The Link Between Milk and Testosterone — Does It Increase or Decrease?

Recently a debate around does milk increase or decrease testosterone has made men question the effect of milk consumption on their “manliness”.

Testosterone is the major player in “male” health and this is why people often try various foods that increase testosterone.

Milk is one such food that has always been a staple in the diet of bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts. It supports the bodybuilding process by providing protein and calcium in enough quantities.

But is milk good for males?

The complex nutritional composition and recent research pointing towards milk as one of the possible testosterone-killing foods have put it in the limelight.

So, where does it stand; does milk increase or decrease testosterone, and should males drink it?

This blog answers it all and clears the confusion regarding its consumption.

The Link Between Milk and Testosterone

Milk is a superfood and is always hailed for its nutritional value.

It includes macro and micronutrients, and 350 different types of fatty acids making it one of the most complex nutritional structures.

Moreover, milk is also rich in branch chained amino acids, casein, and whey proteins making it a common bodybuilding food.

Additionally, it also provides 65% of the daily need for vitamin D and sufficient vitamin A, calcium, fat, and modest amounts of potassium, phosphorous, and riboflavin.

The fact that milk contains 50 different types of hormones makes people question whether is milk good for high testosterone.

As per research, milk typically contains estrogen, progesterone, growth hormone, prolactin, glucocorticoids, androgens, and gestagens.

While the nutrients are beneficial for maintaining overall health including testosterone levels, it’s the hormones that can get problematic.

Even though estrogen and progesterone are not found at such levels to have a significant effect on testosterone, some suggest that these hormones can interfere with the natural production of testosterone hormone.

So…

Does Milk Increase or Decrease Testosterone?

Before we begin to answer this, you need to understand that how the body responds to milk differs from individual to individual.

While some can have problems with the hormones in milk, others might remain completely unaffected.

Now moving on, the first question that usually comes to mind is, does milk increase testosterone?

Well, milk does include nutrients like vitamin D, calcium, and protein that boost testosterone levels.

Its daily consumption also replenishes the nutritional requirements of the body making it easier to stimulate smooth hormone secretion.

Milk consumption supports immune function, bone health, and muscle growth making it quite a choice among gymgoers and bodybuilders.

So what gives rise to the query of does milk lowers testosterone begins with the process of milk production?

75% of the commercial milk is produced from pregnant cows and these days they are kept pregnant often to increase the yield of milk.

During this time, cows have high estrogen levels which increase during the last stage of pregnancy.

Notably, estrone sulfate (a natural steroid found in estrogen) among the non-pregnant cows is about 30 pg/mL.

Whereas, the same increases to 151 pg/mL during the early stage of pregnancy and goes up to 1,000 pg/mL at the last stage.

Importantly, the healthy level of estradiol in men is only 10-40 pg/ml.

So, how does milk affect testosterone levels here?

Well, milk is responsible for 60-70 percent of estrogen consumed.

Estrogen is a female sex hormone and high levels of it can have a “feminising effect” on the males.

Therefore, if your diet consistently includes a lot of milk and dairy products, the body absorbs more estrogen leading to an increase in its level. This as a result can lower the body’s natural production of testosterone hormone.

While the theoretical explanation leaves a mixed reaction, let’s see what the science and data have to say about milk and testosterone.

Is milk good for high testosterone?

So what is the scientific take on does milk increase or decrease testosterone?

STUDY 1

Pediatrics International published the reports of the study that examined the “Exposure to exogenous estrogen through intake of commercial milk produced from pregnant cows.”

For this, the study includes 7 men, 6 prepubertal children, and 5 women. The men and children consumed 600 mL/m2 of cow milk. Whereas, women intake 500 ml of cow’s milk every night for 21 days beginning from the first day of the second menstruation.

After analyzing the reports, results show changes in the hormone.

Reports of the study conclude that there is a significant increase in serum estrone (E1) and progesterone concentrations. There was also a significant decline in serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone among men.

The results suggest that as the estrogen in the body is absorbed followed by the suppression of gonadotropin secretion, there is a decline in testosterone production.

STUDY 2

Another study published by the Journal of Dairy Science® investigated the effect of cow’s milk on the blood hormone levels of adult mice. (source)

The result of the study demonstrates the consumption of milk with an additional 100 ng/mL of E1 and E2. It showed a decrease in the plasma testosterone levels in males.

Therefore, considering the research and evidence, milk does decrease testosterone levels in long-term consumption in a higher quantity.

So is milk safe for males or is it time to say goodbye to the drink of immortals?

Milk Does Lower Testosterone: So Should You Drink It?

Undeniably, milk is a nutrient-dense food that is essential for the healthy growth of the human body.

Its nutritional profile includes vitamins and minerals that are crucial for someone looking to build muscles.

Men indulging in intense physical activities like a variety of sports lose the body’s supply of electrolytes (calcium, sodium, and potassium).

Adding to it, the fact that milk contains casein which makes up 80% of the total protein, and whey which accounts for the remaining 20%, recognizes it as beneficial for bodybuilding.

Therefore, men must drink milk, but only the consumption of its high quantity consistently for the long term must be prohibited.

So how much milk should a man drink a day?

Though it is hard to calculate the exact quantity of milk consumption, a skinny man should include 4 cups of fat-free milk throughout an entire day at equal intervals.

Those who are concerned about their testosterone and muscle-building process should look for alternatives that are worth trying.

Other Alternatives to Boost Testosterone

Even if you are not including too much of dairy products or milk in your diet because of what it does to the testosterone levels, men can still get enough calcium, protein, and essential nutrients in their diet.

Here are some of the foods that you need to include:

1. Other milk options like almond milk, goat’s milk, and oat milk can replace cow’s milk and still leave you with enough nutrients in the body to boost your overall health.
2. For calcium and potassium sources, there are no better options than green leafy vegetables. Also, beans, lentils, and soy successfully fulfill the body’s requirement of protein for muscle muscle-building process as well.
3. Nutritional supplements are also available that are proven to boost testosterone levels and nutritional profiles to help with achieving fitness goals.

If you have consumed a quantity of milk for a considerably longer duration and are wary about testosterone levels, you can consider including test-boosting products.

#1. Testoprime

Testoprime is another testosterone booster that helps men turn back the time for their depleting testosterone levels.

The supplement floods the new testosterone by stimulating its production with its transparent natural formula.

In just a few weeks, Testoprime before and after results in explosive energy, a ripped physique, and faster recovery. With ingredients like ginseng, ashwagandha, and pomegranate, the supplement claims to improve testosterone levels by up to 44%.

It is also dairy-free and can be consumed by those following the veganism

#2. Testogen

Testogen testosterone booster is one of the leading testosterone-boosting supplements that has helped more than 142,224 men in 134 countries to get back their drive.

The supplement naturally reverses the symptoms of low testosterone through its 100% natural formula that contains ingredients like Boron, Fenugreek, and D-aspartic acid. Most importantly it is dairy-free and can be consumed by vegans.

Testogen works by stimulating natural testosterone production and also slows the conversion of testosterone into estrogen.

This makes it the first choice of most men for boosting their testosterone levels and muscle-building process.

For a detailed comparison, you can go for TestoGen or Testoprime review.

Concluding Thoughts

Regardless of whether milk increases or decreases testosterone, men must include drinks for their overall health benefits.

The only thing that needs to be kept in mind is the quantity of consumption.

Research and studies have suggested that milk does decrease testosterone, therefore, it’s recommended to lower its quantity.

For additional nutrients and muscle-building effects, people can consider replacing the extra dairy consumption with vegetables, plant-based protein sources, and nutritional supplements.

Also don’t forget to include a healthy diet and exercise alongside and you will not have to worry about the testosterone levels ever again.