Drugs That Lower Testosterone Levels
Low testosterone can be be debilitating to one’s social life, stressing on one’s mental health and a factor in one’s physical fitness. With all of that in mind, there are both prescription and non-prescription drugs that lower testosterone levels. Here is a look at some medications that cause low testosterone.
Prescription Medications That Lower Testosterone
There are a series of medications that lower testosterone. However, some of those substances come from your local pharmacy, rather than illicit products.
While prescribed medication is often a benefit, some products offer nasty side effects. For instance, those suffering from anxiety or depression may have to turn to low t medications.
Statins
The use of statins has been linked to low levels of testosterone in some individuals. While statins can be incredibly beneficial and are often used for those with high cholesterol, they also have the potential to suppress certain hormones like testosterone. Although statins are considered a first-line treatment for high cholesterol, other medications such as fibrates may be recommended as an alternative due their lower risk of causing decreased testosterone levels in men and women. If statins are taken, it is important to regularly monitor your testosterone levels and consult a physician about possible side effects or adjustments that could help ensure proper hormone regulation and maintenance.
Beta-Blockers and Hypertension Medications Lower Testosterone
Other drugs that lower testosterone are beta-blockers and hypertension medications. Beta blockers work by blocking certain receptors from getting stimulated and, in turn, reducing your heart rate and blood pressure, but the unfortunate side effect of beta blockers is that they can interfere with the production of testosterone. Drugs that use diuretics to reduce blood pressure, as well as some beta-blockers, have a tendency to decrease hormone levels. However, there are potentially alternative medications that circumvent the nasty side effect. It is important for those taking beta blockers over an extended period of time to be aware that their hormone balance may be affected, so they should discuss the risks with their doctor if they are concerned about low testosterone levels.
Opioids
Opioids are often used to reduce feelings of pain or to reduce fits of coughing. Of course, using the substance is not without its setbacks. Many opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and codeine, are known to interfere with hormone levels, and they have been linked to lower than normal testosterone production in both men and women. This decrease in testosterone levels can be a side effect of opioid use and of opioid withdrawal. Additionally, the risk of suffering low T is five times larger for men taking long-acting opioids than those taking opioids every four hours. That being said, short-term opioids still offer the risk of low T.
While opioids may be necessary for pain relief in many cases, it is important to discuss with a healthcare provider how this decision can affect testosterone levels and what measures can be taken to mitigate long-term effects. Additionally, alternatives to opioids such as exercise, healthy diet, and other forms of physical treatment should also be considered when treating chronic pain.
Antidepressants and Anti-Anxiety Medications
There are still other medications that lower testosterone. While antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can help millions of people manage certain mental health conditions, they can have a profound effect on the body’s hormones. This can translate into irregular menstrual cycles and periods of low energy for women, and lower than normal levels of testosterone for men which increase the risk of low T. However, there are some prescriptions that can minimize the risk. If you feel that your medication may be affecting your testosterone levels, it is important for those taking antidepressants to be aware of this potential side effect so they can work with their doctor to find solutions that don’t adversely affect their health.
Illicit Drugs and Alcohol
While many prescription drugs cause users to suffer a risk of low T, the risk also applies to many illicit substances. Binge drinking can have an adverse effect on males’ testosterone levels, especially if the consumption reaches excessive levels in repeated use. Many illicit substances create similar risks of low testosterone, especially when paired with excessive alcohol consumption.
