So, can red light therapy really give your T-levels a boost? The short answer is yes! In fact, studies have shown the effectiveness of “testicle tanning” (not our words, we swear).
You’ve probably heard it whispered among health enthusiasts – it’s one of those trendy “biohacks” making the rounds on the Internet, promising to turn back the clock on your energy and performance in bed. And it fulfills its promise!
Why take our word for it? Well, we’re not just your average source of health trends; we give you the facts on wellness through light therapy.
Below, we dish out the nitty-gritty about red light therapy (RLT) for testosterone. We’ll talk about the studies, the science, and the real deal. Ready to find out?
How Does Red Light Therapy Increase Testosterone?
Okay, so we all know how testosterone production is essential, right? At the correct levels, it can do wonders for the overall health and well-being of both men and women.
But how does red light therapy come into play?
Well, studies suggest that red and near-infrared light wavelengths can stimulate something called “Leydig cells”. These are the cells that produce testosterone, and when they get a little extra energy from light therapy, they start cranking out more of that vital hormone.
Think of it as a wake-up call for those dormant cells. In our modern lives, even when our stress levels are low, they’re still there, lurking in the background and affecting our cells.
So, how does this red light therapy work?
Also known as low-level laser therapy or LLLT, this therapy uses safe, low levels of red or near-infrared light minus the heat and harmful UV rays.
Now, here’s where the magic happens: red light therapy devices or machines beam this special light onto areas of your body that need some TLC. It doesn’t just stop at the surface; it goes deep into your tissues and muscles to kickstart cellular healing and rejuvenation.
You might be thinking, “Okay, that sounds great, but does it really boost testosterone levels?” The answer is a resounding yes! In fact, there are several studies supporting the idea that red and near-infrared light therapy can help boost testosterone levels in men.
A 2016 study from the University of Siena looked at men with low sexual desire and found that light therapy led to a boost in testosterone production, resulting in increased satisfaction [1]. It was a small study, but it hints that light therapy could indeed crank up those testosterone levels.
A 2018 study also found that RLT significantly boosted the stem cells of the testicles and testosterone production [2]. So, it’s not just a far-fetched idea.
Red Light Therapy Benefits: Testosterone
If you’re dealing with a testosterone deficiency, not all hope is lost! You might be frustrated with things like less facial and body hair, feeling tired all the time, or a lower sex drive, but red light therapy can help with all that.
Red light therapy has a number of appealing, proven benefits…
Boosts Sexual Libido & Stamina
Red light therapy is attracting attention for its potential to enhance sexual health, particularly addressing issues like erectile dysfunction (ED) and improving sexual performance in general.
A 2017 study on individuals with diabetic peripheral artery disease showed that RLT stimulates vasodilation, widening blood vessels [3]. This suggests that RLT has the potential to improve blood flow to any given area, a critical factor in addressing ED.
So, what does this mean for you? Well, ED is often the result of poor blood flow, and given that RLT can help improve circulation, it may offer a natural, non-invasive solution for treating erectile dysfunction.
Improves Fertility
Fertility is often a major concern when dealing with low testosterone levels. Nobody wants to gamble with their reproductive and sexual health using unproven treatments. Luckily, RLT may offer a safer and entirely natural approach to this problem.
Red light therapy stands out as a safe way to maintain healthy testosterone levels. Plus, it doesn’t cause harm to DNA, sperm production, or testicular tissue.
A 2015 study involving men with “poor swimmers” (low sperm motility) demonstrated promising results. After some red and near-infrared light exposure, there were fewer “lazy” swimmers and more active ones, which means better chances for conception [4].
Similarly, a 2017 study conducted at the University of California found that sperm exposed to a certain wavelength of red light (633 nm) moved faster and stronger, a bit like supercharging their “swimming abilities” [5].
Further research in 2018 sang the same tune. Researchers found that red and near-infrared light can prolong sperm survival, improve motility, and increase swimming speed, all vital aspects of fertility [6].
Boosts Athletic Performance
Athletes are increasingly turning to light therapy due to its well-supported benefits. It’s becoming more and more popular across various sports, thanks to solid scientific evidence.
Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are two issues often associated with sports and gymming, which can cause problems in your body and slow recovery.
A 2017 study co-authored by Dr. Michael Hamblin, an expert in RLT and associate professor at Harvard Medical School, looked at how this therapy affects human muscle tissue. They checked if shining red light before and after exercise could help athletes recover faster and perform better.
The meta analysis involved over 1,000 people in 46 trials and showed promising results. People who used red and near-infrared light therapy with their workouts experienced increased muscle mass, less inflammation, and less muscle soreness after exercise [7].
Many other studies have also shown how RLT can help fight muscle fatigue, provide extracellular energy for those longer and better workouts, and speed up your recovery.
Improves Mood
Low testosterone levels often bring along lifestyle and relationship challenges that can lead to major depression and anxiety.
Harvard Medical School conducted a groundbreaking study on ten patients with severe depression, nine of whom were also battling anxiety. After a few rounds of near-infrared treatments, their depression and anxiety levels dropped significantly with zero side effects [8].
Stress, which often goes hand in hand with these mood issues, can mess up your hormone production, including testosterone. So, by tackling stress with red light therapy, you’re not only improving your mood but possibly giving your testosterone levels a boost too!
Reduces Menopause/Andropause Symptoms
Andropause, sometimes called male menopause, boils down to hormonal shifts that come with aging.
This is where red light therapy sessions can help. Many of the frustrating symptoms that come with menopause and andropause are tied to inflammation and changes in our nervous system. RLT offers a non-invasive, safe, and effective way to tackle these issues.
Red light therapy supercharges your mitochondria, the tiny powerhouses in your cells, by boosting adenosine triphosphate production (ATP). This ATP stuff is like your body’s energy currency, used for everything from muscle movement to nerve signals. With more ATP, your cells can function more efficiently, leading to a cascade of health benefits.
How To Use Red Light Therapy For Low T
Sure, there are other tried-and-true methods for boosting testosterone, like testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), staying fit, and maintaining a healthy weight. But more folks are turning to this safe and non-invasive approach.
So, if you’re thinking of giving red light therapy a shot (smart move), here are some tips to get you started:
1. Consult A Healthcare Professional
It’s easy to become overexcited at the prospect of a new “miracle” treatment, but have a chat with a healthcare expert first. They can guide you on whether it’s the right fit for you and how to use it safely.
2. Use A Powerful Red Light Therapy Device
For the best results, you’re going to need a powerful red light therapy device. You want to choose a device that offers both red and near-infrared light across various wavelengths.
For example, the best light therapy devices like the MitoPRO Series provide great coverage and intensity. Smaller handheld devices often lack the necessary light energy output (i.e. irradiance) to “push” red or near-infrared light photons into the tissues in the testicles, exactly where those important Leydig cells reside.
3. Be Consistent
Consistency is the name of the game. To achieve the best results, make this therapy part of your daily routine. We suggest a daily session lasting max 20 minutes, at least 3-5 times per week.
To stay on track, consider incorporating your sessions into your morning routine. And yes, you’ll want to be in the buff, so make sure to do this in privacy.
4. Don’t Overdo It
Don’t expect miracles. Give it a few weeks and you should start seeing an improvement.
In the same breath, don’t overdo it. While red light therapy is safe, you should always stick to the recommended exposure times for your specific device. Overexposure to red light may cause skin damage and other issues (but this is very rare).
5. Protect Your Eyes
While more research is needed to determine if red light can be harmful to your eyes, early studies seem to point no. That said, it’s recommended you use protective goggles or simply close your eyes during your treatment. It’s a small step that can prevent eye damage. Even if it’s just to help “manage” the bright light.
6. Monitor Progress
When it comes to any of this “new age” science stuff, you should go in with the expectation of being your own test subject. While early research is promising, there’s still not enough clinical studies for any conclusive results, i.e. this might not work for everyone. You should monitor your progress with bloodwork and other tests to see if red light therapy is working for you.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about red light therapy and testosterone.
Is Red Light Therapy Safe?
Yes, using red light therapy to boost testosterone levels is completely safe. It doesn’t mess with your T levels or have any harmful side effects. Unlike the sun or tanning beds, red light won’t cause any damage. As long as you use it as directed and don’t go overboard, you can rest assured that red light therapy is safe.
Can You Use Red Light Therapy On Your Testicles?
Yes! Unlike other forms of light like blue and UV light that can pose health risks when applied to the testicles, red light therapy is safe, non-invasive, and painless. You can use it every day without worries.
For the best results, choose red light sources that emit red light in the range of 630 to 660 nanometers (nm) and near-infrared (NIR) light between 810 and 850 nm.
How Quickly Does Red Light Therapy Work?
The time it takes for red light therapy to boost testosterone levels can vary between individuals. It depends on your specific situation, body, and how well the treatment works for you. With daily sessions at least three times a week, you might start noticing changes in as little as a month.
Final Thoughts
Using red light therapy for testosterone might sound crazy at first, but the science behind it is sound. Numerous studies have shown that it’s a safe and effective way to boost natural testosterone production.
If you’ve been diagnosed with low testosterone or are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone levels, we encourage you to give LED light therapy a try!
Check out our latest blog posts to discover more ways red light therapy can benefit your health!
References
- https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/868995
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5992952/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28935419/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25204851/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28425485/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5992952/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5167494/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2796659/
