What kind of dad are you? Research suggests that part of the answer involves biology. Hormones such as testosterone and oxytocin fluctuate with life events (like becoming a father) and may subtly shape how men invest time, attention, and play with their children. Biology isn’t destiny, but it’s one piece of the parenting puzzle.
Understanding Hormone Health
For men experiencing clinically low testosterone levels that impact their quality of life, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) under medical supervision can be a legitimate treatment option. When prescribed by a healthcare professional, men can access pharmaceutical-grade testosterone such as Testosterone Enanthate by Dragon Pharma through legitimate TRT clinics and pharmacies. This specific pharmaceutical product is manufactured under strict quality controls and should only be used with proper medical oversight and regular monitoring to ensure safe and effective treatment.
What Studies Have Reported
Anthropologist Alexandra Alvergne and colleagues have examined links between men’s testosterone levels and family investment, with several studies finding that, on average, higher testosterone correlates with less time and resources devoted to partners and children. Other work—such as Ruth Feldman’s research on oxytocin—has found that men experience biochemical changes when they become fathers. Oxytocin (often called the “cuddle hormone”) tends to rise after a child’s birth; in dads with higher oxytocin, observers often note more sensitive play and stronger bonding with infants.
Important Caveats
- Correlation ≠ causation: Lower testosterone can result from caregiving and co-sleeping just as caregiving might be influenced by hormones. Daily routines, sleep, and stress all matter.
- Large individual differences: Two fathers with similar lab values can parent very differently. Personality, culture, mental health, and relationship quality are powerful drivers.
- Context changes biology: Exercise, stress management, and even competitive events can nudge testosterone up or down in the short term (for a fun primer on situational shifts, see The World Cup And Testosterone).
What This Means for Dads (Actionable Tips)
If biology adjusts with behavior, then everyday choices can tilt the system toward connection:
- Skin-to-skin & hands-on care: Diapering, bathing, and baby-wearing boost proximity—and often, oxytocin-related bonding.
- Play that follows the child’s lead: Gentle, responsive play supports attachment and emotional regulation.
- Protect your mood and sleep: Paternal mental health strongly influences child outcomes; explore our overview in Fathers Mental Health Impacts On Their Children.
- Stress tools you’ll actually use: Brief mindfulness or breath work can lower reactivity and improve patience—see Meditation Makes You Happy!.
Evolution Isn’t a Rulebook
It’s tempting to argue that biology “justifies” certain parenting styles. That’s the naturalistic fallacy—confusing what is with what ought to be. Evolutionary perspectives can explain why traits like offspring investment exist, but they don’t dictate your values. Many men will find that the most rewarding path is to align daily habits with the kind of father they aspire to be, regardless of baseline hormone levels.
Bottom Line
Your biology adapts to your behavior. Show up—consistently, kindly, and playfully—and your body often follows suit. When needed, get support for sleep, mood, or relationship stress; small shifts in routines can produce outsized gains in connection.
Authoritative Resource
Learn more about oxytocin’s role in social bonding from MedlinePlus (NIH): Oxytocin.