How Testosterone Secretly Shapes Our Society

Testosterone has long been considered what makes men masculine. But is this common perception selling the hormone short? Dr Phillips investigates just how this molecule affects our abilities, behaviour and health.

“I’ve found I was less drawn by an attractive woman’s body, but found that I could appreciate what people’s expressions were more.” Since being diagnosed with prostate cancer, Professor Wassersug has noticed both pros and cons to being testosterone-deprived. Evidence suggests that the hormone has a big influence on how our brain develops; it has the potential to affect behaviour, empathy-levels, language, and the way we build relationships. Because of this, regulating testosterone-levels may just hold the key to healthier and happier lives.