Alcohol consumption is a common part of the human lifestyle now. However, the negative effects of alcohol on the human body are no secret.
Excessive alcohol consumption can affect the body hormones including testosterone.
Testosterone is an important hormone as it carries out many functions, like muscle growth, bone density, and sexual well-being.
Let us explore the answer to the question: Does alcohol lower testosterone?
Does alcohol decrease testosterone?
Alcohol may negatively impact testosterone and lower testosterone levels in men.
A study states that alcohol may reduce men’s testosterone levels by damaging the Leydig cells in the testes. These cells are responsible for testosterone synthesis.
Alcohol can also reduce testosterone levels by affecting the working of the liver.
A study states that drinking excessive alcohol may lead to alcoholic Cirrhosis in men.
Men with Cirrhosis may lower testosterone levels in men by 90%.
Additionally, alcohol can increase the levels of cortisol hormone.
Research states that high cortisol levels may reduce blood testosterone levels.
Consult a doctor if you have concerns about alcohol consumption and its effects on your testosterone levels.
Doctors may recommend testosterone pills, gels, creams, and more to help with the problem.
Effects of alcohol on testosterone
Alcohol can affect testosterone levels in men by disturbing the balance of hormones in the body.
The effects of alcohol on testosterone may change based on the amount and number of drinks consumed.
Let us explore the short-term or long-term effects of alcohol in detail.
Short-term effects
Occasional alcohol consumption can cause short-term changes in testosterone levels.
A study shows that testosterone levels may decrease in only 30 minutes after alcohol consumption.
However, testosterone levels may return to normal after you stop drinking.
This shows that the effects of rare short-term consumption are generally reversible.
The above study also compared the short-term effects of alcohol use in healthy men and chronic alcoholics.
Both participant groups were given equal whiskey (a pint) daily for thirty days.
The result shows that testosterone levels began to drop within 72 hours in healthy males.
After 30 days, the testosterone levels of healthy participants had dropped below the normal range and were the same as those of chronic drinkers.
This shows the severe negative effects of regular short-term alcohol consumption.
Long-term effects
Low testosterone levels are more common in heavy drinkers than moderate or non-alcoholic drinkers.
Having more than 15 drinks a week is generally considered heavy drinking for men.
Chronic heavy drinkers are more likely to experience low libido, low testosterone levels, and Erectile Dysfunction.
However, moderate alcohol consumption may not affect reproductive health or testosterone levels long-term.
Moderate alcohol consumption in men is having a maximum of two drinks daily. But drinking alcohol daily is not advised.
Key Takeaways
Testosterone is the main sexual hormone in men and is responsible for carrying out many functions in the body.
However, many people are curious about the effects of alcohol on testosterone and wonder- Does alcohol lower testosterone?
Alcohol consumption can indeed lower the testosterone levels in men.
Alcohol can affect testosterone levels in men by disturbing the balance of hormones in the body.
The effects of alcohol on testosterone may depend on the amount and number of drinks consumed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can alcohol affect sperm health?
Yes, alcohol can affect sperm health. A study states that alcohol consumption can reduce sperm quality. Excessive drinking when trying to conceive can increase a baby’s chance of developing medical defects.
Does alcohol lower testosterone permanently?
No, alcohol does not lower testosterone levels permanently. The effects of alcohol on testosterone depend on the quantity of drinks consumed. People who don’t drink or rarely drink may notice fewer symptoms of low testosterone than heavy drinkers.
Will testosterone increase after quitting drinking?
Yes, testosterone levels may rise naturally if one stops drinking. You can also see a doctor to get prescription testosterone medications.
Can alcohol affect erection?
Yes, drinking excessive alcohol may affect a person’s erection. Alcohol use may lead to Erectile Dysfunction, which may cause problems in getting and maintaining an erection.
Can rare alcohol drinking affect testosterone in men?
Yes, rare alcohol use may affect testosterone in men. It may cause short-term low testosterone levels. However, the effects of rare short-term consumption are generally reversible.
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