Smoking is one of the worst things for everyone’s health, and it affects health in many ways, causing lots of health issues like cancer, heart stroke, etc. Now, the question is, does smoking lower testosterone levels?
The answer is yes, it affects testosterone levels, and still, here is one contradiction: in many research, it is found that when someone starts smoking recently, they can have an increase in testosterone levels for a short period of time, but for the long term it decreases the level of testosterone.
How Does Smoking Affect Testosterone Levels?
For a short period of time, smoking can increase the level of testosterone levels because smoking is the main component of tobacco, which stimulates the release of luteinizing hormones(LH) from the pituitary gland. LH is the hormone that goes to the testes and gives the signal to produce testosterone.
For a long period of time, smoking can decrease the level of testosterone level because, in the long term, smoking damages the Leydig cells, which are responsible for producing testosterone levels. Tobacco can also slow down the blood flow in the testes, which further decreases testosterone levels.
Smoking has various effects on testosterone levels outside its effects on testosterone synthesis. For instance, smoking raises the synthesis of a protein called sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which binds to testosterone and reduces its availability to the body. Additionally, smoking can lessen the conversion of testosterone into the more potent form of dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
What Effects Come From Low Testosterone Levels?
Numerous detrimental consequences on health can result from low testosterone levels, including:
- Decreased erectile function and sex drive: Low testosterone levels can cause these two factors to decline.
- Loss of strength and muscle mass: Reduced testosterone levels have been linked to a decrease in strength and muscle mass.
- Increased body fat: One may have an increase in body fat due to low testosterone levels.
- Osteoporosis and bone loss can result from low testosterone levels.
- Depression and exhaustion: Low testosterone levels have been linked to both of these conditions.
- Cognitive decline: Alzheimer’s disease and low testosterone levels have been related.
Effective Ways To Quit Smoking
Although it can be difficult to stop smoking, doing so is one of the best things you can do for your health. There are numerous successful stopping smoking strategies; the one that works best for you will depend on your unique requirements and preferences.
- Decide on a quit date and follow it: Inform your loved ones of your decision to quit and ask for their help.
- Determine what triggers it: Why do you feel the need to smoke? Knowing what your triggers are will help you create healthy coping mechanisms or avoid them.
- Nicotine replacement treatment ( NRT): NRT has the potential to lessen cravings and withdrawal symptoms. There are many different forms of NRT products, such as inhalers, nasal sprays, gum, patches, and lozenges.
- Think about taking medications. It has been demonstrated that two prescription drugs, bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix), are useful in aiding smokers in quitting.
- Attend support groups or therapy. As you attempt to stop smoking, you might get advice and assistance from a counsellor or support group.
Here are some more suggestions to assist you in giving up smoking:
- Stay clear of alcohol and other drugs. Cravings for smoke might be triggered by drugs and alcohol.
- Work out frequently. Stress and the desire to smoke can both be lessened with exercise.
- Have a balanced diet. Maintaining a nutritious diet can lift your spirits and enhance your general well-being, which can facilitate quitting smoking.
- Make time to sleep. You can handle stress and the desire to smoke better when you get enough sleep.
In Summary
Although it’s not simple, quitting smoking is achievable. There are numerous successful smoking cessation strategies; the one that works best for you will rely on your own requirements and preferences. You can successfully stop smoking if you have the correct assistance and tools.
Consult your physician if you are finding it difficult to give up smoking on your own. They can offer you the resources and support you need to be successful, as well as assist you in creating a plan for quitting.
