Does Red Light Therapy Raise Your Testosterone?

Red light therapy, traditionally used for skin rejuvenation and wound healing, has been claimed to boost testosterone levels, stirring both popularity and media controversy. As you delve into the mix of scientific studies, personal stories, and media coverage regarding this topic, discerning fact from fiction is crucial to understanding its true impact on your health.

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy is a treatment that employs low-level red light wavelengths for various medical and cosmetic purposes, including skin treatments, pain relief, and, more recently, claims of hormonal benefits. You might also know it as low-level laser light therapy (LLLT) or low-power laser therapy (LPLT). The intriguing aspect of red light therapy is its versatility; it's not confined to a single medical discipline, making it a topic of interest for many. [1]

How does red light therapy work?

Delving into how red light therapy works at the cellular level, imagine it as a rejuvenating light shower for your cells. The therapy uses a special kind of light: a mix of visible red and invisible near-infrared light. Think of near-infrared light as a close cousin of the warmth you feel from the sun but without the harmful UV rays. When this light hits your skin, it doesn’t just stop there. It goes deeper, all the way to your cells’ power generators, known as mitochondria. These tiny structures in your cells are like mini power plants, producing energy.

When the red and near-infrared lights reach these mitochondria, they give them a little nudge, boosting their energy production. This energy, known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), is like the currency your cells use to perform their tasks. More ATP means your cells can work better and faster at repairing and rejuvenating themselves.

What does this mean for you? On your skin, for example, this energy boost helps to reduce the look of aging, smooth out wrinkles, and improve overall skin texture. It’s like giving your skin cells a pep talk and encouraging them to keep you looking fresh and youthful. For injuries or wounds, this therapy acts like a fast-forward button, speeding up your body’s natural healing process. It's been recognized by the FDA for these uses. [2] [3]

Our favorite red light therapy brand is Platinum LED Therapy Lights. For over 13 years, Platinum LED has provided high-quality red light therapy options in various configurations and strengths to fit your lifestyle. For more information about purchasing a red light for your home or gym visit that at PlantinumLED.com

How does red light therapy affect your testosterone, or does it?

It's crucial to sift through various claims to find what's backed by science as you explore the relationship between red light therapy (RLT) and testosterone levels. The notion that red light therapy could boost testosterone stems from its overall benefits for cellular functions, but how does this translate specifically to testosterone production?

The idea is that red light therapy, with its specific wavelengths of light, could stimulate the Leydig cells in your testes, which are primarily responsible for producing testosterone. The light, in theory, could enhance the energy production in these cells, leading to an increase in testosterone. But—and this is a significant “but”—the scientific community hasn't reached a consensus on this. While the hypothesis is grounded in a basic understanding of cell biology, actual clinical evidence supporting a direct correlation between red light therapy exposure and increased testosterone levels is sparse.

Now, if you look at historical research, such as the 1939 study that explored UV irradiation's effects on testosterone, there's an element of intrigue. This study suggested a substantial increase in testosterone following UV exposure to the male genital area. [4]

However, as you might be aware, the scientific landscape in 1939 was vastly different from today. Methodologies were less rigorous, and many studies from that era lacked the robustness that you'd expect from modern scientific research. Contemporary studies have not consistently replicated these findings, leading most current experts to treat these early results with skepticism.

Moreover, it's crucial to differentiate between UV light and the light used in red light therapy. UV light, like what you get from the sun, is different in its composition and effects compared to the red and near-infrared light used in red light therapy. Therefore, drawing parallels between the two can be misleading. [5]

Simply put, in the current scientific narrative, while there's anecdotal evidence and theoretical reasoning suggesting red light therapy could impact testosterone levels, there's a lack of concrete clinical data to firmly support these claims.

What is testicular tanning?

In your exploration of red light therapy and its associated practices, like testicular tanning, it's crucial to understand the context in which these trends have gained traction. One key factor contributing to the search for alternative testosterone-boosting methods is a notable trend in men's health: a population-level decline in serum testosterone levels.

A comprehensive study, conducted in the Greater Boston area, observed this trend in American men. It spanned from 1987 to 2004 and involved 1532 men, with a total of 2769 observations. Researchers found a significant, age-independent decrease in both total and bioavailable testosterone levels, which couldn't be fully explained by changes in health and lifestyle factors like smoking or obesity. The implications of this study suggest that recent generations of men might be experiencing a decline in testosterone for reasons that are not entirely clear. [6]

In this context, the increasing popularity of solutions like testicular tanning becomes more understandable. Testicular tanning is a practice where the testicular area is exposed to red light, with claims that it boosts testosterone production. This method has been popularized by some health influencers and figures in the wellness community, contributing to its spread among those seeking to counteract declining testosterone levels. [5]

red light therapy has enjoyed significant commercial success, with various devices and treatments readily available to consumers; this commercialization, however, sometimes outpaces the scientific evidence supporting the claimed benefits. From a regulatory standpoint, bodies like the FDA have not approved red light therapy specifically for testosterone enhancement. This absence of endorsement is significant and aligns with the broader medical opinion. Many medical professionals emphasize the need for more comprehensive research before any definitive claims can be made. [7]

The growing interest in testicular tanning and other similar practices is likely a response to real concerns about men's health, particularly the observed decline in testosterone levels. However, the pursuit of solutions should be grounded in solid scientific evidence to ensure both their effectiveness and your safety.

Explore safe and scientifically-backed approaches to men's health with REGENX Health, your partner in navigating testosterone wellness with confidence.