Does Nicotine Increase Your Testosterone Levels?

Whether you're into fitness, performance, or just want to feel your best, you've probably heard all sorts of claims about what affects testosterone levels. But what about nicotine? Some say it gives testosterone a boost, while others warn of long-term hormonal disruptions. So, do nicotine pouches like ZYN, help or hinder your testosterone levels? Let’s break down the science.

Nicotine, the primary active ingredient in nicotine pouches, interacts with the body's endocrine system—a network of glands that regulate hormones—and may influence hormone levels, including testosterone. Testosterone plays a crucial role in muscle development, bone density, red blood cell production, and reproductive health. 

While there’s little research linking nicotine pouches to increased testosterone levels, some studies suggest nicotine could cause a temporary testosterone boost. However, long-term use is linked to potential hormonal imbalances and reproductive health concerns. While nicotine might offer a short-lived advantage, the bigger picture tells a more complicated story.

Nicotine’s impact on testosterone isn’t straightforward—it’s a mixed bag of short-term spikes and long-term risks. Some studies indicate that nicotine might cause a temporary increase in testosterone levels. According to the International Journal of Andrology, smokers may have approximately 15% higher total testosterone and 13% higher free testosterone than non-smokers. Free testosterone, the biologically active form of the hormone that isn’t bound to proteins, is more readily available for the body to use.

This temporary spike is thought to result from nicotine’s influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which regulates testosterone production. However, this initial boost doesn’t last and doesn’t necessarily translate into long-term benefits. Instead, prolonged nicotine use may contribute to hormonal disruptions, including the following potential downsides:

• Hormonal Imbalances – Long-term nicotine use may dull nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which help control brain signals that regulate hormones. This disruption can interfere with testosterone production, making it harder for the body to maintain a natural hormonal balance.

• Cortisol Increase – Nicotine interacts with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to elevated cortisol levels—a stress hormone that suppresses testosterone over time.

• Reproductive Health Risks – Prolonged nicotine use can lead to reduced sperm quality and fertility issues.

Some athletes have been spotted using nicotine pouches on the sidelines, with race car driver, Parker Kligerman claiming: “[Nicotine pouches] can be a focus helper. It’s sort of a stimulant just like caffeine, it’s no different.” But when it comes to pushing through that final rep in the weight room or lap on the racetrack, nicotine isn’t the secret weapon you might expect.

While some studies suggest that nicotine may cause a temporary increase in testosterone levels, this short-term boost doesn’t necessarily lead to enhanced muscle development.

Long-term nicotine use may work against muscle growth by:

1. Reducing Oxygen Supply: Nicotine constricts blood cells, limiting oxygen delivery to muscles, which can hinder your performance.

2. Impairing Recovery: Nicotine's impact on sleep quality can disrupt the body's natural recovery processes, essential for muscle repair and growth.

3. Increasing Cortisol Levels: Chronic nicotine use elevates cortisol, a stress hormone that can promote muscle breakdown and counteract the anabolic (muscle-building and growth-promoting) effects of testosterone.

Not all nicotine products impact testosterone in the same way. Below is a breakdown of how 3 of the most popular ways to consume nicotine compare:

While nicotine pouches eliminate the risks associated with smoke inhalation, they can still influence testosterone levels in a variety of ways:

1. How You Consume Nicotine – Smoking has a much stronger and well-established link to lower testosterone levels compared to smoke-free options like nicotine pouches. While research on pouches is still emerging, they don’t contain the same harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke, which are known to disrupt hormone balance.

2. How Much & How Often – As with a lot of things, more isn’t always better. Heavy or long-term nicotine use can throw off your body’s natural hormone balance. Frequent nicotine intake raises cortisol levels, which is a stress hormone that can suppress testosterone production. If you’re popping in pouch after pouch, you might be unknowingly working against your own testosterone levels.

3. Nicotine Strength Matters – The higher the nicotine content, the more impact it may be having on hormone regulation. If you're reaching for high-strength options (Strong and Extra Strong), it’s smart to keep an eye on your daily intake. If you start to notice side effects like nausea, hiccups, or heartburn, chances are, you’re consuming too much.

4. How Long You’ve Been Using – A pouch here and there probably won’t make much of a difference, but long-term and continuous use can desensitize nicotine receptors and impact testosterone production over time. Taking breaks from nicotine and allowing your body to reset can help maintain a healthier hormonal balance.

If you’re popping in pouch after pouch, you might be unknowingly working against your own testosterone levels.

If you’re using nicotine pouches, balance is key. Space out your intake,be mindful of how many milligrams you're consuming, and take breaks when needed. That way, you can enjoy the experience without working against your body’s natural rhythms.

Nicotine pouches may not directly lower testosterone, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle plays a key role in hormone balance. Here are some ways you can support your testosterone levels while using nicotine pouches:

• Stay Active – Strength training and regular exercise (at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week) can naturally boost testosterone.

• Prioritize Rest & Stress Management – Poor sleep and high stress increase cortisol, which suppresses testosterone. If you can, aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night and practice relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing.

• Fuel Your Body Right – Incorporate foods that are rich in vitamin D, like fish, eggs, leafy greens, and antioxidant-packed berries to maintain optimal hormone levels.

• Use Nicotine Pouches in Moderation – While nicotine pouches eliminate the risks associated with smoke-related toxicants, excessive use can still impact things like hormone balance. It’s important to regulate your nicotine intake just as you would with other addictive substances—like caffeine or alcohol. Remember to take breaks and, most importantly, listen to your body.

By balancing nicotine use with exercise, sleep, and proper nutrition, you can help keep your testosterone levels stable.

Nicotine’s relationship with testosterone is complex. Some studies suggest it may cause a temporary boost, but as mentioned earlier, long-term use can disrupt hormone balance, impact muscle growth, and even affect fertility—though individual experiences may vary. If you use nicotine and want to keep your testosterone levels in check, maintaining a balanced lifestyle is key.

Looking for a smokeless alternative? Shop Northerner’s range of nicotine pouches responsibly!