Testosterone Under Fire: What Smoking Is Doing to Your Testosterone Levels

When it comes to your health, whether it’s cigarettes or vapes; smoking is known to have a long list of harmful effects, on the lungs, heart, skin, and even fertility. But one area that’s often left unspoken about is the impact is can have on hormonal balance. Specifically, testosterone. This hormone which has a huge role to play when it comes to libido, energy levels, and muscle strength, is vital in men’s health. And understanding how it is affected by smoking, and what you can do to help is just as vital.

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, produced mainly in the testicles and essential for various aspects of men’s health.

While testosterone levels do naturally decline with age, lifestyle choices such as smoking may also play a large part in imbalanced testosterone levels.

The Smoking–Testosterone Connection

You might have heard conflicting information about smoking and testosterone. Some studies suggest that smokers have higher testosterone levels than non-smokers. But before smoking misleads you into thinking it is helping, it’s important to look further into the long-term effects of smoking as well.

A Raise in the Wrong Place

Some studies have found that smokers do show elevated levels of testosterone compared to non-smokers. Yet, the raised levels may be caused by the adrenal gland’s production rather than testicular production. Most of men’s testosterone is produced by the Leydig cells of the testes, not the adrenal glands. The nicotine effect on the adrenal gland can lead to an elevation in testosterone, but also increases levels of adrenaline (causing rises in blood pressure), and cortisol (a stress hormone). So, while smoking and nicotine intake may increase levels of testosterone, it’s not quite that simple.

Damaging the Reproductive System

Though testosterone levels may be slightly elevated by smoking, the effect of smoking upon testicular health, and sperm production are both impaired. One study found that smoking is directly linked to lower sperm count and motility. So, while testosterone may be circulating in the blood, the organs that use it may not function as well.

Long-Term Smoking Lowers Testosterone

As mentioned previously, testosterone levels naturally decline as men age. Smoking can damage the very cells within the testes which naturally produce testosterone, causing this decline to begin much quicker. One study found that long-term smokers were more likely to experience significantly lower testosterone levels than non-smokers, particularly as they aged.

Smoking and Erectile Dysfunction

Smoking is also a major contributor to erectile dysfunction, mainly because it restricts blood flow. An erection relies on healthy circulation, and the chemicals in cigarettes damage blood vessels and reduce the body’s ability to widen them during arousal. Over time, smoking’s impact on testosterone levels and increase risk of conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease, all contribute to the increased risk of erectile dysfunction. The good news is that quitting smoking can significantly improve erectile function, especially in younger men, often within just a few months.

What Happens If You Quit Smoking?

Great news; quitting smoking can reverse some of the damage. Studies show that testosterone levels can start to normalise within weeks or months of quitting. One study found that former smokers had a significant increase in total testosterone levels, produced from the testes than current smokers. Both fertility and sexual performance also improve in time as the body recovers from the effects of smoking.

Other Ways to Boost Hormonal Balance

There are many ways to naturally support the production of healthy testosterone levels. As well as quitting:

The Bottom Line

Though it may seem like a hard prospect to quite smoking, your sexual health will thank you. Long-term effects of smoking on hormone health and fertility are overwhelmingly damaging. From damaging sperm quality to reducing testosterone production as you age, cigarettes and vaping take a serious toll on your hormonal balance.

If you’re thinking about quitting smoking, you’re not just protecting your lungs, you’re doing your hormones a favour too. If you need help quitting smoking there’s never a better time than now. Don’t delay, and find the best route for you.