Assumption 4: Biology Matters, But it’s Not Destiny

You can’t say, “The testosterone made me do it.”

A couple times now I’ve mentioned the book, “T: The Story of Testosterone, the Hormone that Dominates and Divides Us” (affiliate) by Carole Hooven, so I think it’s important to break down a fundamental assumption about biology, primarily that it matters, but it’s not destiny.

Humans: What Makes Us Different?

To be honest, there’s not much of a difference between men and women. And when I say that, I mean that there isn’t a whole lot that the Y chromosome brings to the party. From what I’m learning, evolutionary biologists believe that, once upon a time, there was some serious why behind Y, but over time, the chromosome seems to have degenerated and now brings little more that SRY (Sex-determining Region Y).

That said, SRY packs quite a punch. While it’s a bit simplified, it really boils down to testosterone. SRY prompts the development to testes versus ovaries and, assuming the testes work properly, they become testosterone factories, and higher levels of testosterone, especially in utero and during puberty, makes a significant difference.

The Effects of Testosterone

One of the most interesting things I’ve read on testosterone is the testimony of trans men on testosterone therapy.

Some of the changes are physical, including the growth of body hair, the development of an Adam’s Apple, and increased muscle mass, but far more interesting are some of the emotional changes.

This includes increased aggression, sexual desire, and as one trans man described it, all the emotion he used to experience as a women, but an inability to express it, particularly through tears. Testosterone also increases willingness to take risks.

In other words, all the things we witness in guys that are often blamed on cultural upbringing have suddenly appeared in trans men on testosterone therapy who loved the physical effects but were disturbed by some of the emotional consequences.

There are even accounts of those who detransition watching both the body and heart return to its previous state.

Now from what I’ve picked up there isn’t enough research here to draw any hard and fast conclusions, but these accounts are compelling.

Keeping Effects in Context

That said, before we get carried away, let’s keep these effects, whether it’s those who have elevated testosterone because of testes or a test tube, in context.

As an example, I’m am about 6’2 with a very long and lean bone structure. While I have never done a ton of weightlifting I do HIIT style training, which includes a lot of functional strength training, 5 to 6 days a week. I’m stronger than I look at first glance, and my muscles are defined, but I am not going to intimidate anyone walking down Venice Beach in a tank top.

Beyond that, I’m pretty damn close to hairless, outside of my ears, nose, and the top of my head (only one of which I’m thankful about).

So, is that lack of bulk and lack of body hair a sign that testosterone failed me? Not at all. Instead, testosterone did what it could given the rest of my genetic makeup.

In other words, there are other physical and psychological realities that effect all of the traits and behaviors that testosterone influences. This includes not only things like muscle mass and body hair, but sex drive, risk aversion, and aggressiveness.

Why Biology Isn’t Destiny

So let’s take a closer look at that last example.

While testosterone might heighten aggressiveness, it is the sympathetic nervous system’s fight response that has you ready to brawl … or maybe it triggers the flee response and you run away with a testosterone driven intensity.

It also means that with some work (I’d suggest some holistic coaching), you can come to understand the things that trigger you and sort out how to engage the parasympathetic nervous system which keeps you cool, calm, and collected even in those more intense situations.

So yes, testosterone gives us some proclivities, but it isn’t determinative. In other words, testosterone isn’t an excuse for being an ass and boys don’t have to be “boys.”

If you want to read more on this, I’ve started digging into “Testosterone Rex: Myths of Science, Sex, and Society” (affiliate) by Cordelia Fine. While the book feels more agenda driven, and the author of the aforementioned “T” challenges how Fine uses the results of various studies, it does a good job of reminding us that they’re is more to our bodies that testosterone and estrogen.

Men, I’m curious, what’s your experience?