Kratom And Testosterone: The Connection

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A man who signifies the connection (or lack thereof) between kratom and testosterone

Scientifically speaking, we still do not know a lot about the Mitragyna speciosa tree and its world-renowned kratom leaves. As a result, there are a variety of myths surrounding kratom. One of these myths recently came under our radar: that there exists a connection between kratom and testosterone.

If you didn’t already know, testosterone is a natural hormone that plays a variety of essential roles within your body. Testosterone is often associated with masculine behavior, but the hormone is present in both men and women. It also plays an important biological function!

For years, proponents of the Mitragyna plant have attempted to build a kratom-testosterone bridge. Their main claim? That kratom products increase libido—sex drive—in kratom users, especially female users. This is perhaps due to varying levels of testosterone after ingestion. And on the other end of the spectrum, others perpetuated claims that kratom actually lowered their testosterone levels. So who’s right?

No one!

Kratom may or may not increase your sex drive, but that doesn’t establish a scientific connection between kratom and testosterone. Instead, we call this anecdotal evidence — or claims that have no basis in science, just experience.

As for those decreased levels of testosterone? A large number of kratom users have been diagnosed with opioid-induced androgen deficiency (OPIAD), a common side effect of prescription opioid medications. An unfortunate characteristic of OPIAD: decreased levels of testosterone.

What Do Scientists Say About Kratom And Testosterone?

Remember earlier when we said, scientifically speaking, there’s still a lot to learn about the kratom plant? Luckily, in 2018, a joint group of researchers from both the Universiti Sains Malaysia and the University of Florida tackled the kratom-testosterone connection (or lack thereof). Their goal was to “clinically investigate the testosterone levels following long-term kratom tea/juice use in regular kratom users.”

According to their report, a full-blood test was conducted on 19 regular kratom users over the course of two years. These tests recorded the patients’ testosterone levels, among other hormone levels and biochemical information.

Their results: after a long-term dose (between 76.23 and 94.15mg daily), kratom “did not impair testosterone levels” in kratom users, including female users. In fact, “Regular kratom tea/juice consumption over prolonged periods (>2 years) was not associated with testosterone impairing effects in humans,” the report concluded.

How Does Kratom Actually Affect the Body?

Kratom is a natural product with a rich history in Southeast Asia, where Mitragyna speciosa trees grow amid dense tropical rainforests. When taken, the plant is known to offer a variety of powerful benefits to kratom users. Kratom users report comforting, reduced symptoms of mental health conditions, and decreased dependence on chemical-based products as the primary reasons for taking kratom.

In addition, kratom products are separated into three distinct categories, each bringing about distinct properties:

However, please note that kratom vendors like Kratom Spot are barred from talking directly about the effects of kratom strains. As such, we encourage you to start your research on strains’ effects at reputable sources like the American Kratom Association.

BUT REMEMBER: All of us are unique. Our minds and bodies may react differently to the same supplements. What works for one kratom user may not work for you. When trying a new kratom product, always start with a small amount and increase gradually until you find a dosage that works best for your needs!