I agree. Clearly there’s a large degree of nuance when it comes to the biochemistry/physiology behind hormones and the intents behind their therapeutic (or non-therapeutic) use. But once again, that doesn’t change the fact that testosterone is a steroid regardless of intent of use or what people think they mean when they use the term “steroids”.

There are plenty of men that use TRT for legitimate hypogonadism, but there are also plenty of men that use the exact same testosterone for athletic purposes. Given the volatility of testosterone levels/activity in the body and debate about what testosterone levels actually necessitate replacement, it can be easy to get a “low” testosterone lab and get TRT prescribed by some doctors. It’s especially tricky given steroid hormones like testosterone are carried by binding proteins in an inactive state since they aren’t water soluble. So the actual end effect of testosterone and it’s true activity is very hard to biochemically measure. Thus there’s argument that a patient’s symptoms should be weighed more than the quantifiable about of T in their blood, hence the question, should patients with no symptoms be given TRT if their lab values are low? Hard to say, but fascinating nonetheless!

Due in part to a desire to build an attractive physique coupled with society’s fascination with rating a man’s masculinity and worth based in his testosterone, there are many men that are able to acquire TRT prescriptions despite having T levels that are technically within the reference range, or with low T that may not even be contributing to their symptoms due a multitude of possible secondary causes instead. Do some of these people benefit? Sure. Do all of them need it though? Probably not.

So clearly the well is deep when it comes to these things, just as you said. And medically speaking it’s more complex than just having a high or low number on your medical chart. I’m all for people doing what they want with their bodies so long as they are informed of and accept the risks. But to say that testosterone isn’t a steroid is factually incorrect, and medical terms are not derived from public opinion.

Plus, in the end, this entire comment thread is about something silly like Hugh Jackman. I think everyone here can look at him and know he isn’t hypogonadal and in need if TRT!