Social media is “reel”ing with before-and-after photos, gym transformations, confidence claims, and self-care hacks, often tied to a simple solution: testosterone.
Online, testosterone is advertised as a cure-all for fatigue, weight gain, low drive, and muscle loss. In real life, it’s a powerful medical therapy that can be life-changing for the right patient—and risky for the wrong one.
“One of the biggest misconceptions we see is that testosterone is a cure-all drug,” says Austin Bennion, Urology Nurse Practitioner. “It can be very beneficial, but it’s not a complete fix for everything people hope it will be.”
Let’s break down what social media gets wrong and what men should know before starting testosterone therapy.
“If I’m tired, gaining weight, or losing muscle, my testosterone must be low.”
Social media says:
Low energy, low motivation, weight gain, and low libido? It must be low testosterone.
Medical reality:
These symptoms are multifactorial, meaning they can come from many different causes, including:
- Poor sleep
- Stress and burnout
- Depression or anxiety
- Thyroid disorders
- Poor nutrition
- Inactivity
- Sleep apnea
“Testosterone may help some symptoms, but it’s actually less common for us to see a complete resolution of fatigue, weight issues, or muscle loss from testosterone alone," says Austin.
Translation: Testosterone is not a shortcut past lifestyle, sleep, and stress management.
“More testosterone = better results”
Social media says:
Higher doses of testosterone increase energy and drive.
Medical reality:
Too much testosterone increases the risk of serious complications including:
- Heart attack and stroke
- Dangerous blood clots
- Infertility
- Testicular shrinkage (atrophy)
“Testosterone naturally increases red blood cell production,” says Austin. “That can thicken the blood and raise the risk for heart attack or stroke if it’s not properly monitored.” This is why medically supervised testosterone therapy includes regular blood work and follow-ups. Online sources rarely mention that part.
“If my levels are normal, I can still take testosterone for a boost.”
Social media says:
You don’t need to be truly low—testosterone can still “optimize” you.
Medical reality:
Urology and primary care providers follow strict diagnostic guidelines, including those outlined by organizations like the American Urological Association. Many men who come in expecting testosterone treatment actually have normal lab values.
“Some guys are set on starting testosterone,” Austin explains. “Then we check their labs and their levels look great. That can be disappointing for them, but it means testosterone isn’t the right answer.”
“Testosterone is easy to find and everyone takes it.”
Social media says:
Testosterone from friends, gyms, or the internet is no big deal.
Medical reality:
Unsupervised testosterone is one of the most dangerous trends urologists are seeing right now. Austin adds, “People tell me all the time they’re getting testosterone from friends or online sources. You don’t know the purity. You don’t know the dose. You don’t know how it’s affecting your body."
Beyond purity concerns, lack of monitoring means:
- No blood pressure tracking
- No hematocrit monitoring
- No prostate screening
- No fertility counseling
And that’s where preventable complications happen.
Where to start if you think you may have low testosterone...
If you’re dealing with fatigue, low motivation, weight gain, or low libido:
Start with a proper medical evaluation
Testosterone testing involves a free and total testosterone blood test, which looks beyond what symptoms alone can tell.
If you are concerned about low T, Austin suggests acting your primary care provider for a free and total testosterone blood test, which is not always part of a standard well visit.
Address lifestyle first
“Exercise—especially weightlifting—has shown to naturally boost testosterone,” Austin says. Nutrition, sleep, stress management, and activity matter more than most online influencers admit.
Understand that testosterone is usually long-term
Once started, many men remain on therapy for years, or until lifestyle changes allow them to come off naturally.
“If you’re having symptoms, bring them up with your primary care provider,” says Austin. “Checking testosterone is easy, and it should always be done the right way.”
Austin Bennion is a Nurse Practitioner specializing in Urology at Ogden Clinic's Professional Center South in Ogden. Learn more or schedule with him here.
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