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Does Nicotine Increase Testosterone? The Research is Unclear

Put the lighter down. Now.

A cigarette in an ash tray. The smoke is in the shape of a T

If you’ve gone down a Reddit rabbit hole looking for ways to boost your testosterone, you’ve probably heard rumors that smoking is good for your hormone health. Seems too good—or too weird—to be true. So, can nicotine actually increase testosterone?

A few studies do show that smoking can increase testosterone levels in the short term. But don’t reach for a lighter just yet. Other research found that smoking doesn’t increase T levels. Not to mention other harmful effects of smoking like:

  • Increased cancer risk
  • Increased lung disease risk
  • Increased diabetes risk
  • Dental problems

Jamin V. Brahmbhatt, M.D., a board-certified urologist with Orlando Health, explains why smoking is one of the worst possible routes you can take to boost your T. 

Does Nicotine Lower Testosterone?

Some studies indicate that smoking nicotine can increase testosterone. A study conducted in 2001 found that testosterone levels in men who smoked were actually higher than those who had never smoked (1). Male participants who smoked had 15 percent higher total T and 13 percent higher free testosterone levels, which “increased gradually” based on how many cigarettes they smoked each day.

A 2015 review in Preventive Medicine revisited findings in similar studies and maintained that testosterone levels were often a tad elevated in men that smoke (2).

Brahmbhatt dives deeper into the study’s figures, noting that “nonsmokers had an average total T of 445 ng/dL and smokers an average total T of 391 ng/dL.” (FYI: Ng/dL is the typical measurement used in T tests).

These numbers are still within the “normal” and acceptable range of T levels, according to the Journal of Urology (3)—normal is generally thought to fall between about 300-1000 ng/dL.

Despite the observed increase in T, Brahmbhatt says, “The observed difference in T levels is likely not enough to see a significant difference in symptoms (i.e: boosted energy levels, improved sex drive, or increased muscle mass that may be experienced if a man has low testosterone).

“[This] difference in T levels makes very little to no clinical changes or symptom changes,” says Brahmbhatt. “That being said, it’s important to stress that the difference in T that comes with smoking is NOT worth the risks to your overall body.”

Why Smoking to Boost T Is a Bad Idea

Despite the slight increase in T, smoking may have other unwanted effects on your sexual and reproductive health: Lower semen volume and reduced sperm count and quality have been associated with smoking, according to some research (4, 12). Smoking worsens and may even cause erectile dysfunction by depleting your nitric oxide, a free radical that supports blood flow—risks that podcaster Andrew Huberman has spotlighted on his podcast (5).

“Persistent smoking can cause many other problems that can lead to drastic changes in T levels in the future,” says Brahmbhatt. “Smoking has been linked to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other comorbid conditions that can decrease testosterone levels (6).”

Smoking can also stop your Leydig cells in your testes—you know, the ones responsible for testosterone production—from functioning at their best (14). It may also impact your thyroid function, which is indirectly linked to your testosterone production, too (15).

“If you want higher T, don’t start smoking, not practical and not recommended by experts in the field,” says Brahmbhatt.

Vaping and testosterone

If you’re part of the 4.5 percent of adults that have swapped cigarettes for vapes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you’re probably wondering: Does vaping also impact testosterone?

A 2020 study shows that vaping doesn’t result in higher testosterone, but it may lower sperm count (9).

Zyn nicotine pouches and testosterone

OK, what about nicotine consumables like Zyns? Even if you aren’t inhaling nicotine, it can still impact your hormone health.

A 2022 study in the journal Andrology found that testosterone was 14 percent higher in men who used oral nicotine products, but their sperm count was 24 percent lower (10).

What Happens to My T if I Quit Smoking Nicotine?

Although the study in the International Journal of Andrology notes a small drop in T in men who quit smoking, Brahmbhatt points out that the positive impact of quitting vastly outweighs this short-lived side effect (1). 

“If a man quits smoking he may have a slight drop in T levels— SLIGHT,” he says. Meaning: not enough to make a difference in his mood, libido, ability to build muscle, or energy levels.

Luckily, it’s not too late to resurrect your sexual and reproductive health even if you’ve been an avid smoker for years. Studies show that semen quality between lifelong non-smokers and guys who’ve quit is nearly identical (4).

Nicotine withdrawal and testosterone

If you decide to stop smoking, you may experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms for a few weeks. You may feel more irritable, hungry, and crave nicotine, or have a hard time concentrating while your body adjusts to life without it. Your hormones go through an adjustment period, too.

A 2012 study found that while testosterone drops shortly after you stop smoking (13), it bounces back within a year.

Having high testosterone may even help you quit smoking. A 2015 review found that men with higher androgen levels were more likely to successfully quit smoking (11).

Does Smoking Weed Lower Testosterone?

As for weed, Brahmbhatt says the potential impacts on your T are “tougher to tackle.” 

Conflicting data in several studies suggest that smoking weed may slightly decrease testosterone levels (7), although others found no link between marijuana and significant hormonal changes (8). 

Despite minimal recent research surrounding weed’s impact on hormones in humans, Brahmbhatt warns users to exercise caution when smoking weed.

“Research has suggested that the impact of smoking weed on testosterone levels may depend on a number of factors, including the frequency and duration of use, the potency of the drug, and the individual’s overall health and lifestyle habits,” says Brahmbhatt. 

“Though inconclusive, there may be other health risks associated with smoking weed, including respiratory problems, cognitive impairment, and addiction.”

A Better Way to Boost T?

If you’re concerned about low testosterone or experiencing symptoms there are better ways to get a boost than impersonating a chimney. The first step: check your levels  using Hone’s at-home assessment. Sign up, and we’ll mail you our simple and discreet assessment that only takes a couple drops of blood to test your hormone levels for these biomarkers:

If testing shows your T levels are below where they should be for your age, you can work with a physician who specializes in hormone replacement to increase them through treatments like testosterone replacement therapy.

Hone’s testosterone assessment is the simplest way to uncover whether your levels are low. It’s fast, simple, and you can do it from home. And if low T is the problem, Hone can help you get you back on top of your game.

Hone’s testosterone assessment is the simplest way to uncover whether your levels are low. It’s fast, simple, and you can do it from home. And if low T is the problem, Hone can help you get you back on top of your game.

A man at the gym doing twists with a medicine ball

Could You Have Low T?

Hone’s testosterone assessment is the simplest way to uncover whether your levels are low. It’s fast, simple, and you can do it from home. And if low T is the problem, Hone can help you get you back on top of your game.

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About the author

Rebekah Harding is Hone Health's staff writer. She is a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and an experienced health and lifestyle writer.