Zinc reduces androgens (testosterone) and raises it. This depends on what the person needs. If you are a female with PCOS you may need zinc to reduce testosterone, whilst a male low in testosterone will benefit from zinc to bring testosterone back to healthy levels.
Zinc is a mineral that is essential for many of the body's normal functions and systems, including the immune system, wound healing, blood clotting, thyroid function, and the senses of taste and smell. Zinc also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood and adolescence.
Zinc Helps Control Aromatase
By controlling the aromatase enzyme, which would otherwise cause testosterone to convert into estrogen.
In general, a common and safe recommendation for zinc in the treatment of male hypogonadism is 220 mg of zinc sulfate (equivalent to 50 mg of elemental zinc) twice a day, over one to four months. Additionally, it may be further required to extend, both the treatment, dose and daily fractionation of this mineral.
Zinc can rebalance these hormone levels through its antiandrogenic activity which will raise estrogen and progesterone back to baseline.
Zinc increases the synthesis of the growth hormone and its number of receptors; thus, it is an important mediator in the binding of this hormone to its receptor. Found in a large quantity in the pancreas tissue, zinc has a part in the regulation of the effect of insulin.
An adult should be getting at least 40 mg of zinc per day. If you're taking a zinc supplement I recommend around 30 mg for anyone interested in balancing their hormones.
The study concluded that zinc supplementation increased serum testosterone levels and confirmed it plays an important role in controlling testosterone levels in normal men.
Zinc is an essential mineral that is required for many processes in the body. The mineral is especially important for regulating hormones. Specifically, zinc can either raise or decrease hormone levels depending on what your body needs.
Fortunately, quality sleep, physical activity, weight management, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D can all help sustain healthy testosterone levels.
Recommended Amounts. RDA: The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults 19+ years is 11 mg a day for men and 8 mg for women. Pregnancy and lactation requires slightly more at 11 mg and 12 mg, respectively.
In clinical trials, magnesium raised both total and free testosterone in average men. Additionally, in a study conducted with athletes found that Magnesium combined with Zinc had even larger testosterone effects.
Zinc is also really important for the skin, for wound healing, and also to maintain your smell and taste. You're looking at roughly 50 milligrams a day supplement and you can top it up through your diet.
The bottom line
Adults should avoid taking more than 40 mg of zinc each day. If you accidentally take more than this, it's more likely to cause stomach symptoms than any serious health problems. Check with your healthcare provider if you are considering taking zinc supplements.
Your body doesn't need a large amount of zinc. The recommended daily allowance for adults is 8 - 11 mg. It's common to have slightly low levels of zinc, but taking a multivitamin, plus eating a healthy diet, should give you all the zinc you need.
Zinc supports hair growth, strengthens hair follicles and increases thickness. Just as zinc deficiency can cause hair loss, so can excess levels of zinc. Taking zinc supplements in moderation with proper medical advice is key.
Zinc is also an essential nutrient for hair growth, and a severe zinc deficiency could lead to hair loss.
Zinc and other trace elements such as copper and selenium are required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, and deficiency of these can result in hypothyroidism. Conversely, thyroid hormones are essential for the absorption of zinc, and hence hypothyroidism can result in acquired zinc deficiency.
What You Need to Know. There really is a link between Vitamin D and Testosterone. One large-scale study showed a 30% increase in Total T after taking Vitamin D. Some data has even shown that just sunlight can increase Testosterone.
Studies have shown that zinc can improve both sperm quality and the volume of your semen – and can also give your testosterone levels a boost.
Can zinc be harmful? Yes, too much zinc can be harmful. Signs of too much zinc include nausea, dizziness, headaches, upset stomach, vomiting, and loss of appetite. If you take too much zinc for a long time, you could have problems such as lower immunity, low levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol, and low copper levels.
Zinc acutely and temporarily inhibits adrenal cortisol secretion in humans.
Zinc Inhibits Expression of Androgen Receptor to Suppress Growth of Prostate Cancer Cells.
Zinc helps to regulate the menstrual cycle by nourishing healthy ovarian follicles and therefore promoting ovulation. Premenstrual mood symptoms. According to a 2022 randomized clinical trial, zinc supplementation can improve PMS.