Alcohol

And the impact on your testosterone

Basic Math:

The avg US drink contains 14g of alcohol. For a 90kg person, 0.5g/kg BW is equal to 3.2 drinks. 1.5g/kg BW is equal to 9.6 drinks.

“When consumed acutely in large doses (>1.5g/KG BW) alcohol has a negative effect on testosterone production which, together with an increased conversion rate of testosterone and androstenedione to their respective estrogens, leads to feminising effects such as gynecomastia and testicular atrophy.”

HOWEVER

“A low does of alcohol (0.5g/KG BW) has the OPPOSITE effect on testosterone while additionally reducing androstenedione levels.”

After exhaustive aerobic exercise, alcohol consumption in excess of 1.5g/KG BW prolongs the “inhibitory effect alcohol has on testosterone.” 

However, when consumed after resistance exercise, a lower dose (0.83g/KG BW) prolongs the post exercise catabolic (muscle/tissue breakdown) state, while having no impact on testosterone. 

“Intriguingly, when consumed after resistance exercise, a dose of

1.09 g alcohol/kg BW results in an increase in free and

total testosterone, a response opposite to that seen in

the absence of resistance exercise”

Alcohol: Impact on Sports Performance and Recovery in Male Athletes. Barnes 

DICLAIMER

This is not Legal, Medical, or Financial advice. Please consult a medical professional before starting any workout program, nutrition plan, or supplement protocol.