The Ups and Downs of Fatherhood

Caring for a child can suppress testosterone levels in men.

Written byCristina Luiggi
| 1 min read

Register for free to listen to this article
Listen with Speechify
0:00
1:00
Share

STOCK.XCHING, SIMMBARB

While high levels of testosterone may give men a competitive edge when seeking a mate, low levels of the hormone can aid them in becoming caring and involved fathers. In a study published yesterday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers followed 600 young, single men in the Philippines over a period of 5 years and found that there was a significant drop in testosterone levels in the men that became first-time fathers.

“Fatherhood and the demands of having a newborn baby require many emotional, psychological and physical adjustments,” first author Lee T. Gettler told the Journal Sentinel. “Our study indicates that a man’s biology can change substantially to help meet those demands.”

Interested in reading more?

Become a Member of

The Scientist Logo
Receive full access to more than 35 years of archives, as well as TS Digest, digital editions of The Scientist, feature stories, and much more!
Already a member? Login Here

Related Topics

Meet the Author

Share
Illustration of a developing fetus surrounded by a clear fluid with a subtle yellow tinge, representing amniotic fluid.
January 2026, Issue 1

What Is the Amniotic Fluid Composed of?

The liquid world of fetal development provides a rich source of nutrition and protection tailored to meet the needs of the growing fetus.

View this Issue
Skip the Wait for Protein Stability Data with Aunty

Skip the Wait for Protein Stability Data with Aunty

Unchained Labs
Graphic of three DNA helices in various colors

An Automated DNA-to-Data Framework for Production-Scale Sequencing

illumina
Exploring Cellular Organization with Spatial Proteomics

Exploring Cellular Organization with Spatial Proteomics

Abstract illustration of spheres with multiple layers, representing endoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm derived organoids

Organoid Origins and How to Grow Them

Thermo Fisher Logo

Products

Brandtech Logo

BRANDTECH Scientific Introduces the Transferpette® pro Micropipette: A New Twist on Comfort and Control

Biotium Logo

Biotium Launches GlycoLiner™ Cell Surface Glycoprotein Labeling Kits for Rapid and Selective Cell Surface Imaging

Colorful abstract spiral dot pattern on a black background

Thermo Scientific X and S Series General Purpose Centrifuges

Thermo Fisher Logo
Abstract background with red and blue laser lights

VANTAstar Flexible microplate reader with simplified workflows

BMG LABTECH