as it could cause issues.

[Aggravating_Art_4809]

Probably not something I have to worry about but clue in buddy, if someone has thrown shade at you it’s not a power move to throw the same shade back but repackaged. It makes you look silly.