If you are trying to understand what is helping or hurting your testosterone, know that it is not just about how much you exercise or sleep. What you put into your body has a real effect on your hormonal balance.
At Greenwich Hormones, we believe that knowing the facts gives you power. Contact us today to learn more about how alcohol, drugs, and caffeine affect testosterone levels.
You might be surprised to learn that drinking a small to moderate amount of alcohol can temporarily increase testosterone in men. Research indicates that low-to-moderate intake sometimes stimulates detoxification enzymes in the liver, possibly leading to a slight, short-term rise in testosterone.
However, when alcohol use becomes heavy or chronic, the effects flip. Excessive alcohol disrupts the testicular cells that make testosterone, lowering testosterone levels, reducing sperm quality, and causing other hormonal problems over time.
To counter these effects, limit drinking, especially binge sessions, avoid daily heavy drinking, and give yourself time between drinks so your hormone system can recover.
Many different drugs have varying effects on hormone levels. However, several kinds directly affect testosterone.
Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic derivatives of testosterone that can be abused to build muscle or enhance performance. Ironically, when you stop taking AAS, you may experience anabolic steroid‐induced hypogonadism (ASIH), suppressing your natural testosterone production, sometimes for months to more than a year.
In addition, long-term opioid use can significantly lower testosterone by suppressing signaling in the HPG axis. Other illicit substances and recreational drugs, such as cannabis or amphetamines, affect testosterone less directly, often via oxidative stress, damage to testicular tissue, or disrupting hormone signaling.
To minimize the effects of these medications, work with a medical professional to manage use and restore your hormonal health.
Caffeine’s effect on testosterone is less drastic and less one-sided compared to alcohol or certain drugs. Low doses of caffeine may boost testosterone slightly, particularly when taken just before exercise.
However, higher caffeine and its metabolites may be inversely associated with testosterone in adult men, meaning the more caffeine you consume, the lower your testosterone levels.
Similarly, caffeine tends to increase cortisol, the stress hormone. This is especially true if it is consumed in high doses or during stressful moments. High cortisol over time can suppress testosterone.
If you love your coffee or energy drinks, drink them in moderation. Try limiting amounts to those that feel comfortable and avoid consuming caffeine late in the day to prevent sleep disruption, as poor sleep can bring your testosterone down.
Examining your patterns with alcohol, drugs, and caffeine could help you become more aware of their effects on your body. In addition, do the following:
Contact Dr. Edward Jacobson today if you notice symptoms such as lowered libido, fatigue, mood changes, loss of muscle, etc.
It turns out that what you drink and what you take can significantly influence your testosterone levels. While alcohol, heavy drug use, and even too much caffeine can cause damage over time, moderation, awareness, and sound medical guidance could help you protect and improve your hormone health.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how alcohol, drugs, and caffeine affect testosterone levels.
