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This cultural ideal can put pressure on men to achieve a certain physique, often leading to the use of testosterone supplements or anabolic steroids. In American culture, the ideal male body is often portrayed as muscular and lean, a standard that is heavily influenced by media and societal expectations. Testosterone does not only shape the body but also the mind.It’s important to see a psychologist if you’re experiencing stress and/or depression due to these symptoms. If you’re taking medication, you’ll likely need to see your healthcare provider regularly to make sure your treatment is working. It’s not completely reversible, but you can manage the symptoms it causes. Many people see their provider to help with symptoms like excess hair growth, acne or irregular periods. Providers treat hyperandrogenism by lowering the amount of androgens in the body. Your provider may order additional blood tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.
For such men, looksmaxxing is not a path to hegemony but a means to appear ‘normal’ or ‘human’. For instance, one user suggests that User 15 is not a ‘Chad’ because his PSL score is 5 (or ‘average’). User 16 likewise receives approval after showing pictures and reporting that he changed his appearance with ‘botox in masseters the jaw, dying hair and brows, veneers, tanning, surgically correcting lazy eye, losing significant bodyfat and building muscle’. He further adds, ‘I got a girlfriend from the beginning of my looksmaxxing until now and still love her so much’. As a result, men might medicalise their bodies by pursuing costly and substantive interventions or engaging in harmful practices (e.g., mewing and bonesmashing) in an effort to change their lives by way of changing their appearance. In one exchange, User 7 states that he feels like he has ruined his life and become an incel by following the recommendations of the community (e.g., surgery). Here, User 13 tells another member that being a Chad is out of reach, but to have any hope of being a man or ‘normal’ at all, he must pursue medical interventions.
Regular physical activity, particularly strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), has been shown to effectively increase testosterone production. The psychological impact of reduced testosterone can be profound, leading to a lack of motivation, fatigue, and a diminished ability to cope with stress. Confidence, often perceived as a byproduct of testosterone, impacts decision-making processes and risk-taking behaviors, traits typically admired in leadership roles. Testosterone levels are intrinsically linked to self-esteem and confidence in men.
First, to appear ‘more masculine’, men report engaging in health practices and soliciting medical services (e.g., mewing and leg lengthening). Aligning with arguments that Courtenay's framework is overly simplified (Griffith 2024), we assert that looksmaxxing evidences a feedback loop between masculinity and health. Future research could examine if for‐profit health/medical companies orient their services to looksmaxxing discourses.
TRT can improve muscle mass, reduce body fat, and enhance overall well-being, thereby positively affecting body image and self-esteem. This hormone's effect on the brain can enhance confidence and assertiveness, traits that are highly valued in American culture. Higher levels of testosterone can lead to increased muscle mass and strength, contributing to a physique that is culturally celebrated in American society. Produced mainly in the testicles, testosterone is responsible for muscle mass, bone density, and the distribution of body fat. TRT should be considered after thorough medical evaluations and under strict medical supervision to avoid potential side effects and ensure the benefits outweigh the risks. Talk to your provider about your symptoms and don’t be afraid to ask questions.