The Effects Of Alcohol On Your Testosterone Levels

​You were enjoying your night having a glass of vodka with green chili and lemon until someone tells you about how it will affect your testosterone levels and you might not be able to produce any babies.

You feel depressed, unable to throw the vodka through the window or drink it with full pleasure. You feel as if every head of a coin has a tail behind it. When you decide to ditch vodka and start using other forms of alcohol, you hear all alcohols affect your testosterone negatively.

'It's such a cruel world.'

You might think. But then again, there are some details that you might've missed. Something that will bring you back on track with alcohol again. Stick to the end to get the complete picture.

Does Alcohol Really Have Any Effect On Your Testosterone Levels?

Let's find out...

Well, there is no short and straightforward answer. And saying that little alcohol affects testosterone is not proper as well. It's much complicated than a simple 'Yes' or 'No' answer.

In a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, alcohol was administered to male volunteers to determine whether ethanol per se affects testosterone metabolism. They found out that alcohol can indeed negatively impact testosterone levels. Period.

So, how does alcohol lower testosterone?

It depends on what type of alcohol you consume and how often. Different alcohol reacts differently in the body. There are in fact some alcohols that positively affect testosterone levels. I will come to that later.

Ethanol lowers the amount of the coenzyme NAD+

A study conducted in 1987 shows that the metabolism of ethanol reduces the amount of the coenzyme NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) inside the liver and testes. NAD+ plays a vital part in the production of testosterone and various other androgens.

Alcohol Consumption and Aromatase

Large and frequent consumption of alcohol will boost aromatase activities. Aromatase is 'the manliness killer' which converts testosterone into estrogen (the female hormone). A study conducted in New York proved this. Surely, you don't want that. Beer contains phytoestrogen that can increase estrogen levels.

An increase in estrogen will lead to the decrease of testosterone levels. So, if you have a long-term relationship with beer, then say goodbye to testosterone. Meanwhile, in women, excessive alcohol consumption leads to the increase in testosterone levels in their body.

Alcohol and Testosterone Synthesis

According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, alcohol abuse can lead to the destruction of testosterone molecules as a result of the effects of cortisol. This study also mentions that men who are addicted to alcohol have significantly lower testosterone levels and higher estrogen levels.

Thus, alcohol inhibits the secretion of testosterone....if you give enough time and opportunity to do so.

There is no reason to get distressed if you aren't suffering from alcohol abuse or addiction. Alcohol in low dose or moderate consumption will bring no harm. You could even increase testosterone levels a bit if it is taken in low dose. Alcoholism - Clinical and Experimental Research published a study proves this.

What a relief!

So, you can have that vodka back - well, in small doses of course.

If you can't limit your daily alcohol quota into a 'low-dose,' you can at least try the moderate consumption that won't invoke any harm. Limit yourself with 2-3 drink a day, and you might not end up draining out a significant amount of testosterone.

There must be some kind of alcohol that could do well to testosterone, you might wonder. There is.

Red Wine Good for Testosterone Levels?

Red wine contains resveratrol that is a proven aromatase-inhibitor. That means it will hinder the activity of aromatase which converts testosterone into estrogen. Red Wine also contains anti-oxidants which make you healthier. Researchers at Kingston University, London published their study in Nutrition Journal that red wine boosts testosterone in the body by preventing it from being discharged through urine. Red wine has polyphenols just like dark chocolates, and it is said that polyphenols can reduce cortisol. Reducing cortisol means an increase in testosterone levels.

Red wine seems to be the best alcohol for testosterone, comparing to other liquors. Considering that fact, it may be acknowledged as the best alcohol for men. Not that it will provide you with the 'drunkenness' you crave.

Testosterone Recovery and Alcohol Abuse

But if you are reading this after years of alcohol abuse and seriously think that you've diminished your testosterone levels. Then maybe you are ready to put a break to your routine and recover testosterone back into your body, there are ways you can do that.

Does Alcohol Lower Testosterone Permanently?

First thing if you've decided to recover testosterone after all these years of alcohol abuse is to stay being sober for some weeks.

If you don't touch alcohol again for some time, your testosterone levels will naturally get recovered, and estrogen levels will be significantly reduced. This was proven after a trial conducted in Sweden with the participation of 29 male alcoholics.

And if you want to boost testosterone levels, even more, start following a strict diet with Foods that Boost Testosterone Naturally. There are also Mucuna Prurine Supplements out there which could increase testosterone levels. Commit yourself in exercises and weightlifting, and you can replenish your testosterone in no time.