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From 2 videos

Does alcohol lower testosterone in women?

Answered by Nikkiey Stott and her guests · Updated

The short answer

Yes, according to Nikkiey. She explains that alcohol can decrease testosterone levels, which makes it harder to build muscle and recover from strength training. She adds that low testosterone can also lower sex drive and leave you more tired, and that alcohol disrupts other hormones that matter for fat loss, including growth hormone and cortisol.

Hear Nikkiey answer it

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  1. Nikkiey on how alcohol lowers testosterone and why that hurts muscle, libido and energy

    Plays from 1:44 · Video: How Alcohol Affects Testosterone, Cortisol and Recovery

  2. Why lower testosterone and growth hormone make it harder to build muscle and recover

    Plays from 2:39 · Video: 5 Ways Drinking Hurts Muscle Recovery and Fat Loss

  3. How alcohol raises cortisol, adds stress and can lead to more stored body fat

    Plays from 3:21 · Video: How Alcohol Affects Testosterone, Cortisol and Recovery

  4. Alcohol, lost deep sleep and the hunger hormones that drive next-day cravings

    Plays from 3:59 · Video: How Alcohol Affects Testosterone, Cortisol and Recovery

The full answer

Nikkiey describes testosterone as a key hormone for muscle growth and recovery. When alcohol pulls it down, the strength training you're putting in has a harder time turning into muscle. On the show she connects low testosterone to more than the gym, too: a lowered sex drive, more fatigue, and an overall hit to how you feel.

Testosterone isn't the only hormone she points to. In both episodes, Nikkiey explains that alcohol can also:

  • Lower growth hormone, which supports muscle growth, recovery and fat loss
  • Raise cortisol, which she says can lead to muscle breakdown and, in her words, is the fat-storing hormone
  • Interfere with insulin's ability to deliver glucose energy to your cells, leaving you with less energy to train

She also links alcohol to poorer sleep. It impairs deep sleep, which is when muscle repair happens, and the disrupted sleep shifts your hunger-regulating hormones. That's why the next day you may want junk food or greasy food. So if you're training hard and eating well but drinking regularly, the stalled results may have less to do with your effort and more to do with what the drinks are doing to your recovery.

The episodes don't give specific numbers, studies or a set amount of alcohol where this starts. Nikkiey's point is that she wants you to understand what is going on even when a few drinks are consumed. She calls alcohol poison and says plainly that this is her very personal opinion. If you're concerned about your testosterone or other hormone levels, especially around perimenopause or menopause, work with your doctor to get them checked.

From Nikkiey Stott and WarriorBabe's coaching. For education, not medical advice: talk to your doctor about your own health.

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