Does drinking alcohol negatively affect a man’s testosterone levels?
Article at a Glance:
Important facts to remember about alcohol and testosterone include:
Testosterone is a primary sex hormone in men
Some responsibility of testosterone include sex drive, bone and muscle mass, and hair growth
Low levels of testosterone may influence depression, decreased bone and muscle mass, and low sex drive
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Chronic and excessive alcohol use lowers testosterone levels
Moderate alcohol intake likely does not have the same effects on testosterone asheavy drinkingdoes
Does Alcohol Lower Testosterone?
Excessive alcohol consumptionand chronic alcohol abuse are associated with decreased testosterone levels. Variousstudiessupport this finding.
Some specific ways that alcohol affects testosteronelevelsinclude:
- Alcohol damages Leydig cells in the testes which produce and secrete testosterone.
- A coenzyme, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), is used for both alcohol metabolism and testosterone synthesis. When alcohol is consumed, NAD+ must help in metabolizing alcohol rather than synthesizing testosterone.
- Drinking alcohol results in the release of certain endorphins. While these endorphins produce pleasant and relaxing feelings, they can also interfere with testosterone synthesis.
- Alcohol can increase a stress hormone, called cortisol, which is known to decrease testosterone synthesis.
- Alcohol may increase the conversion of testosterone to estrogen in the body.
Excessive drinking can interfere with testosterone production, but doesmoderate alcohol consumptionhave the same effects? In general, drinking one to two drinks occasionally should not have a major impact on testosteronelevels. Moderate levels of alcohol consumption may have positive health benefits. However, drinking more will likely result in adverse effects including lower testosterone levels.
What is Testosterone & How It Affects Your Health
Maintaining appropriate testosterone levels throughout life is essential for physical, mental and sexual health. However, various lifestyle choices, includingalcohol abuse, can affect the male reproductive system and testosterone levels.
In general, excessive alcohol consumptiondecreasestestosterone.
Testosterone is the primary sexhormonein men. It is responsible for functions like sex drive, hair growth, and bone and muscle development. Testosterone levels vary throughout life. While testosterone levels are highest during puberty and early adulthood, the levels begin todecline around age 30naturally. Low testosteronelevelshave been associated with depression, decreased bone and muscle mass, and low sex drive.
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