By: Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues
Post-PhD in Neuroscience, Specialist in Genomics and Clinical Nutrition
The relationship between hormones and our sensory perceptions is a fascinating and often underestimated field. When we talk about testosterone, most people immediately associate the hormone with libido, muscle strength or aggressiveness. However, few people know that testosterone can also influence the way we perceive flavors. Although this influence is indirect, the effects on the central nervous system and sensory pathways can indeed modify our taste experience.
High Testosterone: The Impact on Sensory Perception
In individuals with high testosterone levels, there is scientific evidence that points to a possible reduction in sensitivity to sweet tastes. This sensory change can be explained by the influence of the hormone on the brain’s dopaminergic system, which is responsible for the feeling of reward and pleasure. With high dopamine levels, there is a tendency to seek more intense stimuli, which includes stronger and less subtle flavors. It is therefore common for people with high testosterone to prefer salty, bitter and even spicy foods, as these flavor profiles can provide a more satisfying sensory response.
In addition, studies indicate that high testosterone levels may be associated with a greater attraction to protein foods. The reason behind this may be related to evolution: our ancestors with higher hormone levels may have been more predisposed to seek out foods rich in protein, essential for muscle development and survival in challenging environments.
Low Testosterone: Changes in Taste and Eating Behavior
On the other hand, low testosterone levels may lead to a different sensory perception. The reduction in dopamine and other related neurotransmitters may decrease the response to food pleasure, leading to a greater preference for sweet foods. This change is a compensatory mechanism: sugar can temporarily increase dopamine levels, providing a feeling of pleasure that the hormonal system is not able to provide naturally.
Additionally, men and women with low testosterone may experience an overall decrease in appetite, which influences not only the amount of food consumed but also food choices. There is a tendency to seek out foods with rapid sensory reward, such as ultra-processed foods, which activate pleasure circuits immediately.
A Neuroscientific Perspective: The Role of the Olfactory-Gustatory System
Testosterone also impacts the olfactory bulb, a structure responsible for the initial processing of smell, a sense intrinsically linked to taste. Changes in smell can therefore alter the perception of flavors, since much of the flavor we experience actually comes from the aromas of food. At high levels, testosterone can reduce this sensitivity, requiring more intense olfactory stimuli for the same taste perception. At low levels, there may be olfactory hypersensitivity, which would explain the preference for sweeter and milder foods.
Conclusion: More than a Sex Hormone
Testosterone goes far beyond its best-known functions. Its influence on taste shows how hormonal balance is crucial to the way we interact with the world around us. Understanding this relationship opens doors to personalized therapeutic approaches, especially in areas such as clinical nutrition and the treatment of eating disorders. After all, by understanding how the human body works in its complexity, we can offer more effective interventions and promote comprehensive and balanced health.
Whether in cases of low or high testosterone, the important thing is to always seek balance, as any extreme can affect not only physical health, but also our sensory experience and quality of life.
