Blog- Men's testosterone drops with a baby on the way

Oh dear lord. A baby is on the way…

Millions of online articles await to be read by the panicking eyes of you and your partner. These articles provide much-needed relief to her, letting you both know the life-altering changes you can expect for the next three-quarters of a year. The articles you read with her shine a guiding light on the worries she can’t get out of her mind, and for the months leading up to birth, research helps put both of your minds at ease.

But we’ve stumbled onto a study that has shone a light on hormonal changes in expectant fathers, too. We’re breaking down this research to eliminate fear in the minds of new dads and first-time parents.

Remember: “There is nothing to fear, but fear itself.”

Men of the world… fathers of the world! We need you to believe in us like Gotham City residents believe in Batman. We’ve got your back as you enter the most mysterious yet rewarding process in the world:

Fatherhood.

What happens to a man's hormones when his partner is pregnant?

In the 9 months of pregnancy leading up to the birth of your new baby, new dads undergo significant changes on a hormonal level. Two hormones in particular take a plunge as the due date approaches—testosterone and estradiol.

Testosterone is a household name for a chemical many men misunderstand. We are born producing it, and it’s vital throughout life. Testosterone peaks during puberty, regulating everything from our libido to fat distribution and muscle mass. For first-time dads, understanding how testosterone changes can be key to navigating these months.

Estradiol, derived from estrogen, is often misunderstood too. It's found in men as well, in smaller amounts, and plays an essential role in things like sperm production, libido, and even erections.

What were the results of the research?

Research carried out by a psychologist at the University of Michigan analyzed saliva samples from 29 first-time expecting fathers. Over the course of their partner’s pregnancy, these dads-to-be experienced gradual drops in testosterone and estradiol. While the changes weren't drastic enough to be considered clinical issues, these hormone shifts could impact new fathers' moods and behaviors.

So, if you’ve noticed changes in yourself as a first-time dad, these hormonal fluctuations may play a part.

What are the implications of this hormonal change?

Fellas. Simply put, when we’re in "the mood" for mating, our testosterone increases. However, during pregnancy, as our partner grows the new baby, our testosterone levels drop, signalling a shift in priorities.

It’s natural to become more nurturing, caring, and protective as a new dad. The testosterone drops encourage a softening in our approach to fatherhood—helping us shift from defensive to caregiver mode as we prepare for our new role.

Further research backs this up, showing that men who settle down with children experience more significant drops in testosterone compared to their bachelor friends. The more involved we are as dads, the lower our testosterone might go, which is a good thing—it means we’re growing into the fatherhood role with full commitment.

Any tips on dealing with changing hormones?

Glad you asked. Our foremost tip for dealing with these changes is simple: awareness. When you become a new dad, recognizing how your body changes is like holding the key to happiness in fatherhood.

But to help you thrive through these hormonal changes, here are a few practical tips for new fathers:

Your food Are you eating well? Protein-rich foods like lean beef, chicken, fish, and eggs are your best mates. Not getting enough protein can lead to drops in testosterone, so stay on top of your diet for improved testosterone levels.

Your body Keep active. Weight lifting and aerobic exercise boost testosterone, so even simple resistance training will help maintain your T-levels during the lead-up to fatherhood.

Your mind Read. Take time to arm yourself with knowledge. Fatherhood is an ongoing learning experience, and as your baby grows, so will you. Integrating wisdom into your daily life is how you’ll become the dad your baby needs.

I’d like to know more

We know that getting ready to be a new father is scary. That’s why our newsletter is here to break down the complex changes happening to you. Whether it’s learning about hormonal changes or diving deep into dad mental health, we’ve got you covered.

Join us, and let’s prepare you to be the best version of yourself—your family’s superhero.