Global testosterone levels are on a rapid decline, especially for those men over 30. Waning testosterone levels can cause many challenges in a man's life, such as a decline in muscle mass, weight gain, lower energy, and reduced sex drive. Besides aging, your testosterone levels are also affected by stress, lack of sleep, and poor diet.
People often think medications are the only way to deal with low testosterone levels, but these medications come with potential side effects and once you start injecting them you can never stop. When you medically balance testosterone levels your body stops making it all together. That's why many of you are looking for safe alternatives to increasing your natural testosterone. Recent studies have indicated that red light therapy has immense potential for a safe increase in natural testosterone levels with no side effects.
What Happens When You Have Low Testosterone Levels?
When testosterone levels start to decrease, it can lead to several physical and emotional symptoms, including [2]:
- Decreased libido (sex drive)
- Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
- Reduced muscle mass and strength
- Increased body fat
- Decreased bone density (osteoporosis)
- Fatigue
- Depression or mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
- Hot flashes
What Can You Do To Increase Your Testosterone Levels?
Many conventional methods can be used to raise your testosterone levels. These methods include:
- Changing your diet
- Working out
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
- Use of steroids
The use of steroids or undergoing testosterone replacement therapy comes with many unwanted side effects and can inhibit the body's ability to produce testosterone naturally. This leads to a dependence on supplementation of the exogenous hormone for the rest of your life. That's why many of you are looking for safe alternatives to deal with the difficulties of low testosterone. Red light therapy could naturally raise your testosterone levels.
Red Light Therapy For Boosting Testosterone:
Red light therapy has been gaining popularity because of its natural yet safe effects on testosterone production. Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, accelerates energy production and facilitates its transportation to the cells.
For boosting testosterone production, red light therapy targets the testicles; however full-body treatments have been proven to have even better results. The red infrared waves encourage energy production in the testicles, stimulating the Leydig cells to produce more testosterone.
As human testicles are rich in photoreceptive proteins, the red light wavelengths activate these photoreceptive proteins in the testes. The Leydig cells start responding to the stimulation of photoreceptive proteins and produce high amounts of testosterone [3].
Apart from the Leydig cells, testosterone is also produced in smaller amounts in the adrenal glands, where cholesterol is converted to testosterone, which is called steroidogenesis. Recent research shows Leydig cell steroidogenesis requires mitochondria to be actively respiring, polarized, and energized. Red light synthesizes energy (ATP) by enhancing oxygen within the mitochondria to facilitate steroidogenesis and, ultimately, the healthy production of testosterone [4].
RLT For Boosting Testosterone: What Does The Research Say?
Peer-reviewed research studies are always reliable for proving red light therapy's effectiveness on increased testosterone production. Let's shed some light on research studies to validate the potential of red light therapy.
One study investigated the effects of RLT in increasing serum T levels. The study involved two groups, in which one group received 660nm light treatment.
- Male fertility:
The effects of red light therapy have been investigated in male fertility too. Studies have reported that stimulating cells in testicles by red light therapy activates the mitochondrial chain and spermatozoa motility without inducing oxidative DNA damage [6].
- Sperm Motility:
Red light therapy is considered a safe option for increasing sperm motility (it plays a pivotal role in male fertility) without inducing oxidative DNA damage. One study conducted in 2017 found that exposure of sperm to red light resulted in increased sperm motility, speed, and force [7].
- Increased Sex Drive:
One study was conducted in 2013 to evaluate whether red light therapy raised testosterone production or not. The study included two groups of 38 men diagnosed with low sexual desire. One group received a clinical dose of red light therapy every morning for two weeks. The results revealed raised testosterone levels along with higher sexual satisfaction [8]
Other proven benefits of red light therapy for increasing testosterone include:
- Improved athletic performance
- Enhanced muscle growth
- Better sleep
- Increased cognitive function
- Improved mood
- Better sex drive
Which Light Source Is Best For Boosting Testosterone?
Unlike red light, blue light induces damage to the DNA and cytochrome enzymes in mitochondria. This leads to a reduction in cellular energy production and healthy ATP function. Red light uses near-infrared light wavelengths, which produce very little heat and, therefore, boost natural testosterone.
Furthermore, blue light also affects bacteria associated with acne. This leads to impairments in energy pathways and metabolic rates of exposed cells, resulting in severe metabolic conditions, such as diabetes.
The Bottom Line:
Having low testosterone levels can ruin your active life. It can make you stressed and physically and mentally tired. While the use of testosterone supplements and steroids can cause potential side effects, red light therapy has proved to be a safe alternative for boosting testosterone. From increasing male fertility and sex drive to improved sperm motility and speed, the right wavelengths of red light therapy could be a real game-changer in enhancing testosterone production.
References:
- Köhn FM. Testosterone and body functions. Aging Male 2006;9:183–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/13685530601060396.
- Moncada I. Testosterone and men’s quality of life. Aging Male 2006;9:189–93. https://doi.org/10.1080/13685530601003180.
- Salman Yazdi R, Bakhshi S, Jannat Alipoor F, Akhond MR, Borhani S, Farrahi F, Lotfipanah M SGM. Effect of 830 nm Diode LASER Irra- diation on Human Sperm Motility 2015;9:68–70.
- Ahn JC, Kim YH, Rhee CK. The effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the testis in elevating serum testosterone level in rats. Biomed Res 2013;24:28–32.
- Zupin L, Pascolo L, Luppi S, Ottaviani G, Crovella S, Ricci G. Photobiomodulation therapy for male infertility. Lasers Med Sci 2020;35:1671–80. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-020-03042-x.
- Preece D, Chow KW, Gomez-Godinez V, Gustafson K, Esener S, Ravida N, et al. Red light improves spermatozoa motility and does not induce oxidative DNA damage. Sci Rep 2017;7:1–9. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep46480.
- Fagiolini A et al. Lack of interest in sex successfully treated by exposure to bright light. European College of Neuropsychopharmacology. Sept 2016. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/09/160918214443.htm
