Does smoking lower testosterone?

Over many years now, it has become a widely known fact that smoking is a silent killer. Even though smoking cigarettes may not be considered a traditional drug addiction, you have to realize that cigarettes wrapped in nicotine are not only addictive but can also bring life-threatening consequences to your health. It is somewhat surprising to find out that smoking cigarettes don’t really affect serum testosterone levels. In fact, numerous studies out there can support this statement.

What does science say about smoking and testosterone?

One study compared the testosterone levels in both smokers and non-smokers. When the results came in, the study revealed that on average, the testosterone levels in the participants were virtually the same. Due to this, it seems likely that your testosterone levels may be left unaffected by smoking. There was some similar research carried out where the participants were heavy chain smokers and non-smokers. The results of the study showed that serum testosterone levels and androgen levels were virtually the same in both groups.

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Another study discovered something even more surprising when they conducted research on men who had quit smoking. Within the first few months of withdrawal, there was a slight increase in testosterone levels. However, after one year, the participants’ T levels had returned back to the same level they were when they used to smoke. In actual fact, some men experienced quite a large dip in their T levels.

How smoking can affect your hormones

It has been said that men who have higher testosterone levels stand more of a chance of getting into potentially dangerous situations such as smoking, drinking, and gambling. This led many researchers to believe that smokers have higher T levels, which are responsible for their jeopardizing activities. Put simply, men with more testosterone are more likely to become smokers, compared to those with low T. Further research has suggested that cigarettes can metabolize testosterone very quickly. Additionally, this also means that smoking makes testosterone metabolism in the liver more efficient. How smoking can actually help the body in any way, is quite a lot to get your head around. However, what is strange is that the metabolizing effect doesn’t change the testosterone levels in the serum of smokers. There are many studies out there that support the harm-free effects of cigarettes on T levels. Although, there is one study that provided some puzzling results. This particular study suggested that there is no real difference in the testosterone levels of smokers and non-smokers. But, what smoking can do is reduce your zinc levels. Zinc is one of the main principal minerals that your body needs to produce testosterone. What this may propose is that smoking combined with a poor diet can cause a zinc deficiency, which could then lead to low testosterone.

So, smoking isn’t bad for your health after all?

We may have identified that there is plenty of research to state that smoking doesn’t affect your testosterone levels. However, it’s certainly not off the hook. Smoking can cause many other health complications, such as:

• Smoking causes around 7 out of 10 cases of lung cancer and can also put you are risk of developing cancer in other parts of the body including; the mouth, throat, bladder, bowel, liver, and stomach
• It also damages your heart and blood circulation which increases the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes
• Pneumonia
• Asthma and other respiratory tract infections
• Erectile dysfunction or reduced sexual function
• Reduces fertility

Also Read: Want to quit sugar?

Our conclusion

To continue smoking on the basis that it won’t harm your testosterone levels is really not a sensible choice. If your overall health is not good then you won’t be able to maintain those T levels for a prolonged period of time. The best thing you can do for yourself and your health is to quit smoking. Now, we know this is somewhat easier said than done, however, the benefits of stopping outweigh continuing. In order to quit smoking you could try:

• Nicotine replacement therapy
• Avoiding triggers
• Chew gum
• Get moving
• Relaxation techniques
• Find support online
• Remind yourself why you’re stopping

Boost your T with Testogen

Sure, studies may have shown that there isn't too much difference in T-levels between guys who smoke and those that don't... However, alongside regular smoking, other bad habits can start to appear, such as drinking too much alcohol and making bad food choices. Of course, we'd always recommend cutting back on smoking, if not stopping altogether! This will allow you to keep your health in check and stay on top of your testosterone levels. If you think there's something else going on that could be affecting your T (and therefore your mood, performance, and libido, among a few other things) have you considered how Testogen might be able to help? Testogen utilizes 100% natural ingredients to safely elevate your testosterone levels. Its all-natural formula provides complete testosterone support for all male health and well-being. With Testogen, you can expect to experience:

• Revamped energy levels
• Improved performance
• Boosted muscle growth
• Revitalized libido
• Fat loss

Get yours today, don’t let your T levels get you down.