Testaserone is an interesting molecule, partly because it's a steroid. Steroid hormons have the property of being lipophylic, which means that they can cross cell membranes freely. So testaseron will take more energy in men and convert it into muscle, because that facilitates male, male competition for mates. And in fan in females, astrogen is going to convert more of that energy into fat, because that is what promotes female reproductive success. We grow our offspring in our own bodies and feed them with our own bodies so we need fate.
In episode 204, Michael Shermer speaks with codirector of undergraduate studies in the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University, Carole Hooven, PhD about testosterone. While most people agree that sex differences in human behavior exist, they disagree about the reasons. But the science is clear: testosterone is a potent force in human society, driving the bodies and behavior of the sexes apart. But, as Hooven shows in T, it does so in concert with genes and culture to produce a vast variety of male and female behavior. And, crucially, the fact that many sex differences are grounded in biology provides no support for restrictive gender norms or patriarchal values. In understanding testosterone, we better understand ourselves and one another — and how we might build a fairer, safer society.