madman
Super Moderator
Men need to know how alcohol affects this vital hormone, the symptoms of low levels, and how to increase it safely.
Alcohol has been called “liquid courage,” so it’s ironic that it can decrease the production of the sex hormone that helps men put courage into action.
As a urologist and surgeon scientist specializing in male infertility and sexual medicine, I’ve had conversations with guys who are surprised to learn that drinking alcohol can affect their testosterone levels.
This surprise often turns to concern when they learn that this hormone is a key player in energy, mood, muscle mass, sex drive, and fertility. That’s why it’s important to understand how alcohol impacts testosterone, what symptoms to watch for if your levels are low, and how it ties into fertility if you’re starting a family.
How alcohol affects testosterone
Having the occasional drink isn’t likely to affect your testosterone levels. But if you’re regularly knocking back excessive amounts, it could become a problem. That’s because drinking too much can lead to weight gain, obesity, and even diabetes, conditions that are all linked to low testosterone (and many other health issues).Long-term drinking and testosterone
The long-term effects of alcohol on testosterone are still being studied. But the broader message is clear: heavy drinking isn’t doing your hormone levels any favours. If you’ve been over-indulging for years, it’s time to cut back for the sake of your testosterone and the rest of your health, for that matter.If you’re wondering whether you drink too much, read more about the signs of alcohol use disorder here.
