Kratom is one of the most versatile nootropics you’ll find anywhere in the U.S. It’s simply amazing what a Southeast Asian tree (Mitragyna speciosa) can do to the human body; kratom can result in stimulating, sedating, or pain-relieving effects, and that’s not even the half of it!
As we’ll cover further down, though, kratom is not without potential side effects. Kratom can affect users’ libidos, but does kratom lower testosterone? We’ll dive into that question and lay out what science has to say below.
First: What is Kratom, Anyway?
Kratom is an evergreen tree found in Thailand, Malaysia, and other parts of Southeast Asia. Local populations have long used its leaves for a variety of physiological benefits, such as providing boosts of energy and easing soreness from a hard day’s work. Some locals also served up kratom tea and other kratom drinks for various rituals. 
Nowadays, the word kratom may be synonymous with any product containing kratom or kratom extract. Popular ways to consume kratom include sprinkling kratom powder into beverages, ingesting kratom capsules with your morning or afternoon coffee, and steeping the plant in piping hot mugs of water.
What Does Kratom Do?
So, what’s the actual purpose of consuming kratom? It’s certainly not for the taste—unless you’re into earthy and bitter tree leaves. You’ll certainly get no judgment from us if you are. The benefits of kratom vary depending on the vein color, strain, and amount you consume.
Here’s a quick primer on the three primary kratom vein colors and the effects closely associated with each one:
- Red Kratom: This vein color is generally regarded as the most powerful; kratom veins tend to become darker as they mature. Red kratom users are likely to experience relaxation and euphoria, which is why it’s often regarded as opioid-lite. Some people who have opioid withdrawal syndrome have used kratom to lessen the effects of the withdrawal symptoms.
- Green Kratom: Green kratom is not as mature as red kratom but more mature than white kratom. Users’ experiences vary with green kratom—some find that it boosts their physical energy and mental focus, while others experience calming and soothing effects. Many people report balanced green kratom effects. For instance, it might make you more sociable and lively without making you feel hyper. Another green kratom benefit is analgesia (pain relief), although you may experience that with other vein colors.
- White Kratom: Think of white vein kratom as the toddler of the bunch. It’ll probably get you energized and ready to tackle the world, and it might even boost your cognition. In some cases, it can help activate the immune system.
The Science Behind Kratom
We thought we’d include a little side note for the nerdy ones (which we proudly consider ourselves) who want to know why kratom does what it does to the human body.
Here’s why: nobody really knows for sure. Kidding! Mostly.
We know two alkaloids (of at least 40) in kratom, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7–OH), interact with opioid receptors. Mitragynine makes up around 66 percent of the total alkaloid load in kratom and is thought to produce stimulating effects.
The other big one, 7–OH, isn’t nearly as abundant but packs a heavy punch, as its effects closely mimic opioids. It is at least a dozen times more potent than morphine. Because it binds with opioid receptors so closely, 7–OH can cause kratom users to become dependent, tolerant, and even addicted to the substance.
Does Kratom Lower Testosterone Levels?
Okay, you’ve made it to the main event. Does kratom decrease your testosterone levels?
Um, maybe. Maybe.
See how we primed you in the section right above this one for an anticlimactic moment?
A well-reported case of kratom use associated with lowered testosterone levels involves a 42-year-old man who went to his doctor about fatigue and low libido. A blood panel revealed hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and elevated levels of serum prolactin. Both of those hard-to-pronounce conditions are typically associated with low testosterone in males and people assigned male at birth (AMAB).
Further testing revealed no obvious cause. After several weeks, the patient returned for a follow-up appointment. His serum prolactin was back to a normal level, and he no longer had hypogonadism. The only change between the visits, he claimed, was the cessation of kratom use.
Some studies have not been as keen to conclude that kratom reduces testosterone levels. An evaluation of 19 regular kratom users in Malaysia, for example, did not show testosterone reduction after two full years.
Can Kratom Affect Your Sexual Health in Other Ways?
Yes, kratom might help you if you’re experiencing premature ejaculation. Or, at least, that’s what a four-week study of 165 males concluded.
While a portion (20 percent) reported that regular kratom use had negative effects on their sexual health, nearly twice (38 percent) reported positive effects. Two-thirds of those surveyed (104) claimed that regular kratom use increased the time for ejaculation.
Another study looked at sexual satisfaction among 92 regular kratom users—all males. Like the study we just discussed, a majority of participants reported delayed ejaculation. Kratom use was also associated with longer-sustained erections, increased sexual desire, and more energy in the bedroom.
We should also note that women and those assigned female at birth (AFAB) also depend on testosterone for many functions, though not as heavily as men and AMAB. Regardless of gender, low testosterone can result in:
- Low sex drive (libido)
- Physical fatigue
- Malaise
- Hair thinning or loss
- Sleep problems
- Brain fog
- Osteoporosis
What Are Some of Kratom’s Better-Known Side Effects?
While the jury may still be out on kratom use and testosterone levels, some of the other kratom side effects are better known.
Common side effects from kratom include:
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Muscle pain
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Itching
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Weight loss
- Liver problems
- Respiratory depression
Some of the negative effects of kratom seem to be associated with one-time doses that were simply too large (usually over 15 grams). Other side effects, like weight loss and liver problems, are closely associated with long-term use or withdrawal after long-term use.
Call Gold Dragon Kratom for Your Kratom Needs (and Wants)
Kratom may not cause you to experience all those scary side effects you hear about on the internet, but it may not satisfy every goal of yours, either. Kratom’s benefits and effects are highly individualized, and you shouldn’t assume your body will react the same way as other people’s.
As is the case with most new substances, start with lower doses of kratom (1–5 grams) and build up to the most effective dosage. We recommend perusing Gold Dragon’s online kratom marketplace to find an appealing way to consume your favorite alkaloids.
Pay attention to how your mind and body react to kratom to adjust your use habits as needed. And, when in doubt, it’s always a good idea to consult a doctor about any concerns – or before you start using kratom in general.
There you have it – you now know what you need to use kratom effectively for sexual wellness! Do you have questions? We have answers. Reach out to our staff for a free consultation on any products that catch your eye.
