Do Cold Showers Increase Testosterone? (5 Amazing Benefits)

There is countless research on the effects of testosterone and male fertility as affected by low and high temperatures.

Sperm Production

Here is some research regarding temperatures and sperm production:

• Keeping testicular temperature between 88 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit allows optimal DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis resulting in higher sperm production [3].
• Cold temperature exposure can improve the morphology (shape) and mobility of sperm [4].
• Another study shows that reducing exposure to hot baths, showers, or hot tubs can improve sperm count by an average of 500 percent [5].

Testosterone Levels

These other studies evaluate the effects of cold exposure related to testosterone levels:

• One study shows that brief, daily exposure to cold temperatures actually decreases testosterone levels in the blood [6]. However, this study involved exposure in cooler months rather than cold showers. Still, it underscores the link between cooler temperatures and serum testosterone and the importance of testicular temperature regulation.
• More studies show that cold stimulation does not affect the serum testosterone level, but physical exercise does by increasing luteinizing hormone and noradrenaline levels [7].
• Promising results to boost testosterone came from a randomized controlled trial where athletes were subjected to cold exposure after an explosive sprint session. Researchers noted a 24-hour spike in testosterone levels measured in saliva samples from the athletes [8].

This boost is likely due to the body’s response to what it perceives as dangerous cold exposure, so it releases proteins to prevent muscle tissue from wasting away, potentially boosting testosterone naturally.

Both testosterone levels and sperm production might benefit from cold exposure, but there are also some other positives to taking a cold shower.

Let’s take a quick look now.

Increased Energy

There is evidence that suggests that cold showers can boost energy.

One study found that participants likened the effects of cold exposure to caffeine after taking cold to hot showers for a month, followed by two months of cold showers [12].

Another study shows a slight benefit to muscle soreness by cold water immersion, especially when immediately followed by hot water exposure [13].

Boosted Immunity

Research shows that cold exposure through cold baths and showers can boost your immune system.

A clinical trial out of the Netherlands shows a 29% reduction in people calling out sick from their jobs [14].

Another study indicates that cold water immersion causes the body to release adrenaline which helps the immune system resist illness by producing more anti-inflammatory substances like white blood cells [15].

Cold water can be shocking and unpleasant, but there are a few things you can do to get the most benefit from a cold shower without all the misery:

• Slow and steady - You don’t need to make the water ice-cold from the start. Gradually decreasing the temperature with each shower will allow your body to adjust. You can start with warm water, working toward lukewarm, cool, and finally, a cold shower.
• Easy does it - Splash the water on your face, arms, and feet first to get used to the temperature; you don’t have to go all-in and shock your entire body with cold water.
• Get warm - Make sure you have a warm area or towel ready so you don’t get too cold and begin shivering.
• It is not one and done - To reap the most benefits of cold showers, you must do them consistently. Taking them at a similar time each day allows your body to adjust and respond to the cold exposure.