Does CBD Increase Testosterone?
As we age, the testosterone levels naturally begin to decline. This can adversely impact our overall wellbeing given the significance of this hormone in regulating various body functions such as weight gain, mood, sex drive and so on. This decline is essentially worrisome for men who are always hunting for ways to boost it.
CBD is gaining prominence in the West, and the enthusiasts can’t sing enough praises about its healing powers. More and more people are considering replacing their synthetic medications for a more natural ingredient in their medicine cabinets. They rave its impact for treating several maladies including relief from discomfort, agony, and sleepless nights with amazing results.
But among the many purported benefits, is increasing testosterone levels one of them? This is the most common questions, experts are hit with lately.
So, let’s slide the elephant under the microscope to get an exploded view in light of the latest scientific research.
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone that supports our overall health and well-being naturally produced by the sex organs in both males and females. The hormone plays a vital role in reproduction and sex drive, besides regulating other functions like mood, energy, weight gain etc. It is first produced during puberty, continuing till 30, after which it begins to slow down.
In males, it acts as an anabolic steroid that is mainly responsible for the development of male reproductive tissues such as testes, prostate and sperm. It is also involved in promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased growth of muscles, bone mass, body hair, fat storage and blood cells.
The ECS, CBD and Testosterones
Our Endocannabinoid System is a biological system composed of endocannabinoids that regulates several functions in the body.
While Testosterone is mostly synthesized in the testes and ovaries, the production and distribution is controlled by the brain and pituitary gland. ECS also determines the production of testosterone given its interaction with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (part of your body responsible for creating testosterone). As soon as the signals are dispatched from the brain and HPA, testosterone is produced by the pituitary gland and the Leydig cells.
Now CBD interacts with the body’s natural cannabinoid receptors found in the ECS, brain, sperm cells, pituitary gland, and Leydig cells. As such, there lies an inextricable connection between the three affecting testosterone production.
The Impact of CBD on Testosterone
There is a growing interest in the impact CBD renders on testosterone levels in the human body. Part of the problem is because the researchers and scientists' bodies have established varying conclusions. Let’s take a closer look at all sides of the debate:
a) Studies claiming it decreases testosterone
Certain studies have found that cannabinoids have the ability to drive down testosterone production by binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. This in turn can hinder the functions of the male reproductive system. Regardless, the medical experts are of the consensus that the impact of CBD is far less severe than that of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). This is indeed proved in a Study published by the journal Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology.
A recent Brazilian Study conducted in 2020 on monkeys “The effects of cannabidiol on male reproductive system: A literature review” demonstrated how (unrealistically) higher doses of CBD, can decrease testosterone production after 90 days.
Likewise, the findings of another trial on rats and mice models exhibited similar findings where higher than normal consumption of CBD can reduce testosterone within a duration of 10 – 34 days.
b) Studies claiming it increases testosterone
On the other side of the picture, is overwhelming scientific evidence highlighting mechanisms through which CBD can actually enhance testosterone production thereby preventing the onset of erectile dysfunction and impotence in men. The findings were consolidated by a study published in the Asian Journal of Andrology that examined the link between CBD consumption and testosterone levels in males. In a sample of over 2,000 men, the testosterone concentrations in the blood of CBD users was noted to be 4.27 ng/mL compared to 4.03 ng/mL in non-users. Here are four ways it achieves it:
1) Reducing Stress
If you battle constant stress and worry then, CBD is just the ingredient you need to help you feel calm! The claim is confirmed by a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology. It illustrated how our body naturally produces more testosterones when we are relaxed and stress-free. Besides, combatting stress can help boost the efficiency of your immune system. This prevents infections in the urethra, testes and prostate gland thus ensuring better testosterone regulation in the body.
2) Increase in Polyunsaturated Fats
CBD is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6. The Asian Journal of Andrology concluded that ingestion of substances rich in these compounds directly comorbid better testosterone levels and enhanced testicular function.
3) Boosting Energy Levels
And if that wasn’t enough, CBD also gives a tremendous kick to your energy levels, focus and concentration. This will amp up your spirits to get those muscles in action and work out for longer directly boosting testosterone generation in men especially those over 30 years of age.
4) Inhibiting Liver Break-down
It was reported that CBD inhibits the action of certain enzymes in the liver that can possibly break testosterones down thereby maintaining the levels.
c) The Balanced Effect
Finally, on the brighter side, some experts are of the consensus that CBD has the potential to balance our testosterone levels. That's because while some factors prompt its production, there are simultaneously others that can slow it down. Hence, consuming CBD will not change the testosterone that is already flowing in the bloodstream as demonstrated by an experiment published in the medical journal Drug Metabolism and Disposition.
Conclusion
The CBD industry is booming with the present generation obsessed with its impressive pharmaceutical benefits. However, the debate on whether CBD is efficient for increasing testosterone is a really juicy one. While some studies support the claim, there are numerous others proving otherwise. Hence, jury is still out on whether CBD exerts a positive or a negative influence on testosterone levels.
More research is needed to gain better insights on how CBD affects testosterone and establish concrete evidence. Whatever, the truth may be, the fact highlights the immense potency and significance of CBD on our body functions.
Testosterone levels naturally decrease with aging. This may cause several abnormalities. Therefore, an external source or factor accelerating its decrease rate is obviously worrisome for men, more so if it is their regular CBD dose contributing to the decline.
Luckily, there are ways to give your testosterone production a natural boost with a few simple lifestyle changes such as sleeping well, having a nutritious, healthy diet and exercising regularly. Also, they must always resort to moderate doses of CBD between 5 – 20mg/day and opt for its cyclical use i.e. taking a break every few months to eliminate accumulated CBD.
Buy the highest quality CBD and achieve better reproductive health today!