If you vape and have been feeling low in energy, experiencing changes in mood or just wondering about your general health, you might have come across the idea that vaping could affect your hormone levels. In particular, some people ask whether vaping lowers testosterone.
Testosterone is a key hormone in both men and women, but it plays a bigger role in male energy, mood, muscle mass and reproductive health. In this guide, we take a look at the link between vaping and testosterone, what the science says so far and what you can do to look after your hormonal health.
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It helps regulate sex drive, bone density, muscle growth, mood and energy levels. In men, most testosterone is produced in the testicles. A healthy level of testosterone supports overall wellbeing and performance, both physically and mentally.
Low testosterone, also known as low T, can lead to:
-
Fatigue
-
Reduced libido
-
Mood swings
-
Difficulty building muscle
-
Poor concentration
Because hormone levels are sensitive to lifestyle factors, people often want to know whether things like vaping might play a role.
Does vaping affect testosterone levels?
There is no clear evidence that vaping directly lowers testosterone. However, the nicotine in most vapes may have an indirect effect on hormone balance in some individuals.
Nicotine is known to affect the endocrine system, which regulates hormone production. It can influence levels of certain hormones, including testosterone, either by affecting blood flow, disrupting signals between the brain and the body or altering stress hormones like cortisol. These effects are more noticeable in people who use large amounts of nicotine or who are sensitive to hormonal shifts.
If you are using a strong nicotine product like the Lost Mary BM6000, which delivers 20 milligrams per millilitre of nicotine salt, it is worth being mindful of how your body feels over time, especially if you are noticing other symptoms.
Is it better than smoking?
Yes. Smoking has been more clearly linked to hormonal disruption and lower testosterone levels. The toxins in cigarette smoke can reduce blood flow, damage cells and interfere with hormone signalling in the body.
Vaping avoids combustion and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. That means it is generally seen as a better alternative for people trying to quit smoking, including those concerned about their reproductive or hormonal health.
That said, vaping still delivers nicotine, which means the stimulant and vascular effects are still present. So while it is lower risk than smoking, it is not risk-free.
Can nicotine affect testosterone long term?
Nicotine may lower testosterone temporarily by constricting blood vessels and increasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Over time, repeated exposure could affect how your body produces or regulates testosterone, but this depends on many factors including genetics, diet, activity level and sleep.
For most healthy individuals, occasional vaping is unlikely to cause significant hormonal disruption. However, if you are vaping heavily or rely on nicotine multiple times a day, there may be a cumulative effect worth monitoring.
What can you do to protect testosterone levels?
If you are concerned about your hormone balance while vaping, here are some steps you can take:
-
Use a lower nicotine strength if possible
-
Avoid chain vaping, especially during periods of stress
-
Get regular exercise, especially strength training
-
Eat a balanced diet rich in healthy fats and micronutrients
-
Get enough sleep to support hormonal recovery
-
Reduce alcohol and manage stress wherever you can
Looking after your general health can help balance out any minor impact nicotine might have.
Should you stop vaping if you are trying to optimise testosterone?
If you are training hard, trying to boost energy or improve hormone health, reducing nicotine is one of several useful steps you can take. While vaping is less harmful than smoking, stopping altogether or switching to nicotine-free products may help you feel more balanced.
If you notice signs of low testosterone or hormonal imbalance, speak to a GP or health professional. They can help rule out underlying causes and guide you on how to make positive changes.
Want to learn more?
Our full health guides cover a range of topics related to vaping and wellbeing, from sleep and digestion to oral care, mental health and hormones. These articles are written for UK vapers and aim to answer real-life questions just like this one.
Final thoughts
There is no solid evidence that vaping directly lowers testosterone, but the nicotine in vape products may affect hormone balance in some people, especially with heavy use. If you are feeling low in energy, struggling with mood or concerned about testosterone levels, reviewing your vape use may be one piece of the puzzle.
Staying active, eating well and reducing stress all play a role in supporting hormone health. If you are switching flavours or cutting back on strength, the Lost Mary BM6000 collection offers a range of smooth, regulated options to suit your routine.
If you’re exploring hormone-related symptoms, also read does vaping cause hair loss.
For deeper insights into health and fitness effects, see does vaping affect fertility.