Hegseth Wants a ‘High-T’ Military. Could That Pose Risks to Soldiers, or Society?
BLUF – The article examines the persistent belief that testosterone directly causes aggression and violence, concluding that decades of research show a far more nuanced picture: testosterone primarily amplifies behaviors that help individuals gain or maintain social status, whether through aggression, cooperation, generosity, or leadership, depending on the social context. For Navy Medicine, the review is particularly relevant as the Defense Department expands testosterone screening and treatment, underscoring the need for evidence-based counseling that avoids oversimplifying the hormone’s behavioral effects while helping service members understand both the potential benefits and limitations of testosterone therapy.