Kratom is an herbal supplement that has been a staple part of Southeast Asian culture for centuries. For hundreds of years, indigenous folks in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and elsewhere have used kratom as a vitality booster, focus-enhancer, and for overall wellness.
Kratom has only recently become more popular in the United States. Because it’s newer to the U.S., western research about kratom is still in its early stages. There’s a lot of incomplete information as well as flat-out misinformation floating around on the internet. One area of concern has to do with whether kratom has any effect on hormonal levels. In particular, does kratom lower testosterone?
At Mitra Bros, we want to make sure our customers are always provided with as much accurate information as possible, so we’ve reviewed the available evidence regarding kratom’s effects on testosterone levels. Keep reading to see what we found!
Understanding Kratom
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. The leaves of the kratom tree contain chemical compounds called alkaloids, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with certain receptors in the brain. Users often report a pleasant feeling of increased stamina, comfort, and general good vibes.
Researchers are currently looking into whether kratom can be used as a safe, natural alternative treatment for chronic pain, mental health issues, and withdrawal. Kratom research is still in the early stages and much of the data so far comes from animal testing or anecdotal reports. That’s why kratom advocates are pushing for more clinical research to fully understand the benefits and potential risks of kratom.
Does Kratom Affect Hormone Levels?
Some folks have expressed concerns about whether kratom can lower testosterone levels and affect sexual desire. Opioids, for example, can inhibit sexual behavior by impacting the body’s hormone production. Kratom interacts with the brain’s opioid receptors, although kratom is not an opioid.
Kratom can also affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, influencing stress and cortisol levels, which might impact testosterone.
“Does kratom lower testosterone or affect hormone levels?” are certainly questions worth asking. Several studies have been conducted to address kratom’s effects on hormonal levels, and the effects on testosterone in particular.
The Science on Kratom and Testosterone
More research is needed but the evidence available so far does not strongly suggest that kratom negatively affects testosterone.
One study, for example, analyzed 19 adults who had been using kratom regularly for more than two years. The researchers conducted blood tests including “determination of testosterone level, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) profile, as well as hematological and biochemical parameters of participants.” They found no evidence that regular kratom tea/juice consumption had affected those hormones, and concluded that regular kratom use did not lower testosterone levels in otherwise healthy male adults.
In fact, the researchers noted that “kratom leaves are consumed in Southeast Asia as an aphrodisiac.” Earlier studies found that “kratom tea/juice consumption can help users experience heightened sexual desire and better sexual performance.” While the evidence was ultimately inconclusive about whether kratom actually improved sexual function, they found no evidence that kratom causes libido issues.
Another recent study looked at the impact of kratom on male sexual health. Medical experts surveyed more than a hundred regular kratom users to analyze how regular kratom use had affected their performance in the bedroom. The majority of respondents reported that kratom use had helped extend the duration of sex and reduce the incidence of premature ejaculation, which most viewed as a positive effect. Some participants did associate kratom use with an impaired ability to maintain an erection and decreased sexual desire.
Ultimately, although the researchers found “a substantial proportion of participants viewed kratom as a positive influence on their sexual health,” their results were inconclusive. The differences in sexual functioning may have been “statistically significant” but were likely not “clinically significant,” and other factors such as mental health and concurrent treatments may have confounded the results.
Do Your Research, Listen to Your Body
The currently-available evidence about kratom’s effects on hormone levels is not conclusive. Much of the research conducted relies on anecdotal evidence or animal testing, which tend to be less definitive than clinical human testing.
Moreover, substances can affect different people differently depending on a number of individual factors, including strain, dosage, body composition, experience with kratom and other substances, and even what you ate. At the end of the day, the person who knows your body best is you.
If you are just starting your kratom journey, or if you have any questions about kratom’s potential effects, side effects, or health benefits, conduct your own research. Read reviews, talk to your trusted healthcare professionals, and keep in touch with how kratom and other substances affect you.
Most importantly, get your kratom from a source you can trust. Make sure you get only fresh, pure, lab-tested kratom manufactured via a certified production process.
Premium-Quality Kratom at Mitra Bros
At Mitra Bros, we strive to provide our customers with the very best in kratom. We want our customers to know exactly what they’re getting, and to explore their kratom journey with eyes wide open. Whether it’s kratom’s effect on testosterone, how kratom compares to caffeine and marijuana, or how the different strains of kratom can affect you, our kratom team wants you to have all the information you need to make the best choices for yourself.
Check the Mitra Bros online shop for all the best strains of powders and capsules, and feel free to reach out to our team with any questions.
