Testosterone is a primary male sex hormone that is produced in the testicles in men and ovaries in women. In men, testosterone is responsible for the development of reproductive tissue and promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as deepening the voice, increasing muscle and bone mass, and supporting the growth of body hair. Many factors including stress, and alcohol consumption can reduce the level of testosterone in your body, leading to reduced overall health and satisfaction.
Some anecdotal evidence suggests that saunas can increase testosterone levels in the body. But is this just a theory, or does it have some truth to that? In this article, we will dive deep into the heating rooms of saunas to explore its health benefits and whether it can influence the levels of testosterone. By the end of this article you will have a better understanding of what a sauna is, and whether should you consider adding it to your weekly routine.
What Is Sauna?
A sauna is a room or building designed to experience dry or wet heat sessions which is found to reduce stress and support relaxation. Some yoga centers and gyms also include saunas where bathers can enjoy the steam and high heat which induces perspiration.
There are several types of saunas such as wood burning, electrically heated, infrared rooms, and steam rooms. Though the experience may differ depending on the type of sauna you choose, the basic principle stays the same. Saunas can offer several health benefits, such as:
- Cardiovascular Health: Saunas can increase blood circulation, similar to low to moderate exercising. On average a person’s heart rate may rise to 100-150 beats per minute while using a sauna.
- Relaxation: The saunas can help you relax your body and mind to promote relaxation.
- Sweating: Spending time in the heated rooms of a sauna can help you sweat significantly more than you might otherwise. Sweating can help the body remove the toxins.
- Pain Relief: Some people have reported pain relief from muscle soreness and joint pain after a sauna bath.
Saunas have been used for thousands of years and continue to be popular even today for their various health benefits. They are beneficial for both men and women for unwinding, relaxing, and getting rid of some toxins out of your body. Some early research suggests that sauna can improve your testosterone levels as well, let’s see how.
Does sauna increase testosterone?
The influence of sauna bathing on testosterone levels has been a topic of debate in recent years. Anecdotal evidence suggests that frequent sauna visitors have higher testosterone levels than people who don’t. However, with contradictory studies, the scientific community has a mixed opinion on the topic.
For example, one study conducted in Finland found that people who used a sauna once a week for the last three months have a higher testosterone level than those who haven’t visited the sauna in the last three months. However, other studies have found no significant difference.
The proposed relationship with sauna and Testosterone
Though the scientific community is still debating whether sauna can influence testosterone levels or not, scientists have come up with several explanations on how it can happen. One of the most convincing theories is that the sauna may increase the production of testosterone by activating heat shock proteins (HSPs).
The body produces HSPs in response to stressful conditions such as increased physical activities or exposure to heat like what you will experience in a sauna. It can influence a variety of cellular processes to keep the cell integrity and maintain protein homeostasis. Some scientists believe that the HSPs can increase the sensitivity of Leydig cells, which are responsible for the production of testosterone in the testes.
It is also speculated that the sauna bathing also causes an increased production of growth hormones in the body using the same mechanism. The heat shock proteins can also stimulate the pituitary gland, which can increase the levels of several hormones including the growth hormone.
Conclusion
The sauna has been an integral part of the Finnish culture for centuries. It is also popular in the Americas and other European countries. There are different types of saunas and you can find a sauna room in a modern gym or yoga center. Sauna bathing has several benefits including improved cardiovascular health, reduced stress, increased sweating and toxin release, and relief from joint pains and muscle soreness.
Some anecdotal evidence suggests that saunas can also increase testosterone levels in the body. According to some early research, frequent sauna goers have higher levels of testosterone than people who don’t. It could be due to the production of heat shock proteins in the body, which can be stimulated by the exposure to heat, happening in the sauna. However, it requires broader research to form a more conclusive opinion.
