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Testosterone is a critical hormone, found mainly in males and produced in small quantities in women. It contributes to the physical traits and strength in people, which is why it is associated and surrounded by a bunch of myths.
Although there are several testosterone myths floating around, some claims are also found to be true. A common association is made between testosterone and confidence. But is this connection actually factual or just another myth? In this article, we dig deep into the impact of testosterone to find out just that.
In order to understand whether testosterone levels actually affect the level of confidence that a person has, it is vital to understand what exactly testosterone does, and from where this connection came.
Produced in the testes in men and ovaries in women, testosterone plays a vital role in the human body, impacting a range of physical characteristics, overall health, and also mental and cognitive abilities. For instance, in terms of physical traits, testosterone’s impact can be seen across a range of physical features such as bone density, muscle mass, as well as hair volume. Moreover, its impact on the emotional well-being, energy levels of a person, their cognitive abilities, and mood is also significant.
Because of these functions, it is believed that testosterone impacts confidence in a person. In short, it is believed that the more testosterone one has, the more confidence they have because their physical appearance and emotional and cognitive abilities are stronger.
Testosterone also reacts with certain receptors in the brain that affect social behaviors such as motivation, dominance, assertiveness, competitiveness, risk appetite, and drive in a person. These behaviors are typically connected to having confidence. For instance, a person who is more competitive, more socially active, exudes dominance or appears extremely assertive and self-assured, is considered to be very confident.
It is essential however, to understand, that although these factors and traits are considered to be a sign of confidence in a person, based on scientific research, there is no direct link or proof between confidence and testosterone.
Extensive research suggests that even though certain physical features and social behaviors such as exhibiting dominance, being a risk-taker, or having superior physical features does not always equal confidence. This is because confidence is a complex trait which is characteristic in which physical features and social behaviors are only one aspect. In fact, confidence is the result of a complex blend of factors including environmental and social factors as well.
A person’s environmental influences and social influences can shape their personality and translate into the level of confidence they possess. Additionally, cultural factors also play a pivotal role in impacting a person’s confidence levels. For instance, a person who exhibits immense risk-taking appetite or aggressive and dominant behaviors in social situations may not necessarily possess confidence. Rather, these traits are more often a reflection of impulsiveness and a need or desire for dominance in social situations, which is typically not an indication of genuine confidence in oneself. In fact, these can stem from a need to feel in control in certain situations, which is not a sign of a confident person.
Similarly, a person may exhibit a lot of confidence in certain situations or social settings, but may become timid or simply unbothered in others. This is a sign of social conditioning and a reflection of the fact that the person is only able to feel confident in specific situations or around certain people. When a person behaves this way, this too reflects cultural and social impact rather than genuine confidence.
On the other hand, a person who is genuinely confident can have developed this characteristic because of their achievements, social circle and networking abilities, and a strong emotional foundation. This further reinforces the notion that confidence is not just a byproduct of testosterone levels, but a complex trait that develops and is even impacted based on a diverse range of factors which vary for every single person. And although having high testosterone and its associated benefits does help, it is still just a small part of what makes up a confident person, and not the sole reason. Hence, this theory is not fact, but just a myth.
Because there is a strong belief that high testosterone levels fill a person with a lot of confidence, there are also a lot of dangerous practices floating around because of it. One such practice is consumption of testosterone supplements or undergoing hormone replacement therapy. Many people believe that taking testosterone supplements will help them boost their confidence, and as such, they consume these supplements regularly, forgetting the fact that the body produces as much testosterone as it needs naturally.
Except for individuals who have a diagnosed, clinically low level of testosterone in their body, the need for taking supplements, or undergoing hormone replacement therapy is not necessary. It is also essential to remember that although these treatments can help with improving energy and physical health of the person, it does not help with issues related to confidence.
Instead of investing time and resources into such solutions which do not present any tangible results, individuals who suffer from low confidence should find more constructive ways to boost their confidence levels. Efforts towards achieving prized goals or conquering a significant challenge that one may be facing are some of the ways which can help. Moreover, striving to maintain good mental health can help a person feel more secure in themselves, thereby genuinely improving their confidence levels.
Confidence is a multifaceted characteristic which is developed through a combination of factors in each individual. The level of testosterone in their bodies is one small element which may or may not contribute to boosting confidence, but it is surely not a magical element which solely impacts confidence in a person. As such, it is essential to stay away from such myths, and rather find strategies and ways which can help you build confidence in yourself genuinely.
