The Link Between CBD and Testosterone Levels

The question about CBD’s effects on testosterone and other hormones is a frequently asked question among the cannabis community. If you are wondering if medical marijuana can potentially help balance certain hormones, read below to learn more.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol CBD is a chemical found in marijuana, and the cannabis plant is used to manage various health conditions such as inflammatory and neuropathic pain. CBD is a cannabinoid found in marijuana, hemp, and the Cannabis Sativa plant.

Hemp-derived CBD products do not contain THC, the chemical in marijuana that causes psychoactive effects referred to as a high. However, some CBD products are derivatives of marijuana and contain small amounts of THC.

CBD manages many health conditions, from skin irritation to neurodegenerative disease. More research is constantly being done to learn more about CBD and its benefits for the human body.

Hemp-derived CBD oil

Hemp oil has a higher CBD content than marijuana, and many products on the market contain hemp-derived CBD rather than marijuana-derived CBD products. Hemp seed oil comes from the Cannabis Sativa family and has long been used to make clothing, paper, and cloth for medical purposes.

Cannabis-derived CBD oil

CBD is found in all strains of cannabis, both Indica, and Sativa. Marijuana contains a much higher THC content than hemp and contains other chemicals that can aid and bolster the effects when you extract CBD. Cannabis plants also have higher levels than hemp plants.

The CBD molecule is the same regardless of where it is derived from; however, cannabis-based CBD products can contain higher levels of THC than the 0.3% hemp products have.

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone naturally made in the body’s main sex organs. The beginning of testosterone production begins during puberty and continues through adult life. As humans age, the production of these hormones slows down around age thirty. Although this is a natural occurrence, this hormone reduction can impact the body in various ways.

The brain and pituitary gland control the body’s testosterone production and distribution. It is related to sex drive and sperm production in men. It also plays a role in bone and muscle development, growth, and maintenance, fat storage, and blood cell production.

How important is testosterone in the body?

Testosterone plays a vital role in male and female health. It helps to regulate libido, muscle mass/strength, bone mass, and distribution of essential fatty acids in the human body. Testosterone levels also contributes to sperm and red blood cell production in men.

Cannabidiol and the ECS

CBD doesn’t produce the same psychoactive effect on most people as THC. There isn’t a mental state of euphoria or intoxicated feeling as CBD does not interact with the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the brain that THC and other cannabinoids do.

Instead, CBD induces the brain’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to create more natural cannabinoids and then slows down the chemical breakdown in the brain. This is how cbd affects testosterone and influences the male reproductive system.

CBD works as a natural pain suppressant and increases the activity of serotonin receptors in the brain. This increased activity positively affects pain and reduces anxiety disorders, stress, depression, sleep disorders, and obesity, among other things.

The endocannabinoid system regulates learning and memory, emotional processing, sleep, temperature control, pain control, inflammatory and immune responses, and eating. This vital system is currently at the center of renewed international research and drug development.

Research suggests it is reasonably safe and is well tolerated at doses up to 1,500 mg with little to no negative consequences or risk of substance abuse. While heavy marijuana use can lead to dependence, current preclinical studies suggest that CBD is not an addictive substance, nor does it promote addictive behaviors in people. The World Health Organization has concluded that CBD exhibits no effects that indicate abuse or dependence potential in humans.

Causes & Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone, aka male hypogonadism, can be caused by the following:

• Aging
• Alcohol Abuse
• Testes injury or infection
• Metabolic disorders
• Steroids, opioids, or prostate cancer medications
• Pituitary gland dysfunctions
• Liver cirrhosis
• Sarcoidosis 
• Sleep apnea
• Obesity 
• Significant weight loss

Symptoms of low testosterone may include:

• Fatigue
• Mood Swings
• Low Libido
• Loss of lean muscle mass
• Depression
• Irritability
• Erectile dysfunction

Utilizing CBD to Raise Testosterone Levels

Cannabis can be used in various ways depending on the individual’s preference and desired effects. Here are the four primary ways to use CBD products. Recent data suggest cannabinoids may interfere directly in Leydig cells with protein and testosterone synthesis to regulate their functions and help the body produce testosterone.

Ingestion

Ingestion of oral CBD can be done through drops, tinctures, capsules, beverages, or added to foods. Gummy candies, chocolate, coffee, and even savory snacks.  

Inhalation

Inhaled CBD has become an increasingly popular way to use the drug. If choosing to use inhaled CBD products, make sure that is their intended purpose because not all CBD products can be inhaled. Always read all product labels, warnings, and packaging before use. Hemp oil is rarely, if ever, seen in inhalation intended products. 

Sublingual

Sublingually taking CBD means placing a few drops of medical cannabis tincture or oil under the tongue and allowing it to be rapidly absorbed through mucous membranes located in the mouth. Sublingual CBD can have faster effects and is a discreet way to take CBD, which appeals to many people. 

Topical

You can use CBD-infused products directly on this skin. While this does include things like patches, salves, creams, lotions, and more many people will apply the oil directly to their skin. 

Other Hormones Affected by Cannabinoids

While CBD can interact with testosterone, that’s not the only hormone this cannabinoid can affect. Let’s explore others ways this powerful cannabinoid can play a role other than with the body’s testosterone levels.

Thyroid Hormone

Endocannabinoids encourage the storage of energy by lowering thyroid hormone levels. CBD interacts with thyroid hormones by decreasing or increasing them depending on your thyroid’s overall health.

Research suggests that anandamide suppresses these hormones in ordinary and hypothyroid conditions and not in hyperthyroid states. This may prove that CBD and endocannabinoids have adaptable properties, helping to balance homeostasis according to the individual.

Estrogen

Estrogen influences sexual development, fertility, and susceptibility to diseases such as breast cancer. Studies found that CBD suppresses estrogen production by blocking an enzyme that converts testosterone into it. Aromatase blockers lower estrogen levels in post-menopause and breast cancer patients. CBD can speed up the breakdown of estrogen by acting on p450 enzymes in the liver.

Insulin

Insulin is a critical hormone in regulating metabolic health. It has a significant effect on energy and weight. CBD was recently proven to have the ability to help patients with diabetes reduce insulin levels and maintain blood sugar levels. A 2018 study suggested that daily cannabis users have sixteen percent lower fasting insulin levels than non-users.

Growth Hormone

Growth hormones regulate the regeneration and reproduction of cells for healthy growth and development.

Growth hormones contribute to :

• Burning Fat
• Energy levels
• Muscle mass
• Exercise capacity
• Bone Strength
• Reducing Weight Gain

CBD hasn’t been shown to affect growth hormones; however, THC has been demonstrated to lower growth hormone levels in some people. 

Cortisol

CBD has stress-relieving properties that can significantly benefit the body’s stress hormone, aka cortisol. It helps the stress response by influencing GABA neurotransmitters to slow down the nervous system. It can also affect cannabinoid receptors in the hypothalamus, slowing cortisol release and promoting relaxation. Studies have proven that CBD modulates cortisol release, which is why anxiety is a primary qualifying condition for MMJ.

7 Best CBD products for Hormone Control

• Lazarus Naturals Full Spectrum High Potency CBD Oil Tincture
• Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil: 60mg CBD/1mL
• Elixinol Good Mood CBD Gummies
• Ned Hormone Balance Blend Oil
• Brown Girl Jane Balance
• Empower Bodycare CBD-Infused Soaking Salts
• Calm by Wellness CBD Lavender Lotion

How long does it take CBD to kick in?

CBD can take at least thirty minutes to kick in, sometimes an hour if taken in edible form. It can also take a few weeks to start feeling significant benefits. The right dose of CBD oil depends on many things. The product and level of CBD contained, and the tolerance and experience of the individual are all critical factors. Many people think CBD cures cancer when it in fact helps with symptoms.

A person’s weight and body chemistry also play a role. It is always best to start small to see how your body reacts to a CBD product and reduce anxiety around trying something new. Smaller doses start around 20 mg of CBD daily and increase higher doses.

Our Key Takeaways on CBD & Testosterone

CBD may not directly regulate testosterone levels, but it can facilitate processes in the body that help balance hormonal levels and make more testosterone if needed. This is possible due to the ways CBD affect hormones through the endocannabinoid system.

CBD can reduce emotional stress, improve sleep, lower anxiety, ease pain and inflammation, and improve metabolic health and testicular function. We recommend talking with a trusted doctor about possibly embracing a CBD regimen with your current treatment.