Testosterone Supplementation – The “Papa Bear” Therapy

Testosterone supplementation, the “papa bear” therapy 
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), specifically testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), increases men’s feelings of love for his spouse and children. TRT increases love of a sexual nature as well as the types of love most would consider romantic and parental. Experts in this field have often said no true love is possible with the absence of testosterone, at least not the mature type of love that is seen between adult partners.

Testosterone also boosts one’s desire to be seen by those around him as a “good man,” if not a great one. This drive to be a great person, fueled by testosterone, causes men to sacrifice their time and energy for their family, care for the needs of their children, and create a protective environment for them. In this article we playfully, but honestly, call TRT the “papa bear” therapy because testosterone is the hormone of fatherhood, a father who loves and protects his spouse and children.

What are the mechanisms behind the increase in the fatherly feelings? 
Most of the effects are likely due to the following factors:

• Direct action of testosterone on brain receptors
• Indirectly through its conversion to estradiol, which typically increases feelings of love