In the testes, alcohol can adversely affect the Leydig cells, which produce and secrete the hormone testosterone. Studies found that heavy alcohol consumption results in reduced testosterone levels in the blood.
The Direct Effect of Alcohol on Your Testosterone
Ethanol alcohol is a testicular toxin, and these large doses reduce testosterone function, sperm count, fertility, and can even cause permanent damage to the testes. Alcoholic men are known to suffer higher rates of infertility and extremely low testosterone levels.
If a person refrains from drinking for up to two weeks or more, then the body will naturally increase testosterone levels and reduce the negative impact on the brain. Again, boosting testosterone is possible through a healthy diet, exercise, and a lack of drinking.
Moderate consumption of beer can increase testosterone levels, which can lead to increased muscle mass, bone density and sex drive. However, heavy drinking can lead to decreased testosterone levels, which can lead to decreased muscle mass, weight gain, fatigue and depression.
Caffeine generally has a positive impact on testosterone levels. It has been shown that men that consume caffeine on a regular basis, on average, have more testosterone than those that don't. Not only this but the estradiol levels, both free and total, have been reduced.
For men, alcohol depresses the central nervous system which means it can make it difficult for some men to get, and keep, an erection. Drinking may also prevent or delay orgasm. Drinking heavily over an extended period can even turn a temporary condition into longer term impotence.
In general, chronic excessive alcohol intake is known to decrease testosterone levels; however, moderate alcohol intake results in various effects on testosterone levels.
What do you mean by heavy drinking? For men, heavy drinking is typically defined as consuming 15 drinks or more per week. For women, heavy drinking is typically defined as consuming 8 drinks or more per week.
"Some, but not all, men with higher levels of testosterone are more likely to engage in behavior that cancels out the beneficial effects of testosterone." Those with higher levels of testosterone are more inclined to smoke, drink alcohol excessively and indulge in risky behavior that leads to injury.
Studies found that heavy alcohol consumption results in reduced testosterone levels in the blood. Alcohol also impairs the function of the testicular Sertoli cells that play an important role in sperm maturation.
Despite these benefits, caffeine has been implicated in a number of adverse health outcomes possibly due to effects within the endocrine system, effects that may contribute to impaired reproductive function and low testosterone in men.
1-2 drinks per day for the general public, is considered moderation. As a bodybuilder looking for the best possible muscle gains, maybe 1 drink per day or even 1 drink per week would meet your goals. However, 6-7 drinks would be detrimental to your muscle-building endeavours.
TESTOSTERONE. Testosterone secretion has a diurnal pattern of secretion. Peak levels are reached in the morning between 07.00 and 10.00, a trough is seen in the evening and levels then begin to rise again at night.
You can boost testosterone fast by getting enough sleep, as morning testosterone levels are impacted after only one night of sleep loss. Testosterone levels are also elevated directly after heavy resistance training. Long term, focus on keeping sleep debt low, cutting down on alcohol, and lowering stress levels.
Alcohols bind with other atoms to create secondary alcohols. These secondary alcohols are the three types of alcohol that humans use every day: methanol, isopropanol, and ethanol.
Drinking a bottle of wine a day may rapidly increase the likelihood of physical and chemical alcohol addiction developing. Drinking a bottle per day equates to approximately 9 units per day or 63 units per week, far in excess of UK NHS recommended guidelines (14 units per week)[1].