Marijuana and Testosterone
Marijuana and Testosterone. What is the relationship? The relationship between the hormone and the plant has some history, but what are the facts? Many myths circulated on the internet in the early days regarding marijuana's potential to reduce testosterone levels in men. Testosterone plays a vital role for men and women. But are the rumors true? Does marijuana really lower testosterone levels in men, and or there any side effects you should be aware of? Well, look no further because you are at the right place. This blog will go into the science of the issue and explain everything necessary about marijuana and Testosterone. Expect to understand the generally thought early on from early research and how different intake levels might play a role.
What is Testosterone?
Male testicles and female ovaries both make testosterone, though to a lesser extent in women. Some physical characteristics, such as muscle mass, bone density, and sex drive, are affected by the hormone. Additionally, testosterone is key for several bodily processes, including making red blood cells, regulating mood and cognition. Male testosterone levels change during puberty(usually between 9 and 14 for boys), peaking in early adulthood(18-20) before gradually declining into the thirties. Although testosterone levels are much lower in women, it still plays a major role in their sexual and general health. Low testosterone levels can result in bone disease, decreased sex drive, and infertility, so maintaining healthy levels is necessary for both men and women.
How is Testosterone made in the body?
There is an internal process behind how testosterone is made in the body, beginning in the brain. The hypothalamus releases GnRH, which prompts the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH). Upon reaching the gonads, LH stimulates the production and release of testosterone.
Afterward, LH travels to the Leydig cells in the testes, where it binds to receptors on the cell surface and stimulates the production and secretion of testosterone. Some enzymes work together in the Leydig cells to synthesize testosterone using cholesterol as a building block. Testosterone production is controlled by a feedback loop involving the hypothalamus, pituitary, and testes.
Signals from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland can also decrease GnRH, LH, and FSH production. This causes testosterone production to drop when blood levels of testosterone go over a certain point. When testosterone levels in the blood drop below a certain threshold, the pituitary and hypothalamus start making more GnRH, LH, and FSH.
It's important to remember that not only men produce testosterone. Though in much lower amounts than men, women have testosterone in their bodies. The same feedback loop that controls testosterone production in men controls testosterone production in women but with different body mechanics. Overall, both sexes' testosterone production is a complex process influenced by many factors.
Does Marijuana Lower Testosterone?
Does marijuana lower testosterone? The simple answer is it's complicated. To understand this issue, we must understand why the idea exists in the first place. The root of the notion that marijuana lowers levels of Testosterone comes from early studies dating from the 1970s into the 1990s. The New England Journal of Medicine published one of these studies in 1974. The study examined 20 heterosexual men between 18 and 28 who used marijuana at least four days a week for six months without using other drugs. The study found that the group that used marijuana had lower testosterone levels than the control group, which included subjects of a similar age range who had never used marijuana. The study also found that a decreased dose of marijuana correlated with testosterone levels. The study suggested that chronic intensive marijuana use may affect the hypothalamus or pituitary, leading to changes in reproductive physiology.
More research has been done on this issue, and much of it contradicts past information. The testosterone levels of marijuana users increased in a study done in Denmark in 2020. Researchers examined cross-sectional data from a prospective cohort study of 122 men enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment. Urine tests were collected for 15 months, and the cannabis users were identified. The results showed that cannabis doesn't seem to affect testosterone levels in men on MMT. In 2017, another study examined how marijuana use affected testosterone in U.S. males, building on previous work. The effects of marijuana use were examined by frequency, duration, and recency in 1577 men. The results showed that most participants had used marijuana at some point, and 26.6% were currently using marijuana. The serum testosterone levels of users and never users were not different, but the time since the last regular marijuana use was inversely related to testosterone levels.
Finally, a retrospective study was done on marijuana and hormonal balance. In a sample of 153 men, there were no significant differences in sperm parameters, testosterone levels, or testis volume. Due to its effect on estradiol, marijuana causes the most extensive hormonal alterations. Overall, marijuana's connection to testosterone is not concrete, as studies have been made that say it lowers, increases, and does nothing to testosterone levels. However, it is essential to note the amount of marijuana you smoke and its frequency, as that might be a problem.
What marijuana is good for erectile dysfunction?
THC in cannabis can interact with the ECS, which regulates various bodily functions. As a result, testosterone levels may drop, and blood flow to the penis may be hampered, worsening ED. However, there is little and contradictory research on the connection between cannabis use and ED. Some studies have found no link between cannabis use and ED, while others believe it can improve sexual function in some people.
An individual's sensitivity to cannabis and any underlying medical conditions may affect how marijuana affects sexual function, including ED. Anyone exhibiting signs of ED or other sexual dysfunction should consult a healthcare professional for a thorough assessment and the best course of action.
How to increase Testosterone?
One of the best ways to increase testosterone naturally is by exercising consistently. Men and women can both benefit from weightlifting, calisthenics, or sprinting. Your testosterone levels may even be improved or maintained with a healthy, balanced diet. A diet rich in healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and protein may raise testosterone levels. It has been proven that foods high in zinc and vitamin D, like salmon, beef, and oysters, increase testosterone levels.
Another efficient way to raise testosterone levels is stress reduction. Stress causes the body to produce cortisol, which can lower testosterone levels. You can start by practicing meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to manage your stress. These activities may help reduce stress levels and raise testosterone levels.
In some circumstances, medication may be required to increase testosterone levels. TRT is a procedure that uses testosterone injections or topical applications. Men with low testosterone levels from diseases like hypogonadism may benefit from TRT. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider while remembering that TRT can have side effects.
The Bottom Line
The science on marijuana and testosterone is still not concrete. Some information has shown that regular marijuana use may decrease testosterone levels, but that does not settle the issue. The effects of marijuana on testosterone levels can be different from person to person and depend on usage. Some studies have shown that occasional marijuana use may not significantly impact testosterone levels, while frequent and heavy use may have more pronounced effects. For more information on medical marijuana, book an appointment today and look at our other articles.
