Does Coconut Oil Increase Testosterone? (4 Things to Know)

It might be true that coconut oil increases testosterone levels, primarily because some evidence is emerging that saturated fatty acids, particularly the medium-chain triglycerides in coconut butter, promote testosterone production.

First, let’s take a closer look at coconut oil and testosterone individually.

Coconut Oil

This oil is extracted from the meat or copra of coconuts and contains a high percentage of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).

Even though coconut butter is mainly saturated fats, the high amounts of MCTs are absorbed more quickly than long-chain fatty acids so that the body can use them soon for energy [1].

There are two types of coconut oil, both of which come from the copra: 

• Unrefined: The least processed, also known as virgin coconut oil
• Refined: Additionally processed after extraction, like bleaching or deodorizing to make it more neutral and suitable for cooking.

There is emerging evidence that coconut oil, though a saturated fat, can offer some health benefits because of the MCTs.

Coconut oil may be one of the foods that raise testosterone levels in your body by stimulating thyroid function, inhibiting testosterone conversion to dihydrotestosterone, and preventing oxidative stress.

Here is a more in-depth look at each process.

Stimulates Thyroid Function

The thyroid gland produces the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

These hormones ensure your body functions well, especially metabolism, weight, and mood. Thyroid problems can directly impact testosterone levels [4].

For instance, hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough T3 and T4, which can lead to erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, muscle weakness, and hair loss [5].

Hypothyroidism can lower the levels of SHBG, a protein that carries testosterone throughout the body. This condition can also decrease levels of free testosterone [6].

Improving thyroid function by consuming coconut oil or other healthy fat sources may ultimately help restore healthy testosterone levels and improve sexual function.

Inhibits T Conversion to DHT

Approximately 54% of the fat in coconut butter is from MCTs:

• Lauric acid: 42%
• Caprylic acid: 7%
• Capric acid: 5%

Researchers believe these MCTs affect a hormone similar to testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

An enzyme in the body called 5-alpha reductase converts free testosterone into DHT, which has many of the same functions as testosterone but also contributes to male pattern baldness [7].

Studies show that MCTs can inhibit the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT, which may increase total testosterone levels and help prevent male pattern hair loss [8].

“Animal and test-tube studies have demonstrated that MCTs inhibit the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, a hormone linked to male pattern hair loss.”

- Gavin Van De Walle, MS, RD