Exploring the Relationship Between Kratom and Testosterone

Written by: KRI Team

Last Updated: October 14, 2024

Is there a connection between kratom use and testosterone? Most of the attention given to kratom has been on its psychoactive effects and not much on whether there is a connection between this popular product and whether it can affect testosterone levels. Based on anecdotal evidence and some recent studies, let’s explore if kratom has any effect on testosterone levels.

What Is Kratom?

Scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, kratom is a tropical evergreen tree native to parts of Southeastern Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Long used by farmers, fishermen, and others with long days of labor-intensive work, its leaves were chewed for their stimulative effects and used as a productivity aid. It was also brewed as a ceremonial beverage that was believed to be a social lubricant. Now popular in other parts of the world, kratom is available as capsules, extracts, edible gummies, and as a fine powder.

Common Uses and Benefits

Kratom is used for a variety of purposes. Some use it for its stimulative effects, while others prefer its sedative qualities. Depending on the dosage, kratom’s benefits will be different. Smaller doses provide a stimulative effect and increase energy, focus, and alertness. Larger doses have sedative effects and provide relaxation and pain relief. Users also report that both small and large doses can enhance mood and improve well-being.

Most users report the following benefits of kratom:

Pain relief: Larger doses of kratom can help to reduce pain due to its analgesic properties.
Energy and focus enhancement: Much like its indigenous users, kratom users in the West enjoy it for its boost of energy and how it assists with focus and concentration.
Relaxation and sedation: Kratom can produce deep feelings of relaxation.
Mood enhancement: Some research suggests that kratom can be beneficial for those suffering from depression or anxiety.
Opioid withdrawal aid: Some alkaloids in kratom influence the brain’s opioid receptors and can mimic the effects of opioids, hence its popularity as an aid to help with the symptoms of narcotics withdrawals.

Functions of Testosterone

Testosterone is a crucial hormone that, while most known for its importance in men’s health, women’s bodies do also require it, although in significantly lower percentages than in men. Its key functions are:

Developing male sexual characteristics
Regulating sex drive in both men and women
Building and maintaining muscle mass and bone density
Influencing energy levels and mood

Signs of Low Testosterone

When this vital hormone’s levels are low, the following symptoms may occur:

Fatigue
Loss of libido
Decrease in muscle mass
Changes in emotional health

Potential Effects of Kratom on Testosterone

When substances are consumed, kratom included, they can have an effect on hormonal production. Unbalanced hormones can lead to a wide range of symptoms. Some kratom users have reported symptoms of low testosterone levels, which has caused some concern about how kratom use influences the body’s natural production of this hormone.

Most of the evidence concerning kratom and its relationship with testosterone is anecdotal. However, there have been some studies addressing the issue.

Opioid-Like Effects and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) Axis

While there haven’t been any direct studies correlating kratom and how it can affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, there has been research conducted with other opioid-like substances, namely methadone, that suggests there is a connection. This system regulates the body’s hormonal system, testosterone included. Opioid substances can suppress the HPG axis, which in turn could influence the body’s natural production of testosterone.

A 2020 study suggested that methadone, an opioid-like substance, could suppress the HPG axis, therefore possibly lowering testosterone levels. However, the study was conducted using methadone and not kratom. It can only be inferred that a different opioid-like substance, such as kratom, would have the same effect.

Other Clinical Studies Concerning Kratom and Men’s Sexual Health

An anecdotal study from 2023 concerning male sexual health and the use of kratom reports that out of the 156 participants, only three respondents (1.9%) had a diagnosis of low testosterone following the use of kratom. Due to the low number of participants, further research is needed to have conclusive evidence that kratom use directly affects testosterone levels.

Not all studies suggest that kratom or other opioid-like substances can affect the body’s production of testosterone. A 2018 study reported that individuals who regularly used kratom in tea form did not have any issues with their body’s ability to produce testosterone.

Oddly, a 2018 study conducted in Malaysia (one of the countries where kratom grows) suggested that regular kratom use among men helped to improve sexual desire and performance, contrary to what other studies have suggested.

The Relationship Between Kratom and Testosterone: More Research Required

With limited research, it’s impossible to reach a definitive answer as to whether kratom can influence the body’s ability to produce testosterone. Most kratom research has been devoted to its two main alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, and very little concerning how it affects testosterone levels. The results are mixed, and more research is needed.

Individuals concerned about testosterone and their kratom use should monitor their body’s response. Should it show any of the symptoms of low testosterone levels, it’s recommended that they consult with their healthcare professional.