Once a concern for older men, the push for higher testosterone has young men obsessing over their T-levels, sharing stats, and chasing “High-T” status.
New Orleans: Mark Holman felt weak and sad working a 9-to-5 job in 2018. The 33-year-old wanted to feel stronger and more like a man.
Holman started exercising and changing his body. He became a health coach and built strong muscles with abs. But late in 2021, he felt no interest in sex with his girlfriend and worried about his testosterone.
Mark tested his testosterone blood level. It showed 622 nanograms per deciliter. Doctors say this is normal for men. But Holman wanted more. He believed higher testosterone would make him happier and more manly.
Many men now want “High T” levels. Podcast host Joe Rogan and US health official Robert F. Kennedy Jr. take testosterone drugs. Doctors gave testosterone drugs to 11 million American men in 2024. This number grew from 7.3 million in 2019.
Men test their testosterone every six months like checking how much weight they can lift. They share numbers with friends. People want higher levels because average testosterone has gone down in recent years.
But some doctors worry. Young men might think they need help when their testosterone is actually fine. The hormone still puzzles many scientists.
Holman uses exercise, food, and supplements to raise his testosterone naturally. He eats eggs, red meat, Brazil nuts, and oysters. He takes herbs and vitamins that claim to boost testosterone.
By March 2025, his test showed 1,104 nanograms per deciliter. This number sits above the normal range for all men. Natural testosterone cannot go much higher than about 1,400.
Holman says he built muscle very fast after raising his testosterone. He feels like a different person. Now single, he says he feels more brave when meeting women.
The man now coaches other men who want higher testosterone. He calls himself “High T stud” online. He posts videos linking high testosterone to being truly masculine.
Scientists say testosterone affects the male brain. It can change how men handle fear and pain. Some studies show it may help men push through hard challenges.