Part 7/14:
Contrary to the common belief that stress suppresses testosterone, French highlights that acute stress—like a challenging workout or even a parachute jump—can temporarily elevate testosterone levels. The body's sympathetic activation primes the system for performance, acting as a "biological parachute" that boosts hormone release, an advantage that can be strategically harnessed. The individual's psychological interpretation of stress also plays a role; voluntary, anticipated stressors (like training) tend to produce more favorable hormonal responses than involuntary or overwhelming stress.