Research on the effects of nicotine on testosterone has shown conflicting results. Based on some studies, nicotine can raise testosterone levels, while others claim it might lower testosterone or have no effect at all.
This article explores the connection between testosterone and nicotine and more about the effects of smoking on testosterone levels.
Nicotine And Testosterone
Testosterone, the main male sex hormone, involves many physiological processes, including muscle mass maintenance, bone density, and sexual function. In women, testosterone is likewise required for bone strength and libido, but at lower amounts than in males.
Nicotine, on the other hand, is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system and interacts intricately with the endocrine system. According to research, nicotine can alter the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which controls testosterone levels in men.
The HPG axis involves the hypothalamus secreting gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which causes the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone. LH then stimulates men’s testes (and women’s ovaries) to create testosterone, impacting higher serum testosterone levels.
Approximately 1.1 billion people worldwide smoke cigarettes, with over 34 million adults in the United States alone actively doing so. Nicotine’s common usage emphasizes the necessity of knowing its impacts on male health, particularly hormonal balance and testosterone levels.
Does Nicotine Lower Testosterone Levels?
Studies on nicotine’s effects on testosterone levels present a complex picture. Some studies indicate that smoking and testosterone levels may reduce or increase testosterone levels, while others show insignificant or even opposite effects.
The current findings reveal that nicotine dramatically lowers serum testosterone and FSH levels while significantly increasing circulating prolactin and LH. Thyroid stimulating hormone levels were also observed to be affected.
In a 2020 study, researchers discovered that prolonged nicotine exposure dramatically lowered testosterone levels in male smokers compared to nonsmokers. Smoking and testosterone levels
Similarly, a 2019 study found that nicotine treatment in rats resulted in lower blood testosterone levels due to altered Leydig cell activity, which is responsible for testosterone generation in the testicles.
In contrast, a 2021 research revealed no significant difference in testosterone levels between smokers and nonsmokers, indicating that the link might be impacted by other factors like age, general health, and cigarette smoking intensity.
An interesting 2022 research found that acute nicotine intake may have short term enhance testosterone levels owing to adrenal gland stimulation, whereas longterm exposure may cause a reduction.
Nicotine Withdrawal and Testosterone
Nicotine withdrawal can cause several kinds of symptoms as the body adapts to the lack of nicotine. These conditions can influence smoking and testosterone levels and hormonal balance:
Mood Changes: During nicotine withdrawal, irritability, anxiety, and mood swings are prevalent, which may have an affect on testosterone production.
Cognitive Effects: Nicotine withdrawal may result in difficulty concentrating and impaired cognitive ability, while the direct effects on testosterone are unclear.
Physical Symptoms: Nicotine withdrawal is associated with fatigue, headaches, and increased hunger, which can have an indirect impact on hormonal balance.
Sexual Function: During withdrawal, libido and sexual performance might decrease, which may be connected to variable testosterone levels.
Hormonal Fluctuations: During nicotine withdrawal, testosterone levels may temporarily drop, contributing to hormonal abnormalities until equilibrium is restored.
According to research findings, testosterone levels may temporarily decline after nicotine withdrawal, resulting to mood swings and a lower libido.
A 2018 study found that testosterone levels may return to normal following a period of nicotine abstinence, showing the body’s ability to reestablish hormonal equilibrium after withdrawal.
Will Quitting Smoking Increase Testosterone?
Quitting smoking has several health benefits, including the normalization or rise in testosterone levels. Quitting smoking has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, lung function, and lower the risk of cancer. Smoking and testosterone levels are closely linked, as smoking affects testosterone levels.
In a research, past smokers had higher testosterone levels than current smokers, indicating that smoking cessation and testosterone can improve hormone balance and stimulate testosterone production.
The timing for hormonal recovery varies, with serum testosterone levels improving within weeks of stopping and considerable changes seen over many months to a year.
Do Smoking and Vaping Lower Testosterone?
The popularity of vaping as an alternative to smoking has caused controversy regarding its health consequences, especially the effects on sex hormones like testosterone levels.
Smoking is obviously linked to a variety of health hazards, including possible testosterone levels decreases owing to the toxic components in tobacco smoke, which can affect endocrine function and lead to reduced fertility by impacting follicle stimulating hormonal levels. Smoking increases the risk of hormonal imbalances and can negatively affect semen quality.
Vaping provides nicotine without the many hazardous byproducts of combustion seen in cigarette smoke. However, the long-term consequences of vaping on sex hormones like testosterone levels are still being investigated.
A 2022 study found that e-cigarette users had equivalent or slightly greater testosterone levels than men who smoke but lower than non-users, underlining the need for more research.
Long-Term Effects of Nicotine
Cardiovascular Health: Nicotine stimulates the heart and blood arteries, causing hypertension and atherosclerosis. Long-term usage is related with a higher increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Respiratory Health: Chronic exposure can harm lung tissue, exacerbating illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Mental Health: Nicotine alters neurotransmitter systems, which can lead to anxiety, sadness, and cognitive deterioration. Studies suggest that a 2018 research discovered that long-term nicotine use can create neurochemical alterations in the brain, which affect mood control and cognitive performance.
Metabolic Health: Long-term nicotine use can damage metabolic processes, raising the increased risk factor of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Negative effects on androgen levels have also been observed, impacting overall hormonal balance.
Endocrine System: Nicotine disturbs hormonal homeostasis by influencing cortisol, insulin, and testosterone levels.
Other Causes Could Lower Testosterone in Men
Age
Testosterone levels naturally fall with age, usually beginning around age 30 and continuing steadily thereafter. According to research, testosterone levels fall by around 1% every year beyond the age of 30. By age 70, testosterone levels may have dropped by up to 50% from their high in early adulthood.
Obesity
Excess body fat, particularly abdominal fat, can cause low testosterone levels. Adipose tissue includes an enzyme called aromatase, which converts testosterone to estrogen, lowering testosterone levels. According to studies, obese men are more likely to have low testosterone levels than non-obese men.
Chronic Illnesses
Chronic illnesses, including diabetes, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), and renal failure, can all have an impact on testosterone production. Diabetes, for example, has been linked to reduced testosterone levels as a result of insulin resistance and other metabolic abnormalities. There is a significant association between these chronic conditions and lowered testosterone, which can impact male fertility.
Medicines
Some medicines, including as corticosteroids, opioids, and some chemotherapy therapies, can cause low testosterone levels as a side effect. Corticosteroids, which are often used to treat inflammatory diseases, can inhibit pituitary gland activity, lowering testosterone synthesis. Hormonal health may be affected by these medications.
Stress
Chronic stress can raise cortisol levels, which is a stress hormone that can reduce testosterone synthesis. Stress-induced cortisol rise has been linked to lower hormone levels in men, affecting healthy testosterone levels and male fertility. The significant association between chronic stress and lowered testosterone underscores the importance of managing stress for overall hormonal health.
Sleep Disorders
Sleep apnea and inadequate sleep can cause hormonal imbalances, including testosterone levels. Sleep deprivation has been shown in studies to decrease testosterone levels and have a negative impact on overall reproductive health.
Testicular Injury or Disease
Physical damage to the testes, as well as illnesses such as mumps orchitis or testicular cancer, can reduce testosterone production. Testicular injuries and some infections have been linked to long-term declines in testosterone levels, impacting healthy testosterone levels and potentially leading to erectile dysfunction.
Excessive Alcohol
Excessive alcohol use can lower testosterone levels and disrupt hormonal balance. Chronic alcohol use impairs testicular function and reduces testosterone production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nicotine Increase Testosterone?
Chronic nicotine usage is related with lower testosterone levels. However, acute nicotine consumption may result in a brief surge in testosterone owing to adrenal stimulation.
Does Chewing Tobacco Increase Testosterone?
Chewing tobacco, like smoking, releases nicotine and can lower testosterone levels. A 2021 research found that smokeless tobacco users had lower testosterone levels than non-users.
Does Nicotine Affect Your Hormones?
Yes, nicotine has an effect on the endocrine system, influencing hormones like cortisol and insulin as well as testosterone. It can disturb the body’s normal hormonal balance, resulting in a variety of health concerns.
Does Nicotine Increase Testosterone in Women?
Nicotine does not boost testosterone in women. On the contrary, it can upset hormonal balance, perhaps leading to low testosterone levels and other endocrine disorders.
Summary
The link between nicotine and testosterone is complicated and still being studied. While some research suggests that nicotine may affect testosterone levels, the data is conflicting. Significant changes in testosterone levels due to nicotine are still being explored.
However, quitting smoking appears to have a more beneficial and consistent relationship with higher testosterone levels. This possible benefit complements the countless other health benefits of quitting the habit, including overall well-being and addressing fertility issues. The positive impact of smoking cessation on health is well-documented and extends beyond hormonal balance.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to read this article What are the effects of peanut butter on testosterone?
*This information is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice tailored to individual needs.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/smoking/nicotine-and-testosterone
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17163954/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091743515003941
https://tctmed.com/smoking-testosterone/
https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/17/12/3275/569627
https://www.healthymale.org.au/news/ask-doc-how-does-smoking-affect-testosterone
https://honehealth.com/edge/health/does-smoking-lower-testosterone/
https://yuniquemedical.com/does-smoking-lower-testosterone/
https://pivot.co/blog/nicotine-impacting-male-health
Dr. Kimberly Langdon has been an MD for 31 years, board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist with 19-years of clinical experience. She graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine, earning Honors in many rotations. She then completed her OB/GYN residency program at The Ohio State University Medical Center, earning first-place accolades for her Senior Research Project and Score of 98th percentile on a National Proficiency Test.
During her clinical career, she delivered over 2000 babies and specialized in minimally invasive procedures, menopause, endometriosis, menstrual disorders, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. After retiring from clinical practice, she founded a medical device company to commercialize her two patented and four patent-pending medical devices for both life-threatening and non-life-threatening infections.
