CBD Oil and Testosterone - April 2024

Benefits of CBD on Testosterone

There are no formal clinical studies on the beneficial effects of CBD on an individual’s testosterone levels.

Some CBD brands sell various CBD products that they claim help with male fertility and well-being. However, these claims are unproven, and no conclusive human studies suggest that CBD may help with sex-related hormones such as testosterone.

One of the conditions that may adversely affect testosterone is inflammation⁽⁷⁾. Meanwhile, depression is among the symptoms of low levels of testosterone⁽⁸⁾. Thus, addressing these conditions may help manage testosterone levels.

CBD may be used as an anti-inflammatory agent and provide pain relief⁽⁹⁾. The compound may also serve as an alternative to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to help relieve anxiety and depression⁽¹⁰⁾.

CBD and Testosterone: What Research Says

One study mentioned that stress may reduce testosterone⁽¹¹⁾. In a 2021 survey of individuals who use CBD, respondents believe that the compound may effectively manage stress and anxiety⁽¹²⁾.

Inflammatory conditions like sarcoidosis, which causes inflammation of the lungs and other organs, can also result in low testosterone levels⁽¹³⁾.

Research shows that CBD may possess anti-inflammatory properties⁽¹⁴⁾. This benefit suggests that reducing inflammation may help manage testosterone.

However, one animal study suggested CBD may reduce testis size and impair sexual behavior⁽¹⁵⁾. Testicular atrophy (shrinking of the testis) is associated with low testosterone levels⁽¹⁶⁾.

The Endocannabinoid System and Testosterone

Studies show that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates the secretion of hormones related to stress responses and reproductive functions⁽¹⁷⁾. Thus, a normally-functioning ECS may help prevent a hormonal imbalance.

Testosterone is a hormone that plays a role in male reproductive organ development⁽¹⁸⁾. Data suggest that the ECS may influence the production of testosterone⁽¹⁹⁾.

The ECS contains two G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs): the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors⁽²⁰⁾. GPCRs convert cell signals into responses, such as responses to hormones and neurotransmitters⁽²¹⁾.

CB1 receptors have an essential role in the differentiation (cell division that changes the cells’ function) and maturation of Leydig cells⁽²²⁾. These cells help control hormonal regulation and produce testosterone.

Meanwhile, CB2 receptors are present in immune system cells and sperm-producing Sertoli cells⁽²³⁾. These cells are found in the testis and are essential for spermatogenesis or sperm development⁽²⁴⁾.

How Other CBD Oil Compounds Help Regulate Testosterone Levels

Some CBD oil products contain compounds, such as omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids, which some CBD brands claim may help manage or increase testosterone levels in the body and contribute to an individual’s overall wellness.

Preclinical data shows that omega-3 fatty acids may contribute to positive testosterone level changes⁽²⁵⁾.

On the other hand, omega-6 fatty acids may help with hair and skin growth, regulate metabolism, and maintain the reproductive system’s condition⁽²⁶⁾.

However, some oils, such as soybean or canola oil used as carrier oils for CBD oil tinctures, may adversely affect testosterone. One study involving rat subjects showed that soybean and canola oil may lower testosterone levels⁽²⁷⁾.

Although the study above was conducted on animals, it provides a viable reference for similar future studies on humans.

Should One Use CBD to Support Their Testosterone Levels?

There is insufficient research or clinical evidence to conclusively determine that the effects of cannabinoids such as CBD may directly support or boost testosterone.

However, CBD may help alleviate stress⁽²⁸⁾. Stress is a potential cause of low testosterone⁽²⁹⁾. Thus, addressing stress may help improve an individual’s testosterone levels.

Additionally, CBD may have analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory effects⁽³⁰⁾. Testicular injury or trauma (pain in the scrotum or lower abdomen) and inflammatory conditions can cause low testosterone⁽³¹⁾.

Despite these purported benefits of CBD, there is a potential that this compound may cause side effects.

Researchers in one study said that the commonly reported side effects of CBD are tiredness, diarrhea, and changes in body weight or appetite⁽³²⁾.

In another study, research participants prescribed with CBD oil reported that using CBD caused them to experience sedation and vivid dreams⁽³³⁾.

The World Health Organization (WHO) noted that CBD does not indicate any potential for substance abuse and has relatively low toxicity levels⁽³⁴⁾.

Another factor to consider is dosage. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not endorsed any standard dosage guide for CBD. However, one recommendation is to start with a low dose⁽³⁵⁾.

For example, individuals taking a CBD-rich product may start with a 10 milligram (mg) dose of CBD per day. Consumers using CBD products for the first time may consider dividing this dosage into two equal parts and taking it twice daily⁽³⁶⁾.

What Is CBD?

CBD is one of the prevalent components of Cannabis sativa, a type of cannabis plant⁽³⁷⁾. CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are essential medical marijuana ingredients often used to help with pain control⁽³⁸⁾.

CBD is purported to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), and anticonvulsant properties⁽³⁹⁾.

While results from most studies are inconclusive, CBD’s purported health benefits suggest that the compound may help with various health conditions. 

Meanwhile, THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that may help alleviate depression and stress, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and stimulate appetite⁽⁴⁰⁾.

Many CBD brands sell a wide selection of CBD or cannabis products, such as edibles, tinctures, topicals, and vapes, allowing customers to choose a product according to their needs and preferences.

CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC are usually extracted from the hemp plant. As CBD became popular, the 2018 Farm Bill established a regulatory hemp production framework in the United States⁽⁴¹⁾.

The law also removed hemp and hemp-based products with no more than 0.3% THC from the controlled substances list of the Controlled Substances Act⁽⁴²⁾.

Does CBD Affect Hormones? What Hormones Does CBD Affect?

Studies on CBD’s effects on other hormones are limited or inconclusive. However, one review mentioned that cannabinoids may significantly impact the endocrine system⁽⁴³⁾. This system comprises various glands that secrete hormones.

One study showed that CBD may increase an individual’s prolactin hormone levels⁽⁴⁴⁾. Elevated prolactin may result in adverse effects like erectile dysfunction and lower testosterone⁽⁴⁵⁾.

Prolactin affects sex drive and sperm production in men and milk production and menstrual cycle in women⁽⁴⁶⁾.

Prolactin is released by the pituitary gland, controlled by the hypothalamus, which sends signals to produce and release hormones.

The pituitary gland is a major gland of the endocrine system and comprises the thyroid gland, adrenal gland, pancreas, ovaries in women, and testes in men⁽⁴⁷⁾.

Other hormones secreted by the pituitary gland include⁽⁴⁸⁾:

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Stimulates the thyroid gland to help regulate energy, metabolism, and the nervous system.
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Stimulates ovaries to produce estrogen in women and promotes sperm production in men.
• Luteinizing hormone (LH): Promotes testosterone production in men and ovulation in women.

The hypothalamus produces the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which tells the pituitary gland to secrete LH and FSH⁽⁴⁹⁾.

Additionally, insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas to help glucose enter the cells, providing energy to the body⁽⁵⁰⁾.

CBD is purported to have an effect on diabetes. However, studies showed that CBD may have no noticeable effect on insulin or blood glucose (blood sugar) levels among individuals with type 2 diabetes⁽⁵¹⁾.

Another hormone that may be affected by CBD is cortisol. One study on 11 volunteers who took 300mg or 600mg of CBD suggested that the compound may lower cortisol levels in the body⁽⁵²⁾.

The study results suggest that CBD may interfere with cortisol production and cause a sedative effect.

What Is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone produced by the Leydig cells in the testicles.

Testosterone has several essential roles in male reproductive health, including⁽⁵³⁾:

• Development of the testes and penis
• Deepening of voice and appearance of facial and pubic hair during puberty
• Bone and muscle growth
• Libido (sex drive)
• Production of sperm

Although testosterone is a primary sex hormone among men, women also need testosterone to help with ovarian function, sexual behavior, and bone strength⁽⁵⁴⁾.

How to Know if One Has Low Testosterone

The American Urology Association (AUA) states that an individual may have testosterone deficiency syndrome (TD) when their testosterone levels are less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl)⁽⁵⁵⁾.

Individuals with TD may experience symptoms associated with a low testosterone count. For proper treatment, these individuals should consult a doctor.

Causes and Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone, also called male hypogonadism, can be caused by the following conditions⁽⁵⁶⁾:

• Injury or infection of the testes
• Hemochromatosis (excess iron in the body) and other metabolic disorders
• Use of steroids, opioids, or prostate cancer medications
• Pituitary gland dysfunctions or tumors
• Alcohol abuse
• Liver cirrhosis (permanent scarring or damage to the liver)
• Sarcoidosis (inflammatory condition of the lungs and other organs)
• Aging
• Sleep apnea (repeatedly stopping and starting to breathe during sleep)
• Obesity 
• Extreme weight loss

Symptoms of low testosterone may vary depending on a person’s age⁽⁵⁷⁾. These symptoms include⁽⁵⁸⁾:

• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Low sex drive
• Decreased lean muscle mass
• Depression
• Erectile dysfunction

Testosterone may influence or activate anxiety-like behavior. One study stated that sex hormones may lead to anxiogenesis (anxiety development) or anxiolysis (anxiety reduction), depending on factors affecting hormonal status, such as age⁽⁵⁹⁾.

Some forms of anxiety include⁽⁶⁰⁾:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Panic disorder
• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Phobias
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Individuals planning to take CBD to help with their testosterone levels should first consult a doctor or health care professional for a diagnosis, prescription, and treatment.

Additionally, CBD or cannabis users should review their state’s laws to determine whether CBD products are legal to use in their area.

CBD oil products with a THC concentration exceeding 0.3% are illegal under U.S. federal law⁽⁶¹⁾. Across all U.S. states, restriction levels for cannabis use may vary⁽⁶²⁾.

As of February 2022, the states that have legalized medical cannabis programs include California, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, and New York⁽⁶³⁾.

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1. CBD oil: What is it and how does it work?
   https://www.eehealth.org/blog/2019/09/cbd-oil/
2. Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems
   https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5
3. Low Testosterone (Male Hypogonadism)
   https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15603-low-testosterone-male-hypogonadism
4. Salivary Testosterone Levels Under Psychological Stress and Its Relationship with Rumination and Five Personality Traits in Medical Students
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5128352/
5. Page 103 of Healing With CBD
   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
6. Minireview: Endocannabinoids and Gonadal Hormones: Bidirectional Interactions in Physiology and Behavior
   https://academic.oup.com/endo/article/153/3/1016/2423624
7. Low Testosterone (Male Hypogonadism)
   https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15603-low-testosterone-male-hypogonadism
8. What is Low Testosterone?
   https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/l/low-testosterone
9. CBD oil: What is it and how does it work?
   https://www.eehealth.org/blog/2019/09/cbd-oil/
10. Ibid.
11. Salivary Testosterone Levels Under Psychological Stress and Its Relationship with Rumination and Five Personality Traits in Medical Students
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5128352/
12. Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems
    https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5
13. Low Testosterone (Male Hypogonadism)
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15603-low-testosterone-male-hypogonadism
14. Cannabidiol primer for healthcare professionals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7340472/
15. The effects of cannabidiol on male reproductive system: A literature review
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31313338/
16. Testis Atrophy
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/testis-atrophy
17. The role of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of endocrine function and in the control of energy balance in humans
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17369778/
18. Testosterone — What It Does And Doesn’t Do
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/medications/testosterone–what-it-does-and-doesnt-do
19. Endocannabinoids and the Endocrine System in Health and Disease
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6813821/
20. Minireview: Endocannabinoids and Gonadal Hormones: Bidirectional Interactions in Physiology and Behavior
    https://academic.oup.com/endo/article/153/3/1016/2423624
21. G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Focus on BACE1 Related GPCRs
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2016.00058/full
22. Minireview: Endocannabinoids and Gonadal Hormones: Bidirectional Interactions in Physiology and Behavior
    https://academic.oup.com/endo/article/153/3/1016/2423624
23. Ibid.
24. The central role of Sertoli cells in spermatogenesis
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9813187/
25. Dietary supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid rich fish oil increases circulating levels of testosterone in overweight and obese men
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33221700/
26. Omega-6 fatty acids
    https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/omega-6-fatty-acids
27. Testosterone-lowering activity of canola and hydrogenated soybean oil in the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20930468/
28. Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems
    https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00061 -5
29. Salivary Testosterone Levels Under Psychological Stress and Its Relationship with Rumination and Five Personality Traits in Medical Students
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5128352/
30. Cannabidiol primer for healthcare professionals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7340472/
31. Low Testosterone (Male Hypogonadism)
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15603-low-testosterone-male-hypogonadism
32. Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7092763/
33. Cannabidiol prescription in clinical practice: an audit on the first 400 patients in New Zealand
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7330185/
34. CANNABIDIOL (CBD) Pre-Review Report Agenda Item 5.2
    https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf
35. Page 218 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
36. Ibid.
37. Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
38. Medical marijuana
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/medical-marijuana-2018011513085
39. Cannabidiol primer for healthcare professionals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7340472/
40. Page 77-78 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
41. Hemp Production
    https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/hemp
42. Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019
43. The effects of cannabinoids on the endocrine system
    https://journals.viamedica.pl/endokrynologia_polska/article/view/EP.a2018.0072/47154
44. Translational Investigation of the Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD): Toward a New Age
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6161644/
45. Hyperprolactinemia and Erectile Dysfunction
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1476085/
46. Physiology, Prolactin
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507829/
47. Pituitary Gland
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21459-pituitary-gland
48. Ibid.
49. GnRH
    https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/gnrh
50. Diabetes treatment: Using insulin to manage blood sugar
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-treatment/art-20044084
51. CBD & Diabetes
    https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/medication-treatments/cbd-diabetes
52. Effect of cannabidiol on plasma prolactin, growth hormone and cortisol in human volunteers
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8257923/
53. Testosterone — What It Does And Doesn’t Do
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/medications/testosterone–what-it-does-and-doesnt-do
54. Ibid.
55. Low Testosterone
    https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/l/low-testosterone
56. Low Testosterone (Male Hypogonadism)
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15603-low-testosterone-male-hypogonadism
57. Ibid.
58. What is Low Testosterone?
    https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/l/low-testosterone
59. On the Role of Testosterone in Anxiety-Like Behavior Across Life in Experimental Rodents
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6088149/
60. Ibid.
61. CBD & THC: Myths and misconceptions
    https://www.projectcbd.org/cbd-101/cbd-misconceptions
62. Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
63. State Medical Cannabis Laws
    https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx

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