Extensive research has focused on CBD and its impact on hormonal balance, particularly due to the role of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). This article explores the potential benefits of CBD for testosterone levels.

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone that belongs to a class of male sex hormones called androgens. It plays a crucial role in the development of male reproductive tissues and the maintenance of male characteristics. While it is primarily associated with males, females also produce small amounts of testosterone.

Functions of testosterone

1. Development of Male Reproductive Organs: Testosterone is vital for the development of the male reproductive system, including the testes and prostate.
2. Secondary Sexual Characteristics: During puberty, testosterone contributes to the development of secondary sexual characteristics in males, such as increased muscle mass, body hair growth, deepening of the voice, and the growth of the Adam's apple.
3. Sperm Production: Testosterone is necessary for the production of sperm in the testes.
4. Bone Density: It plays a role in maintaining bone density and muscle mass.
5. Libido: Testosterone influences sexual desire or libido.
6. Mood and Energy: Testosterone levels can impact mood, energy levels, and overall well-being.

Factors that affect testosterone levels

Testosterone levels typically decrease with age, and low levels may be associated with various health conditions. Medical conditions such as hypogonadism can lead to lower-than-normal testosterone levels, requiring medical attention and, in some cases, hormone replacement therapy.

Can CBD affect levels of testosterone?

Research on the possible roles of CBD on testosterone levels is quite unclear. While relationship between the endocannabinoid system and CBD may be vital for controlling the endocannabinoid’s system effect on testosterone levels, chronic cannabis uses have been associated with alteration in reproductive hormone levels.

Report from a 2019 study shows that Continuous exposure to cannabinoids in male rats and humans has been linked to lower sperm count, decreased testosterone levels, and reduced luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. For females, ongoing exposure to cannabinoids can delay sexual maturation, disrupt the menstrual cycle, hinder ovarian follicular maturation, and lower LH and sex hormone levels.

Another study from 2020 shows that chronic use of CBD had negative effect on the male reproductive system including hormones like testosterone.

A more recent study in 2023 reported otherwise. Research findings from the 2023 research shows that using CBD without a doctor's prescription didn't show more cases of high or low testosterone levels in men. Also, CBD use was linked to lower levels of a hormone related to diabetes and a lower chance of having low testosterone in older men compared to what's normal for their age.

Contrary to research findings, some individuals who have used CBD believed it reduced their stress and inflammation thus improving testosterone levels and sexual performance. It is also pertinent to note that high levels of inflammation and stress can lead to reduced testosterone production.

Relationship between testosterone and endocannabinoid system

The relationship between testosterone and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is complex and not fully understood, but there is evidence suggesting that the ECS may play a role in regulating testosterone levels. The ECS is a signaling system in the body involved in maintaining homeostasis and regulating various physiological processes.

Here are some key points regarding the relationship between testosterone and the endocannabinoid system:

1. Receptor Presence: Both CB1 (cannabinoid receptor type 1) and CB2 (cannabinoid receptor type 2) receptors, which are part of the endocannabinoid system, are found in the male reproductive organs, including the testes and sperm cells.
2. Spermatogenesis: The endocannabinoid system appears to be involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis, the process of sperm cell development. CB1 receptors are present in the testes, and studies suggest that endocannabinoids may influence the various stages of spermatogenesis.
3. Feedback Mechanism: The ECS may play a role in a feedback mechanism that regulates the release of hormones, including testosterone. Some studies have suggested that cannabinoids can influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which is a key system in the regulation of sex hormones.

Frequently asked questions

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Sources

Walker, O.S., Holloway, A.C. & Raha, S. The role of the endocannabinoid system in female reproductive tissues. J Ovarian Res 12, 3 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13048-018-0478-9

Kaufmann, R., Bozer, A. H., Kube Jotte, A. R., & Aqua, K. (2023). The Effects of Long-Term Self-Dosing of Cannabidiol on Drowsiness, Testosterone Levels, and Liver Function. Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids, 6(1), 32-40. https://doi.org/10.1159/000529677

Carvalho RK, Andersen ML, Mazaro-Costa R. The effects of cannabidiol on male reproductive system: A literature review. J Appl Toxicol. 2020 Jan;40(1):132-150. doi: 10.1002/jat.3831. Epub 2019 Jul 17. PMID: 31313338.

Hehemann MC, Raheem OA, Rajanahally S, Holt S, Chen T, Fustok JN, Song K, Rylander H, Chow E, Ostrowski KA, Muller CH, Walsh TJ. Evaluation of the impact of marijuana use on semen quality: a prospective analysis. Ther Adv Urol. 2021 Jul 20;13:17562872211032484. doi: 10.1177/17562872211032484. PMID: 34367341; PMCID: PMC8299873.

da Silva J, Dochez-Arnault J, Desdoits-Lethimonier C, Dejucq-Rainsford N, Gely-Pernot A. The Acute Exposure of Human Adult Testis Tissue to Cannabinoids THC and CBD Does Not Impact Testosterone Production Nor Germ Cell Lineage. World J Mens Health. 2023 Oct;41(4):928-939. https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.220210