Many men take supplements in hopes of boosting libido, energy levels, mood and overall vitality. However, some popular supplements touted for men‘s health may come with unanticipated side effects that negatively impact sexual function and emotional well-being.
In this comprehensive guide, we analyze five supplements that may disrupt normal hormonal balance and discuss safer natural alternatives.
Understanding the Risks
Before diving into specifics, it‘s helpful to understand potential mechanisms behind common supplement side effects:
Hormonal Disruption – Some herbal compounds act like anti-androgens, lowering crucial masculine hormones like testosterone and DHT. This can degrade libido, erection quality and mood.
Neurotransmitter Imbalance – Certain supplements influence serotonin, dopamine and other brain chemicals. Too much alteration can mimic antidepressants, leading to emotional numbness.
Toxic Buildup – High doses and long-term usage of certain vitamins/minerals can accumulate to toxic levels. This strains organs like the kidneys and liver while causing diverse neurological issues.
With this foundation set, let‘s explore five supplements that may jeopardize the delicate balance of hormones and neurotransmitters necessary for men‘s sexual and mental health.
Vitamin B6
Many multivitamins and B-complex formulas contain mega-doses of vitamin B6 far exceeding the recommended daily value.
While vitamin B6 plays positive roles in energy metabolism and brain function, too much over time can lead to sensory neuropathy and nerve damage. According to research, doses higher than 50 mg per day often contribute to irreversible numbness and pain in the extremities [1].
Additionally, some practitioners recommend taking 100-300 mg of B6 daily to lower prolactin levels in men. However, these high amounts come with substantial long-term risks that outweigh potential anti-prolactin benefits. Safer medical options for elevated prolactin exist, including dopamine agonists, SERM drugs and mucuna pruriens herb [2].
Takeaway: Get vitamin B6 from whole food sources instead of supplements whenever possible. If taking a B-complex, opt for a formula containing no more than 50 mg B6 to avoid toxicity.
Lion‘s Mane
This medicinal mushroom supplement has soared in popularity thanks to research on nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain connectivity. However, lion’s mane also influences critical androgenic hormones and neurotransmitters:
Lowers DHT – Animal research reveals lion’s mane reduces plasma DHT levels similar to finasteride Propecia. Significant DHT reduction degrades libido, erection strength, confidence and sense of well-being [3].
Kappa Opioid Activity – Lion’s mane contains hericenones that bind to kappa opioid receptors involved in testosterone production. Some men endure dysphoria, emotional numbness and sexual dysfunction from kappa receptor over-activity [4].
While lion’s mane benefits seem attractive for memory and neuron growth, the potential hormonal downsides make routine supplementation questionable for some.
Takeaway: If taking lion’s mane, carefully track libido, erection quality and mood. Cycle off periodically to gauge side effects. Alternatives like polygala, bacopa and gingko provide cognitive aid without hormonal disruption.
Ashwagandha
The popular Indian Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha holds legendary status for reducing stress and anxiety. However, emerging research reveals ashwagandha influences brain serotonin activity similar to antidepressant drugs:
“Ashwagandha extract was found to inhibit neuronal uptake of serotonin…suggesting antidepressant effects.” – 2022 study [5]
Blunting neurotransmitter reuptake can help some people cope with anxiety and insomnia initially. But long-term, this serotonergic effect often hampers sexual function and pleasure response by inducing emotional numbness akin to SSRI antidepressants.
Bodybuilders have also anecdotally reported tanked testosterone and libido levels, muscle loss and lethargy from taking ashwagandha regularly. These outcomes seem incongruent for an herb called the “vitalizer of the weak.”
Takeaway: Ashwagandha likely provides benefit short-term (2-3 months). But extended use may negatively alter neurotransmitter activity – harming motivation, mood and sex drive. Give yourself a break periodically to assess personal effects.
Holy Basil
Used medicinally in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, holy basil functions as an adaptogenic herb to counter life’s stresses. With compounds like eugenol, holy basil also displays anti-inflammatory, antidepressant and anxiety-reducing effects.
However, some men using holy basil supplements report decreased sexual desire and function. This manifests from holy basil’s influence on hormones like progesterone and prolactin along with possible SSRI-like activity [6].
Renowned biohacker Ben Greenfield also received emails from followers noting tanked testosterone and libido, erectile dysfunction and nipple sensitivity after taking holy basil from his anti-aging supplement stack [7].
Takeaway: Holy basil likely provides anti-stress and antidepressant activity in the short term. But effects on hormones and neurotransmitters may degrade libido, sexual function and energy over months of consistent dosing. Cycle off periodically.
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi deserves its title as the “supreme protector” in Traditional Chinese Medicine for extraordinary immunomodulating and vitality effects. However, like lion’s mane mushroom, reishi also influences hormonal balance:
Lowers DHT – Bioactive ganoderic acids and triterpenoids in reishi reduce plasma DHT in animals similar to finasteride. A redditor noticed testicular pain, shrunken genitals and loss of libido from extended reishi use [8].
May Lower Testosterone – Reishi enhances liver health, which accelerates hormone breakdown. One study showed reishi suppressed plasma testosterone in rats by 40% [9]. Too much long-term can promote excess excretion.
The benefits of reishi on immunity and longevity are clear. But due to potential effects on DHT and testosterone metabolism, men should closely monitor hormones, libido and sleep quality with routine use.
Takeaway: Combine reishi mushroom with tonifying herbs like tribulus, shilajit or tongkat ali while monitoring androgen activity. Take regular breaks from reishi to determine personal effects.
Healthier Alternatives
The supplements above offer proven benefits for anti-aging, immunity, cognition, anxiety relief and general wellness. However, hormonal and neurotransmitter influences may degrade libido, sexual function and motivation when used excessively long-term.
Instead of taking risky mega-doses, try these natural biohacks:
Maca – Boosts libido, combats ED and elevates mood without affecting hormones. Rich in alkaloids that nourish endocrine function [10].
Shilajit – Contains fulvic acid and key minerals shown to elevate testosterone, sexual function and energy. Adaptogenic herb safed musli displays similar benefits [11].
Zinc and Magnesium – Critical minerals many men lack, supporting healthy testosterone activity and fertility [12].
Sleep Optimization – Adequate restfulness boosts T production and lowers cortisol stress hormone. Magnesium, zinc and melatonin promote healthy sleep-wake cycles [13].
Resistance Training – Lifting weights triggers testicular Leydig cells to produce more testosterone. As little as 5 days per month provides benefit [14].
Sun Exposure – Boosts testosterone, blood flow and nitric oxide along with vitamin D3, lowering risk of low T [15].
Takeaway
All men should carefully weigh potential upsides against downsides when adding new supplements. Seek trusted medical guidance personalized to your needs instead of aiming for simplistic internet hacks. Treat your body as the priceless biochemical gift that it is.
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