Testosterone is the primary androgen hormone in men but also plays an essential role in women. It regulates muscle mass, libido, energy levels, bone density, motivation, and mood. Testosterone production and breakdown are influenced by genetic variations, age, nutrition, body fat, and external factors such as alcohol consumption.
This article explores testosterone biosynthesis, the effects of alcohol on testosterone, and how to support hormonal balance.
🧬 How is testosterone produced?
🔹 Step 1: Cholesterol → Pregnenolone
- Via the enzyme CYP11A1
🔹 Step 2: Pregnenolone → DHEA → Androstenedione
- Enzyme: CYP17A1
🔹 Step 3: Androstenedione → Testosterone
- Enzyme: HSD17B3 (17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase)
Testosterone can then:
- Be converted into DHT (via SRD5A2) → more potent androgen
- Be converted into estradiol (via CYP19A1/aromatase) → estrogen
📊 What does testosterone do?
Both low and excessive testosterone levels can cause symptoms.
🍷 Alcohol and testosterone: what really happens?
Alcohol has a strong suppressive effect on testosterone production, and this occurs through several mechanisms:
🔥 Acute effects (even after 1–2 drinks)
- Inhibits release of LH (luteinizing hormone) from the pituitary → less testicular stimulation
- Decreases testosterone production in Leydig cells
- Disrupts mitochondrial function (where steroid synthesis begins)
❌ Chronic effects (regular or excessive use)
- Oxidative stress in the testes → decreased Leydig cell activity
- Increases aromatase (CYP19A1) → more conversion of testosterone into estrogen
- Lowers SHBG → more free estrogen, less available testosterone
- Liver overload → slower hormone and metabolite clearance
🤔 Symptoms in men with alcohol-induced low testosterone:
- Fatigue, low libido
- Gynecomastia (breast development)
- Muscle loss, fat gain
- Irritability, depressive mood
- Reduced fertility
🏋️♀️ Effects in women
In women, testosterone is produced in the adrenal glands and ovaries.
Alcohol can lead to:
- Estrogen dominance (increased conversion of T → E2 via aromatase)
- Low testosterone: fatigue, low libido, poor muscle tone
- Mood issues, anxiety, PMS
🚩 Genes affected by alcohol in the T-pathway
✅ Supporting testosterone balance
🧠 Final Thoughts
Alcohol has both direct and indirect negative impacts on testosterone. It suppresses production, increases conversion to estrogen, and disrupts hormonal balance at multiple levels. This applies to both men and women.
By limiting alcohol use, supporting liver function, and modulating aromatase, you can naturally optimize your testosterone levels and restore energy, libido, and resilience.