Do "tomboyish" women that engage in traditionally masculine activities have higher levels of testosterone?

Question

Do "tomboyish" women that engage in traditionally masculine activities have higher levels of testosterone than the average woman?

I base this question on the fact that I heard a comment from a woman while watching a women's poker match on television a few weeks ago. In this match, one of the female poker players was being interviewed, and I recall her mentioning that she and the other female players at the table had "higher levels of testosterone" than the average woman -- implying that her notion is based on the fact that they love playing competitive poker; what is usually seen as being a "man's sport".

How much truth do you think there is to her statement?

Do any tomboy women here on this forum feel they have higher testosterone levels than the prissy, strawberry shortcake teaparty curtsy women?

Answer 1

LOL don't you know that gender is a social construct? We're all identical, except for our plumbing.

That is, until it's time to fix the car, or dig a ditch, or provide protection against a gun-wielding maniac.

You're funny. Hormones mean nothing!

Answer 2

The answer may be yes. One study "found that the more testosterone a girl was exposed to in the womb, the more likely she was at a young age to engage in tomboy-like behavior, such as playing with toys that boys typically prefer". It could also be that "a mother's testosterone levels can determine whether they are more likely to have a tomboy". Perhaps the mothers pass on the genes for greater than usual amounts of testosterone to their female offspring. So the answer to your question seems to be yes.

Answer 3

Assertive doesn't mean aggressive just because you say it does. You seem to think you know what a feminist is. When all you really mean is: Any woman who doesn't act as I choose and who I don't mind alienating. So you've turned the word feminist into a pejorative and pretend that this version of the word has ANY connection to the real phenomenon. Real feminists are people that you've probably never met and never will. A woman who takes advantage of a man by gaining custody of her kids or by getting alimony paymens - is not necessarily a feminist. She might be - but one doesn't automatically follow the other. Women who are older or fat and who complain about men liking younger/ slender women - may be bitter but that doesn't automatically translate to being feminist. You say "i have never seen a single feminist on internet or real life who don't blame men for everything bad in this world." OF COURSE you havent' - that IS your definition of a feminist.

Answer 4

According to Louanne Brizendine's book The Female Brain tomboys are explicitly caused by higher levels of testosterone affecting the brain.

Answer 5

Our society has labeled certain activities as masculine and other activities as feminine, but they are arbitrary. Why is poker considered male? Couldn't it also be considered a female activity, in that it is a bunch of people socializing. Is cooking considered a female job but men do it also (and are paid better than woman when cook for a living). The level of chemicals circulating in a person's blood has nothing to do with what a person does to occupy their time.

Answer 6

I have high levels of testosterone (in my blood).

Here's the thing - I like dresses, jewelry, make-up, etc.

But, I was the tree-climbing sort of kid, got into fights a lot at school, get on better with boys, and chick flicks make me *cringe*. I really, really disliked my body changing in puberty. I love cars more than most girls. I'm also good at reading maps, and I suck at multitasking. But do remember these are all rather cliché.

As for sports - I dislike sports in general, cause I'm a lazy ***. But I am a competitive lil bastard.

Basically, I look rather femme but I don't act like it, which really throws men off balance, by the way.

Answer 7

No, they have other admirable qualities instead. Strength, courage and guts are traditionally seen as masculine virtues but we really need more women to start showing them as well. There's nothing worse that being tied to some flibbertigibbet who expects you to do everything for her, believe me. Better to have a proper girl who is pleasantly surprised when you do things for her on your own initiative.

Answer 8

I am a tomboy but have become more of a lady now.... I dont know but maybe...... I am very strong and very brave though I am the perfect indian girl..... :) Look at me boasting! lol

Answer 9

its not about that....my best friend has 4 brothers and she touched frogs as a kid...i didnt...i have more hormones than she does.. im very feminine..