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Does Reishi Mushroom Increase Testosterone?

Whole Reishi Mushroom

Key Takeaways

  • Testosterone sensitivity can cause issues like androgenic alopecia in both genders.
  • Reishi mushrooms offer a natural alternative for lowering testosterone, with potential benefits in hormone health, immune function, and cognitive health.
  • Reishi has anti-androgen effects, inhibiting testosterone production.
  • Reishi contains triterpenoids, which help reduce testosterone production.
  • Reishi mushrooms prevent the conversion of testosterone into DHT, linked to hair loss.
  • Reishi may reduce DHT levels in the prostate, potentially lowering prostate cancer risk.

Is too much testosterone a bad thing?

Too much testosterone for a man might sound great, but if you are sensitive to testosterone the side effects can be drastic. Testosterone sensitivity in both men and women can lead to androgenic alopecia.

Excessive testosterone production in men can lead to an enlarged prostate and increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Excessive testosterone production in women can also be a problem as it causes increased body hair, balding, a deepened voice, or even infertility.

Many who suffer from excessive testosterone production or are sensitive to testosterone look for a way to reduce and subside the effects. One such remedy growing in popularity for this concern is the Reishi mushroom.

Reishi mushrooms, or Ganoderma Lucidum, have been used for thousands of years for their natural medicinal properties all over the world. More commonly used as a source of healing in traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that the properties of Reishi contains could prevent cancer, boost the immune system, provide neuroprotective properties, and more.

Containing active compounds associated with offering health benefits may mean that there is something to these mushrooms that have been used for centuries.

With recent studies, Reishi mushrooms are believed to contain active compounds that may be able to reduce levels of testosterone in the body.

If you suffer from high levels of testosterone and are looking for a solution, this post will give you the information you need on Reishi mushrooms.

Does Reishi Mushroom Increase Testosterone Levels?

Bowl of reishi mushroom powder with chunks of reishi beside and two reishi mushroom capsules on top

Studies have shown that Reishi may offer anti-androgen effects. An androgen is characterized as a group of sex hormones that are responsible for developing male sex traits such as facial and body hair growth and voice change. They are present in both males and females.

It’s believed that Reishi mushrooms contain anti-androgenic properties that help to inhibit the production of testosterone rather than increase it.

In one significant study, the research showed that out of 20 mushroom species explored, Reishi mushrooms proved to be the strongest in their ability to inhibit testosterone (a principle androgen).

If you are looking to lower your levels of testosterone, you may be in luck. Reishi mushrooms contain oils called triterpenoids, these active compounds help to reduce the production of testosterone.

Because of these properties, it’s believed that using Reishi mushrooms may have the same effect.

Banner displaying 4 different reishi products

Click here for SuperFeast Reishi Click here for Life Cykel Reishi Click here for Teelixir Reishi

A study showed that Reishi mushrooms significantly prevented the conversion of testosterone into a stronger strand of testosterone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is an androgen that derives from testosterone.

Testosterone and DHT offer benefits to the body by promoting sexual health, particularly in males. Testosterone is converted to DHT with the helping hand from an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase.

However, a common side effect of high levels of DHT is a shrinking of hair follicles and a shortened hair cycle causing hair loss and balding as vitamins, minerals and proteins can’t reach the hair follicles to keep them healthy and nourished.

For many, hair is a source of self-confidence, and losing it can create anxiety. In this case, finding something that reduces levels of DHT would be ideal. There are different options available for those who wish to reduce their levels of DHT.

If you are considering lowering your levels of DHT but are wanting a natural solution, Reishi mushroom may be what you’re looking for. It is increasingly becoming a more popular natural solution to combating the effects of high levels of DHT such as hair loss and balding.

Does Reishi Mushroom Block DHT?

Chunks of reishi mushroom

DHT: A Cause Of Hair Loss

Did you know that androgenic alopecia is one of the key causes of pattern hair loss and accounts for 95% of all cases? DHT is a common cause of hair loss for both men and women.

Some people are more sensitive to DHT than others. Those with a genetic predisposition to hair loss are more sensitive to the effects of DHT.

Sensitivity to DHT can lead to more serious hair loss such as androgenic alopecia. Fortunately, there are ways of reducing the amount of DHT in the body.

It is believed that Reishi mushrooms may be able to protect hair follicles and promote hair growth by inhibiting DHT.

How Reishi Reduces DHT For Hair Loss

Reishi mushrooms work to act as a blocker that prevents DHT from binding to 5-alpha reductase. Blocking the enzyme leads to a significant reduction in DHT levels and helps to prevent it from shrinking hair follicles.

It also acts as an inhibitor by working to reduce the body’s production of DHT. This dual protection is believed to be effective in combating hair loss and protecting hair follicles.

If you suffer from hair loss or balding, it’s not too late. Reishi extract may offer an alternative solution to hair loss as it has the potential to act as a hair growth treatment.

Banner displaying 4 different reishi products

Click here for SuperFeast Reishi Click here for Life Cykel Reishi Click here for Teelixir Reishi

How Reishi Reduces The Risk Of Prostate Cancer

Though research is currently inconclusive, there are suggestions that there may be a connection between those with a sensitivity to DHT and the increased risk of men getting prostate cancer.

DHT is responsible for stimulating the growth of prostate cells. While this is beneficial during adolescence for maintaining normal growth, it can become a problem for older men by contributing to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is the enlargement of the prostate gland.

To avoid any risk of prostate cancer, many look to find a solution that will lower their production of DHT

Reishi is believed to be a natural solution to preventing risks of prostate cancer by stopping the growth of the gland.

Acting as a DHT inhibitor it may be able to reduce levels of DHT produced in the prostate which are responsible for causing an enlarged prostate and which older men are at risk of prostate cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is reishi good for testosterone?

Reishi mushrooms can be beneficial in regulating testosterone levels in humans. Their anti-androgenic effect, particularly notable in decreasing free testosterone, makes them a viable option for those looking to modulate their hormonal balance.

Q2. Is Reishi mushroom estrogenic?

Reishi mushrooms, or Lingzhi, do not exhibit estrogenic properties; rather, they are recognized for their inhibitory effects on testosterone production.

Q3. Should men take reishi?

Men may consider taking reishi, especially if they are experiencing issues related to high androgen levels, such as hair loss or prostate concerns. The effects of reishi in the body include the modulation of androgen hormones, which can be advantageous for maintaining normal testosterone levels.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a solution that will help lower your testosterone levels and inhibit DHT production, and you like the sound of natural alternative therapy, Reishi may be worth giving a go.

Though the effects of it are still under research, they contain compounds that have the potential to reduce testosterone levels as well as offer benefits in hormone health, immune function, and cognitive health.

If you feel like you’re not sure about Reishi mushrooms, consult your doctor with any concerns you may have.

Disclaimer

Note: This blog discusses health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.

If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that you have read on this blog or in any linked materials.

Darcy Ogdon-Nolan

Holding a Bachelor Of Science (Hons.) combined with close to a decade now in the health food and wellness industry, I believe I'm uniquely positioned to provide a depth of knowledge and first-hand experience on emerging health products, trends and ideas! From greens powders and medicinal mushrooms through to protein powders and workout nutrition - I'm particularly interested in what modern science can uncover about what human cultures have been using to treat ailments for millennia!

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