In the diverse world of natural remedies, kratom stands out as a plant steeped in controversy. Long used in traditional medicine for its alleged discomfort-relieving and mood-boosting properties, this botanical from Southeast Asia now faces scrutiny over a less desirable potential effect: the lowering of testosterone levels. The truth behind this claim is shrouded in a fog of myths, personal testimonies, and scientific studies. So, does the use of kratom truly lower testosterone levels? It’s time to pull back the veil and delve into kratom’s effects on testosterone.
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, but it plays a crucial role in both men and women. In males, this natural hormone is produced mainly in the testicles, while in females, it’s produced in the ovaries, although in much smaller amounts. The adrenal glands in both sexes also produce testosterone.
Testosterone is a type of androgen, a category of hormones that contribute to the development of traits traditionally viewed as masculine, such as a deep voice, body hair, and muscle mass. During puberty in males, testosterone spurs the growth of the reproductive tissues like the testes and prostate, and it also promotes secondary sexual characteristics like increased muscle and bone mass.
But testosterone is not just about physical attributes and sexual function. It’s also vital for general health and well-being. It contributes to energy levels, mood, cognitive function, and bone health. Too little or too much testosterone in the body can lead to a range of health issues. Understanding the role of testosterone in the body is crucial when considering any substance or activity that might alter its levels, including kratom consumption.
Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, can result in various symptoms and health issues since this hormone plays a crucial role in numerous bodily functions. The effects of low testosterone levels can vary among individuals, and some may experience few or mild symptoms, while others may experience more severe or numerous symptoms. Here are some potential effects:
Low testosterone levels can lead to physical changes, including:
Testosterone plays a key role in sexual development and function. Low testosterone levels can result in:
Lower testosterone levels can lead to sleep disturbances or other sleep abnormalities.
Testosterone influences mood and mental capacity. With low levels, one might experience the following:
Low testosterone is also linked to metabolic changes. It can lead to:
So, does kratom lower testosterone? The purported effects of the use of kratom on testosterone levels are a topic of much debate, and the information is often based on anecdotal reports and personal experiences rather than scientific evidence. Some regular kratom users believe that this versatile herb from Southeast Asia may lower testosterone hormone levels, potentially reducing libido and the ability to build muscle mass. Others, however, report the opposite effect, feeling an increased libido since they started using kratom. These contrasting views may reflect the significant differences in individual responses to kratom, as well as the variable effects of kratom based on dosage and strain.
In high doses, some regular kratom users may experience lower levels of physiological arousal. This could manifest as a temporary decrease in libido, but it’s unlikely to stem from decreased testosterone levels. Instead, this effect could be more related to the sedative properties of kratom at high doses, which may depress certain user functions temporarily. Lowering the kratom dose or switching strains often alleviates these symptoms.
At lower doses, kratom consumption acts as a stimulant and could potentially increase libido and sex drive. It may also indirectly affect libido by uplifting mood and increasing sociability due to its impact on brain chemicals like serotonin. However, the National Institute on Drug Abuse does not list erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, or lower testosterone production as possible side effects of kratom. Instead, it highlights kratom’s mood-lifting effects, its potential for discomfort relief, and even its use as an aphrodisiac.
The effect of kratom on testosterone levels is not as straightforward as it might seem. In fact, a study specifically investigating this issue found surprising results. Researchers recruited 19 regular kratom users, conducting full-blood tests on each participant. These tests included numerous steps, such as establishing testosterone level, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone profile, and hematological and biochemical parameters.
Kratom users in the study regularly had kratom tea/juice consumption with a mitragynine dose ranging from 76.23 to 94.15 mg for prolonged periods. The results of the study showed that long-term kratom consumption did not adversely impair testosterone levels, gonadotrophins, or any of the other parameters tested.
In conclusion, regular kratom users who were consistent with their kratom tea/juice consumption over a prolonged period did not have any link to testosterone reduction effects in people, according to the study’s findings. However, this study had a small sample size. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between kratom consumption and a user’s testosterone level.
Since there’s no concrete scientific evidence indicating that kratom impacts testosterone production, what does this herb from Southeast Asia do for the body? Here are some effects of kratom on the body:
Kratom leaves are often used for discomfort relief. This is because the compounds in the leaves can interact with receptors in the brain.
Some kratom users report feeling a mood elevation after using kratom. This is likely due to the impact of kratom on receptors in the brain, which can release neurotransmitters that bring about feelings of happiness.
At lower doses, kratom can have a stimulant-like effect, providing kratom users with increased energy. This is likely due to the impact of kratom on the sympathetic nervous system, which results in increased heart rate and alertness.
Some regular kratom users use this botanical to help with digestive issues. It can potentially slow down the movement of food through the digestive tract.
However, kratom can also have negative effects on the body, including:
Kratom can be addictive. Regular use can lead to physical dependence, and kratom withdrawal symptoms can include muscle aches, irritability, hostility, aggression, and emotional changes.
There have been reports of kratom users experiencing liver damage after using kratom for prolonged periods. This is not common but is a serious potential side effect.
High doses of kratom products like kratom extracts can lead to a rapid heart rate (tachycardia), and in some cases, it can cause a heart attack. People with pre-existing heart conditions should be particularly cautious.
Although rare, there have been reports of deaths related to kratom use, typically when used with other substances.
While kratom is legal in many parts of the world, its safety and efficacy for medical use have not been thoroughly studied. It is also not regulated by the FDA. As a result, the quality and purity of kratom products can vary, which can also influence their effects on the body.
Based on a clinical study, long-term consumption of this botanical from Southeast Asia does not affect the testosterone level in regular users. However, individual experiences may vary, and some users have reported a perceived reduction in testosterone-related functions, such as libido and muscle mass.
Anecdotal evidence suggests mixed results. Some users have reported an initial decrease in libido which normalized over time, while others report an increase in libido. This may be related to the dose and strain of kratom used, as well as individual physiological differences.
As mentioned earlier, long-term consumption of kratom does not seem to reduce testosterone levels. Therefore, it’s unlikely that kratom use would lead directly to symptoms of low testosterone levels. However, high doses of kratom can have sedative effects, which may lead to a temporary decrease in overall arousal, including libido.
The effects of kratom can vary based on dosage. Lower doses, which have a stimulant effect, are unlikely to decrease testosterone levels and may even increase libido. Higher doses, which have a more sedative effect, may lead to a temporary decrease in arousal, but this is not likely linked to a decrease in testosterone production.
The question “Does kratom lower testosterone?” has provoked a lot of curiosity and debate. As we’ve navigated through the complexities of kratom’s interaction with the body and testosterone, we’ve found that the relationship is not as straightforward as some might believe. Clinical studies suggest that long-term consumption of this wonder herb from Southeast Asia does not impact testosterone levels.
However, the narrative of individual experiences is far more varied, with some users reporting changes in libido and other testosterone-related functions. Understanding these effects hinges on multiple factors, such as dosage and individual physiology. As we continue to explore the world of kratom, the truth remains partially veiled, reminding us of the importance of further research on this intriguing herb from Southeast Asia.
CONTENT DISCLAIMER: The content on this page is strictly for entertainment purposes only. The content below has not been medically reviewed and is not intended to offer advice for use or intended use. For more information about kratom and its potential dangers, please visit the fda.gov site.