If you are just beginning your kratom journey, or if you’re an experienced user increasing your knowledge of kratom, you may have some questions about what effects this plant can have on the body. Kratom’s popularity has been booming thanks to its wellness-enhancing effects, but how does it affect hormone levels like testosterone?
Let’s dive into the latest science to uncover the truth and take the mystery out of this amazing botanical:
What is Kratom, Anyway?
In case you’re new to the world of kratom, here’s a quick refresher. Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, especially in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Its leaves contain over 40 naturally occurring chemical compounds called alkaloids. The most pertinent alkaloids are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These two alkaloids have been shown to interact with certain receptors in the brain and central nervous system. Depending on the strain and dosage, kratom can be used for focus and vitality, increased tranquility, or a combination of these effects.
A Quick Overview of Testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone that plays a key role in muscle growth, bone density, mood regulation, and reproductive health. While it’s primarily thought of as a “male hormone,” women also produce small amounts of testosterone, and it’s crucial for their health, too.
When testosterone levels dip too low, symptoms can include fatigue, mood changes (not the good kind), and decreased libido. These are just a few of the reasons why people want to make sure that botanicals like kratom aren’t going to cause a significant decline in these hormones.
Does Kratom Affect Testosterone?
To date, the connection between kratom and testosterone has not been extensively studied or peer-reviewed, but there are some clues emerging from research in the last few years that may help answer the question, “Does kratom lower testosterone?”
Human Case Reports: It’s Mixed
A recent 2018 study looked to assess what hormone-altering effects, if any, were found in regular kratom users. Researchers recruited 19 regular kratom users who had been consuming kratom tea or juice for over two years.
The study participants underwent full blood tests to measure their testosterone levels, as well as levels of other key hormones like LH and FSH. The researchers also looked at the users’ hematological (blood) and biochemical parameters to get a full picture of their overall health.
Results
This study found that long-term kratom use did not impair testosterone levels or disrupt gonadotropins (LH and FSH). Even after consuming kratom daily for over two years, with doses of mitragynine ranging from 76.23 mg to 94.15 mg, the participants showed no signs of reduced testosterone or other hormone imbalances related to kratom.
Another study published in 2023 investigated the impact of kratom on overall male sexual health. This pilot study was conducted with 165 males, mostly between the ages of 18 – 40 years of age, using surveys disseminated on Twitter and Reddit that measured the participants’ sexual health before and after 4 weeks of kratom use.
The conclusions drawn from this study were mixed and demonstrated a complex relationship with male sexual health. The results of kratom’s effects were split between 37.8% and 37.2%, respectively, with some users reporting improved sexual performance while others experienced issues like erectile dysfunction or a decrease in sexual desire.
While the study suggests that kratom can delay ejaculation (which might be a good thing for some men), it also highlights mixed results regarding other aspects of male sexual health. The findings are actually very similar to what has been seen in other substances like antidepressants, which can also affect sexual function.
Unlike the previous2018 study, which made direct measurements of hormone levels in the body of participants, this 2023 study has limitations:
- Self-Reported Data: Since all of the data was collected from users on social media platforms, it’s possible there may be some bias or inaccuracies in their responses.
- Recall Bias: Participants were asked to compare their sexual health before and after using kratom, which may lead to inaccurate memories or recall.
- Generalizability: Because the participants were from online social media communities, they may not represent the broader population of kratom users.
Protect Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself
If you’re a regular kratom user and want to keep your testosterone levels in check, there are a few simple steps you can take:
- Moderation is Key: Like most things in life, moderation is your ally when it comes to kratom. Overusing kratom may increase the potential for side effects, so sticking to moderate doses is a very smart approach.
- Stay Active: Exercise has been shown to boost testosterone levels in men and women. If you’re concerned about your hormone health, make sure to incorporate regular physical activity into your wellness routine, if you haven’t already.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Certain nutrients, like zinc, magnesium, and healthy fats, are essential for testosterone production. Eating a diet rich in whole foods can help support hormone health.
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: If you’re worried about how kratom might affect your testosterone, check in with your healthcare provider. They can run tests to monitor your hormone levels and offer personalized advice.
Kratom and Testosterone: Takeaways
So, does kratom lower testosterone? Well, the simple answer is that the jury is still out. Evidence in humans is limited, and there are not enough current studies on kratom that are looking to answer questions like this.
The primary takeaway from existing studies is that if you are using kratom and feel great, you probably don’t have much to worry about. Many people use kratom without any noticeable effects on their hormones. But if you are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, it might be worth considering whether kratom could be playing a role, so talk to your healthcare provider for guidance.
Until more research is done, it’s best to approach kratom with awareness and moderation. Have fun exploring kratom, and remember that balance is the key! Always start with the lowest possible dose and only increase your intake after your body adjusts.
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