Editor’s note: This article was originally published in September 2024 and was updated to include new research and testing information.
Alcohol has been called “liquid courage,” so it’s ironic that it can decrease the production of the sex hormone that helps men put courage into action.
As a urologist and surgeon scientist specializing in male infertility and sexual medicine, I’ve had conversations with guys who are surprised to learn that drinking alcohol can affect their testosterone levels.
This surprise can often turn into concern when men learn that this hormone is a key player in energy, mood, muscle mass, sex drive, and fertility. That’s why it’s important to understand how alcohol impacts testosterone, what symptoms to watch for if your levels are low, and how it ties into fertility if you’re starting a family.
How alcohol affects testosterone
Having the occasional drink isn’t likely to affect your testosterone levels. But if you’re consistently knocking back excessive amounts, it could become a problem.
Here’s what happens: If you drink a lot in one sitting, then your testosterone can drop in just 30 minutes. The good news? If you only drink once in a while, your levels bounce back pretty fast.
However, if you’re drinking regularly your testosterone lowers by nearly seven per cent. And if you’re a heavy drinker? Your levels could drop anywhere from 20 to 50 per cent.
So what’s the takeaway? Moderate drinking generally doesn’t harm testosterone, but reducing heavy drinking can help your hormone levels return to a healthier range. Drinking too much can also contribute to weight gain, obesity, and diabetes — conditions closely linked to low testosterone and many other health issues. Drinking too much can lead to weight gain, obesity, and even diabetes, conditions that are all linked to low testosterone and many other health issues.
If you’re wondering whether you drink too much, read more about the signs of alcohol use disorder here.
Long-term drinking and testosterone
The long-term effects of alcohol on testosterone are still being studied, but we’re always learning more. Last year, one study found that ongoing alcohol use significantly reduces testosterone levels. Curious about your drinking habits? You can learn more about the signs of alcohol use disorder here. The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) also has helpful info on alcohol and health guidance that can be useful.
Signs of low testosterone
The symptoms of low testosterone (low T) can be vague and overlap with a bunch of other health issues. This is why you may not even realize you have this condition; you could just feel “off.”
Here’s a rundown of some common signs:
Sexual symptoms
- Decreased sex drive
- Trouble with ejaculation or less volume
- Fewer morning erections
Mental symptoms
- Feeling tired all the time (even after a good night’s sleep)
- Feeling down or experiencing mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating or experiencing “brain fog”
- Trouble falling and/or staying asleep
Physical symptoms
- Gaining fat and having a hard time losing it
- Losing muscle mass and strength
- Hair loss on your scalp, face, underarms, pubic area, or pretty much anywhere else hair grows
- Fatigue (caused by low T impacting red blood cell production)
When to get tested
If these symptoms are familiar, it might be time to talk to your healthcare provider. While routine testosterone tests aren’t something most doctors order unless they have a reason. For instance, erectile dysfunction often prompts a test. It’s worth raising if you’re experiencing multiple symptoms.
As men get older, testosterone levels naturally decline. By age 40, about a quarter of men have low T. Although for some men it starts as soon as their 30s.
How to get tested for testosterone
In Canada, getting tested typically requires a doctor’s referral. Here’s what to expect:
Timing matters: Tests should be done in the morning (ideally between 7-11 a.m.) when testosterone levels are highest.
Talk to your doctor: Explain your symptoms clearly. Be specific about changes in energy, mood, sex drive, and physical changes.
Provincial coverage: Testing is generally covered under provincial health plans when medically necessary, though coverage details vary by province.Private options: Some private clinics offer testosterone testing, but check credentials and discuss results with your healthcare provider.
Low testosterone and fertility
If your healthcare provider has recommended you take hormone-boosting supplements while you’re trying to start a family, make sure your provider is aware of your fertility goals.
It might seem like testosterone supplements boost fertility, but in many cases, taking external testosterone (like certain types of steroids or testosterone therapy) can lead to infertility.
When you take external testosterone, it can shut down your body’s natural production of the hormone and stop sperm production altogether. It’s not the outcome you want if you’re trying to start a family.
It’s best to work with a male fertility specialist to find a treatment that boosts testosterone in the safest way possible.
Can testosterone levels recover after quitting alcohol?
Here’s some encouraging news: Your testosterone levels may start improving within weeks to months after you stop drinking.
How quickly you recover depends on how long and how heavily you’ve been drinking, and whether there’s any lasting damage. One study following men in alcohol detox found that testosterone levels were significantly higher after six weeks of not drinking.
No matter where you’re starting from, it’s never too late to make a change that benefits you and your overall health.
Lifestyle changes that help testosterone levels
Manage stress: Chronic stress messes with all hormones, including testosterone. Take time to relax.
Sleep well: Good sleep supports healthy testosterone levels, so aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep every night.
Eat right: Ditch the processed junk and focus on vegetables, healthy fats (like omega-3s), and lean proteins. Basically, if it’s good for your heart, it’s good for your testosterone.
Exercise regularly: Working out boosts testosterone, but don’t go overboard. Too much exercise can actually have the opposite effect. On the flip side, a sedentary lifestyle can also lower testosterone levels.
Despite the major role that testosterone plays in men’s health, it’s easy to overlook how habits like alcohol consumption can throw it out of whack.
So stay informed, listen to your body, talk to your doctor if symptoms show up, and work towards lifestyle changes that deliver health benefits that extend far beyond testosterone. Last but not least, if you’re worried about fertility, be sure to consult a specialist before starting any testosterone therapy.
If you’d like to find out how your history and habits might affect your risk for low testosterone, check out our Men’s Health Check tool. While it’s no substitute for a diagnosis, it can help you better understand your risk level.
Have you ever experienced low testosterone and want to share your story with us? Give us a shout-out in the comments below so we can contact you. Or, email us at [email protected].
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