Does weed lower testosterone levels?

Does weed lower testosterone levels?

8 min read

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31 May 2023

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What is testosterone (and its role in the body)
How does weed affect testosterone levels in men?
What are the long-term effects of marijuana on testosterone levels?
What about CBD?
How else does weed affect the body?

    If you’re considering boosting your testosterone levels, you’re probably thinking about how certain behaviors affect your body. 

    If you’re health-conscious, then how much alcohol you consume is probably already on your radar, but what about other less common habits, such as smoking weed?

    Can smoking marijuana affect testosterone levels?

    Although weed is still illegal in many regions of the world, it has been legalized in many US states, so understanding how it can impact your body, including testosterone levels, is essential. 

    That way, you can decide whether or not you want to include it in your life based on your health goals.

    So, let’s look at whether or not marijuana use can impact your testosterone production:

    What is testosterone (and its role in the body)

    Testosterone is an essential hormone within the male body. It helps regulate many vital functions, including but not limited to sex drive, muscle development and mood. 

    Therefore, a man's overall well-being is enhanced when testosterone levels are balanced and healthy. 

    Unfortunately, due to age-related declines or other medical conditions, some men experience testosterone deficiencies. Reduced testosterone can lead to many issues regarding your body, mind, and overall health. 

    Your appearance, fitness, cardiovascular health, and mental condition can all suffer if your testosterone levels are nosedive. That's why it's essential to do what you can to maintain your healthy average testosterone levels. 

  • Related content: What is a normal testosterone level?
  • How Does Weed Affect Testosterone Levels in Men

    Weed has been studied extensively regarding how it affects testosterone levels in men. 

    Results are inconclusive, yet general agreement is that chronic marijuana use can lower testosterone levels. Nevertheless, most studies demonstrate that this effect on testosterone levels is temporary and resolves when an individual stops using cannabis. 

    How Does Weed Affect Testosterone Levels in Men

     

    Furthermore, the effects appear to be solely linked to chronic use; reasonable occasional use is not expected to have a lasting impact on hormone production. If you are concerned about your testosterone levels, speaking with a doctor and discussing your current weed consumption habits is always best.

    Here's a look at all the aspects of human health and well-being that weed can impact related to low testosterone levels. 

    1. Decreased Sperm Count

    Marijuana use has been linked to a decrease in sperm count. A recent study found that men who used marijuana over a long time had lower sperm counts than those who did not use the drug during that same period; therefore, it can impact reproductive health.

    Additionally, the study found that the sperm of men who used marijuana were of poorer quality than that of non-users.

    2. Increased Risk of Erectile Dysfunction

    Marijuana is also potentially linked to an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. A study showed that men who used marijuana were more likely to experience erectile dysfunction than those who did not. 

    The study authors suggested that the link may be because marijuana use can decrease testosterone levels.

    3. Increased Risk of Prostate Cancer

    Marijuana use has the potential t increase your risk of prostate cancer. A study on cancer research found that men who used marijuana were more than twice as likely to develop prostate cancer as those who did not use the drug. 

    Increased Risk of Prostate Cancer

     

    The study authors suggested that the link may be because marijuana can alter hormone levels, increasing prostate cancer risk.

    4. Impaired Sexual Function

    Lastly, marijuana use has been linked to impaired sexual function. An individual study found that men who used marijuana were more likely to experience problems with sexual function than those who did not. This includes things like maintaining an erection and worse performance when engaging in sex. 

    What Are the Long-term Effects of Marijuana on Testosterone Levels

    So does smoking weed lower testosterone over the long term? (as well as the above short-term).

    Recent studies have begun to tackle this topic and examine how extended marijuana use impacts testosterone levels. The findings in these studies need much more exploration. 

    The consensus is that chronic marijuana consumption may lead to long-lasting lower testosterone levels. However, further research should be conducted to come to more thoroughly vetted conclusions. 

    Ultimately, it's crucial for men using marijuana regularly to watch for any signs of decreased hormone production, especially regarding fertility or libido. 

    Understanding the consequences of long-term cannabis consumption is essential in making informed decisions regarding marijuana usage and if it's right for you if you want to live a healthy lifestyle.

    What does low testosterone do to my body? 

    Low testosterone can wreak havoc on your body and lead to various issues. A full list of all ways low testosterone can affect you includes: 

    • Low testosterone can also cause mood swings, irritability, and depression.
    • Low testosterone can decrease muscle mass and bone density, impacting your strength and mobility.
    • Low testosterone can also cause an increase in body fat, particularly around the abdomen.
    • Low testosterone levels can impact fertility and make it more difficult to conceive.
    • Finally, low testosterone may increase your risk for heart disease and other health problems.

    Related content: The shocking symptoms of low testosterone

    What about CBD?

    A great deal of attention has been given to the question of whether CBD affects testosterone levels. 

    While many people blindly assert that it does because of its strong association with cannabis, the truth is that there is only limited research exploring this subject. 

    Recent studies have demonstrated that CBD can modulate hormones and improve hormone production in some instances, but this does not automatically mean it significantly changes testosterone levels. 

    It's too early in our limited understanding of this product to make sweeping statements, as there needs to be more evidence to support it. 

    Therefore, a definitive answer regarding CBD's effect on testosterone is only conclusive once further research is conducted. It must be remembered that isolated CBD products are a new phenomenon, and little is certain about their benefits and risks to your health. 

    Although early research indicates few potential side effects, you must also remember that tobacco was considered healthy when it first came out. 

    While there is little evidence to say that CBD affects your testosterone, if you suffer from low levels, it's worth avoiding it to stay safe. 

    How else does weed affect the body? 

    Weed consumption doesn't just affect your testosterone. There are also a wealth of other issues and side effects that can come about that can be detrimental to your health. 

    If you're worried about your testosterone levels because you want to remain fit, then you should also worry about these potential side effects that weed can have on your body: 

    [h3]1. Dry mouth

    One of weed's most common side effects is dry mouth, also known as cottonmouth. 

    This occurs when the saliva glands in your mouth become less active. A dry mouth can make it difficult to speak or eat and can also lead to bad breath.

    2. Red eyes

    Another common side effect of weed is red eyes. This is caused by the dilated blood vessels in the eye, which can make the eyes appear bloodshot. A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the eye can also accompany red eyes, which can be uncomfortable.

    3. Increased appetite

    Weed can also cause an increase in appetite, also known as "the munchies." 

    Increased appetite

     

    This effect is caused by THC, the primary psychoactive compound in weed, which activates the brain's hunger center. This side effect can be undesirable for people trying to lose weight.

    4. Slow reaction time

    Weed can also cause a slow reaction time, impairing your ability to drive or operate machinery. 

    Reaction time is how long it takes to respond to a stimulus, such as a light turning green or a person walking before you. Slow reaction times can also increase your risk of accidents.

    [h3[5. Short-term memory loss

    Weed can also cause short-term memory loss, making it difficult to remember things that have happened recently. 

    This side effect is caused by THC binding to receptors in the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for forming new memories.

    6. Anxiety and paranoia

    For some people, weed can cause anxiety and paranoia. This is more likely to occur if you smoke high-potency weed or have a low tolerance for THC. If you experience anxiety or paranoia after smoking weed, it is best to stop using it and seek medical help if necessary. 

    So, does weed reduce testosterone levels?

    If weed is legal in your state, then it might be something that you partake in. And like most things, in moderation, it’s unlikely to have a massive impact on your health or testosterone levels.  

    While some studies suggest that weed can reduce testosterone levels, leading to a less healthy lifestyle, it is unclear how much of an impact these changes have. It is essential to take a holistic view when evaluating its long-term health impacts. 

    However, from the research that is so far available, it seems that chronic marijuana use may impact your body in multiple ways, and that includes your testosterone levels. If you are struggling with low T levels and are smoking weed too much, it might be time to try and cut it out of your life as the risks associated with marijuana use may outweigh any potential benefits, and caution should be exercised when deciding whether to consume it. 

    In addition, users need to pay attention to their bodies and be aware of any changes they may experience after using cannabis. 

    If you need assistance boosting your testosterone levels and reducing your weed intake, then using the supplements from Testoprime can help you get back to normal levels for your age. These supplements are natural and free of side effects and can help your body produce more testosterone on its own, meaning no need for synthetic boosters.