How Does CBD Affect Testosterone?

How Does CBD Affect Testosterone?

CBD or Cannabidiol is an active ingredient in cannabis that’s widely claimed by people to reduce pain, inflammation and stress. Though it comes from the cannabis plant, CBD is not highly psychoactive; it won’t give you a “high.” Manufacturers of CBD oils and other CBD products extract the compound CBD from the hemp plant. The quality of the hemp and compounds present in CBD oil drop matters as does the dose you use. The dosage required for each person will vary based on individual supplement needs. 

Research results surrounding CBD is new and limited, but we know for certain that CBD works with the body’s Endocannabinoid system. Among other things, this system seems to affect the secretion of hormones in people and regulate systems like the reproductive system in the body. Potential health benefits seem to stem from a re balance in the body according to limited research and testimonials. 

So, it’s no surprise that many are asking, how does CBD affect testosterone? 

How Does CBD Oil Affect The Human Body?

To understand the answer to our question in this article, you first have to understand CBD’s role in the Endocannabinoid system. Believe it or not, the human body comes equipped with cannabinoid receptors. These receptors, along with their relevant enzymes and Endocannabinoids, make up the Endocannabinoid system. 

Researchers discovered this system in the 1990s, and there’s still a lot to learn. So far, research studies have proven that it plays a role in appetite, sleep, mood, memory, and hormone secretion. Receptors called CB1 and CB2 are in our central and peripheral nervous systems, respectively. 

When Endocannabinoids, or ingested cannabinoids like those in CBD drops, activate the receptors, it sparks a chain of events. Those events may impact our mood, sleep, memory, and appetite. They can also affect the amount of oxidative stress and inflammation in our bodies. 

More: What are CBD Oil Food Supplements Good For? 

cannabidiol_food_supplement

Because CBD activates these receptors, it too can modulate oxidative stress. Studies also show that CBD reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression while facilitating neurogenesis. 

Most research results regarding CBD and the Endocannabinoid system is still preliminary, but many are still willing to try CBD oil. That’s because, according to the World Health Organization, there are no adverse side effects recorded to date, causing most to view CBD as relatively safe. 

It is important to note that although the study of CBD oils as a health supplement is increasing and much anecdotal evidence exists online for all to read, there are not enough definitive results to confirm CBD oil as a product which alleviates symptoms of various health issues. For now, CBD can and should only be sold as a food supplement like calcium for bone health, Vitamin D for immune system support and others which can be added as an extra source of nutrients to your food diet.

If you are unsure whether to add CBD products to your food diet, you can always ask your doctor first, especially if you are taking regular medications. Be sure when you do decide to purchase CBD oil that you do your research and buy one with quality ingredients, dosage recommendations and CBD drops which have been reviewed by others.

What Is Testosterone?

Now that we understand CBD compounds and the Endocannabinoid system, let’s examine testosterone. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, though females produce it as well. It’s also an anabolic steroid, which means it stimulates muscle tissue to grow. So, when it comes to sports performance, testosterone is crucial. 

How Does Testosterone Affect The Human Body?

Testosterone plays a critical role in male and female reproductive health. It forms in the male testes in massive amounts and forms in female ovaries to a lesser extent, but does occur in everyone. In both sexes, testosterone promotes more robust bones, more muscle mass, and greater red blood cell production. It also encourages a healthy libido (sex drive) and may help with memory and concentration.

If an athlete supplements with testosterone, they’ll see better performance, as well as muscle-building effects. Testosterone makes you bigger, stronger, and faster, which is why athletes tend to focus on it. 

CBD Food Supplements – How Do CBD Oils Affect Testosterone?

CBD may be helpful for athletic recovery thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-stress effects. Still, athletes who want to keep their testosterone levels high are sometimes wary of taking it. 

Some studies seem to show that CBD harms testosterone. One rat study even showed a negative impact between cannabinoids and the Leydig cells. Those are testosterone-producing cells on the testes, crucial to male reproductive health. 

testosterone and cbd

That sounds scary, but there’s also evidence that CBD is metabolised by cytochrome p450, a liver enzyme. Cytochrome P450 also breaks down testosterone, but it will choose to break down CBD first. So, some researchers theorise that the reduction of testosterone breakdown offsets any decline in testosterone production.  

Plus, we know for sure that inflammation and stress lower testosterone production. Since CBD can reduce inflammation and stress, it may help prevent low testosterone levels overall.  

Can CBD Intake Affect Drug Testing Results?

Athletic and professional drug tests aren’t looking for CBD; they’re looking for THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Even the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) approves of the use of CBD. 

That said, many CBD products contain THC in small amounts. So, it’s a good idea to check your labels and only buy CBD from suppliers you trust.  

Can CBD Oils Affect Performance In Sports?

CBD isn’t a performance-enhancing drug, but it can help with recovery. As with anything CBD-related, we need more research, but preliminary findings suggest that CBD has potent anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects that benefit sports recovery. 

It’s also likely that CBD promotes faster healing of skeletal injuries. And, it may help with sports performance anxiety that some athletes experience in the days or hours leading up to an event. 

How Do I Take CBD Health Food Supplements?

CBD is available in various forms. You can ingest it as a capsule, oil, or edible, such as a gummy or other sweet. If you consume it in edible form, it will take up to two hours to take effect, and you’ll only absorb 20-30% of it. Your liver and digestive tract will break most of the CBD down before it hits your bloodstream. 

body_diet_cbd

That’s why many choose to ingest CBD sublingually or under the tongue. This way the mucus membranes under your tongue can absorb CBD compounds directly into your bloodstream in twenty minutes, providing a quick and potent effect. 

For injuries or inflamed joints, many choose to use a CBD balm or cream. Topicals can provide concentrated relief to one area of the body this way, but the skin can only absorb certain amounts. So, it’s a good idea to use a potent CBD product if you plan to use it directly on your skin. 

Final Thoughts

Research surrounding CBD compounds, the Endocannabinoid system, and hormones is primarily preliminary. Scientists aren’t entirely sure how CBD interacts with testosterone. 

Though there’s some evidence to suggest that CBD hurts testosterone, the benefits seem to outweigh the risks. CBD appears to have legitimate anti-inflammatory effects, and inflammation is a significant contributor to low testosterone numbers. 

CBD may not increase your athletic performance, but it probably won’t hinder it either. Plus, it can be helpful for recovery. And since it’s available in various forms, there’s little reason to avoid trying CBD.  

Shannon O’Sullivan
Shannon is an avid CBD user and health writer whose years of experience trying many different brands including Dr. Hemp Me, Endoca and more. Sign up for her free newsletter here or visit her Linkedin profile.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 1

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *