does growing a beard increase testosterone levels?

Growing a beard won’t increase testosterone levels, just like growing chest or leg hair won’t. Testosterone is a male hormone that naturally fluctuates and can be influenced by various factors.

The Beard-Testosterone Link

Bearded man sitting on a stony hillside surrounded by nature and mountains in the distance

How are Beards Related to testosterone?

While testosterone is essential for beard growth, having a beard doesn't increase your testosterone levels. Like facial hair, testosterone is linked to male virility and strength, often evoking images of the outdoors and physical pursuits.

Testosterone Basics

Where is testosterone released in the body?

Testosterone is a hormone that is found in greater amounts in men than in women. In men, it is released by the gonads (male sex organs), and by the adrenal glands in smaller amounts. In healthy men, normal testosterone levels range from 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL)

Testostetorne labelled test tube - lab test

How do I know how much testosterone I have?

You can get a simple blood test to find out how much testosterone is in your body. For the most accurate results, doctors advise that 2 blood samples should be taken, one early in the morning, and another at a later time.

Powerful, muscular bearded man applying pressure to his arm - testosterone test

What does testosterone do in the male body?

Testosterone has many functions in the male human body. It controls sexual development, balances libido, maintains bone density, muscle density and strength, as well as fat distribution. Of course testosterone is also important for body hair and facial hair.

Factors That Affect Testosterone

Handful of colourful high strength pills and a glass of water

What can change testosterone levels?

High-strength medication can cause hormonal imbalances. Before a testosterone test, doctors may advise stopping all medications as they can alter testosterone levels. Injuries can also disrupt normal testosterone production.

infographic showing male reproductive system and pituitary gland

What Does It Mean If I have 'low testosterone'?

Low testosterone may indicate pituitary gland issues, as this gland signals the gonads to produce testosterone. Without the signal, testosterone isn't released. Studies show that frequent consumption of soy-based products and heavy alcohol drinking can also lower testosterone levels.

infographic: ways to increase testosterone emphasing sleep healing

What Increases Testosterone Levels?

A generally healthy person may be able to increase their testosterone levels by adopting healthy habits for example:

Eat more bitter leafy greens
Do more unique resistance training
Enter REM and Deep Sleep often

infographic oftestosterone-lowering foods

What Decreases Testosterone Levels?

Some foods can lower the amount of testosterone in the male body. For example some foods that are linked to lower testosterone levels include: flaxseeds, processed vegetable oil, mint, licorice root and certain compounds found in soy-based products.

cross section of normal arteries and arteries blocked by cholesterol

What Happens If I Have Too Much Testosterone?

Abnormally high testosterone levels are linked to bad cholesterol, which can cause heart complications like strokes, heart attacks, and cardiovascular disease. High testosterone levels, like low ones, can also lead to infertility.

Handome bearded man with long dark hair and healthy beard

What Happens if I Have ‘Elevated’ Testosterone Levels?

Elevated Testosterone levels is what many men want - having just the right amount of testosterone to see improvements like:

Stronger and denser hair,
accelerated lean muscle growth,
improved mental quickness,
increased energy levels.

In Summary

Having a beard does not increase or decrease testosterone levels in the male body. In fact, a beard has no influence over your testosterone levels at all. However, testosterone levels can be influenced by diet and behaviour.

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