Testosterone is responsible for the development of the male reproductive system, alongside promoting muscle, bone, and hair growth. Both men and women possess the hormone, although males have eight times the level of females on average (Sandnes, 2004).
In a nutshell, testosterone is what makes you horny. Research has shown that even after castration, rats administered with the hormone experience a remarkable return of sex drive. Further studies on humans have shown that the increase in androgen receptors from higher levels of testosterone contribute to the increased libido. It’s also been shown that women with higher circulating levels of testosterone have more sexual thoughts, a greater desire for sex, and higher mean levels of sexual activity (Morris, 1987).
Men’s testosterone levels are sensitive to the ovulation cycle of a woman. If you’re a guy, you might have experienced a seemingly random spike in attraction for a woman who you wouldn’t ordinarily see that way. The Ovulatory Shift hypothesis suggests that males are adapted to sense when a woman is most fertile and experience a subsequent rise in the hormone. In other words, you may find yourself highly aroused around certain women without knowing why, thanks to the evolution of Testosterone in males.
Finally, studies have found that men with less Testosterone are more likely to be in a relationship or married. This makes sense when we correlate sexual desire with levels of the hormone — it’s harder to voluntarily restrict yourself to one person when you find yourself continually lusting for sexual encounters with others.
If you’re a guy struggling to understand your fear of relationships, this could be a significant influence. Similarly, if you’re dating a man who is reluctant to commit, it may be less about his feelings for you and more about his overriding biology. Yes, this can be considered immature, but it’s down to you to push for commitment or be willing to walk away.
Key Takeaways:
- Lust is a strong sexual desire that does not require romantic attraction, fondness nor any relationship with the subject
- Testosterone is a sex hormone that is present in both male and females that drives lust
- Higher levels of Testosterone increase libido and sexual desire in both sexes
- Men’s levels increase unconsciously in response to the fertility of a woman
- Lower levels of Testosterone are associated with relationships and marriage
