Testosterone is the hormone that is responsible for most male characteristics. Nowadays, testosterone deficiency is becoming more prevalent due to our sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary habits. Generally, testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT, is what doctors prescribe for testosterone deficiencies, but it carries some serious side effects.
Therefore, we should consider other safe methods to boost testosterone levels. Taking cold showers is one of the most suggested options. However, cold showers have a negative image for most people. People often think of it as a way to sober up and escape from overheating. This article will discuss whether cold showers can actually increase testosterone production in the body as well as their other benefits.
Cold Showers And Testosterone Levels
The relationship between cold showers and testosterone levels has been the subject of many debates and studies over the past few decades. The majority of it was based on the testicles and scrotum. Most of the testosterone in men is created by the scrotum, which is positioned outside the body.
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The reason they are positioned so as to keep the testicles at an optimal temperature for the production of sperm and other hormones. The theory behind cold showers for testosterone production is that they lower the scrotal temperature, which is thought to enable more sperm and testosterone production.
Even though temperature has an impact on the proper functioning of the testicles, the effects of temperature on testosterone production are still unclear. Here are some of the findings:
- Much research has shown that cooler testes have a stronger impact on DNA processes that result in higher sperm volume, quality, and motility than testosterone production. One such study done in 1987 found that keeping the testicular temperature as low as 31 degrees Celsius allowed optimal DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, which resulted in improved sperm production.
- Later, another study conducted in 2013 supported the same notion. The results showed cooler testes led to improved shape and movement of the sperm but had no impact on testosterone levels.
- In 2007, a study suggested that colder temperatures may actually decrease your testosterone levels.
- The Mark Russell study from 2017 demonstrated a favorable relationship between exposure to cold and testosterone levels in sprinting athletes.
It is possible that cold showers may increase the production of testosterone in some people, but we need more research to confirm this possibility. Thus, if you would like to increase your testosterone levels, you shouldn’t depend on cold showers. However regular high-intensity interval training is proven to have a greater impact on testosterone levels in men.
Benefits Of Having Cold Showers
Even if cold showers do or do not increase testosterone production, you should not decide to quit taking them because they have several other benefits.
- Improve Circulation: When we are exposed to cold environments, our body goes into survival mode to maintain its core temperature. This action stimulates the body to increase heart rates and boost circulation.
- Increase Metabolism: Cold showers can boost our metabolism and improve body composition. When our body is exposed to cold, it activates brown adipose tissue, or brown fat, and contributes to eliminating harmful adipose tissue, or white fat.
- Combat Depression: Taking cold showers can improve your mental health as they promote the production of beta-endorphins and noradrenaline. So, when we take cold showers, the nerves send signals to the brain and trigger these chemicals that have antidepressant effects.
- Improves Immunity: Cold showers promote adrenaline release and increase the production of anti-inflammatory substances in the body. This, in turn, reduces the inflammation response to infections.
- Boost Post-Workout Recovery: Cold showers can help us reduce the amount of energy our body needs to recover from excessive workouts. With cold showers, we can also notice a reduction in inflammation and pain in our bodies. This may allow the athletes to return to their athletic activities sooner.
Read More: The Role Of Testosterone In Hair Loss: Demystifying The Connection
Conclusion
Cold showers won’t necessarily change testosterone levels, but being mindful of your body and making changes in your lifestyle can benefit both testosterone levels and the overall health of your body. Cold showers, however, provide several other benefits like improving metabolism, immunity, circulation, and energy levels.
