Music and Testosterone
Written by Ben Bunting: BA, PGCert. (Sport & Exercise Nutrition) // British Army Physical Training Instructor // S&C Coach.
Did you know that listening to music can increase your testosterone levels? In a recent study, researchers tested 37 men and 39 women, who rated their preference for various types of music on a scale of one to 19.
Then they checked the levels of testosterone in the subjects' saliva. The results indicated that the type of music a person likes had a significant impact on their testosterone levels.
Music boosts testosterone levels
The study was conducted by a leading researcher in the field of psychology and music. The researchers studied the relationship between music and testosterone levels.
Music can have a relaxing effect and helps lower stress levels. Studies have found that listening to music improves the feeling of relaxation and boosts testosterone levels.
Some bodybuilders swear by heavy metal to increase testosterone levels, but the research does not support this claim. Music can improve T levels, which are directly related to strength, stamina, and athletic physique.
Researchers have long suspected that music boosts testosterone levels. They found that listening to rock increased testosterone levels in men, which are two key hormones in males.
However, listening to relaxing music or music they disliked reduced testosterone levels. Similar results were found for those who listened to 'sophisticated music', such as jazz.
Music lovers who want to increase their testosterone levels should avoid music that is too calming or slow. This study supports the idea that music has an empowering effect on both men and women.
Music reduces stress
It is known that music can decrease stress. Studies have demonstrated that listening to music reduces physiological and psychological symptoms of stress. The effectiveness of music interventions is largely dependent on the type and frequency of music intervention. Music interventions have been shown to reduce physiological and psychological symptoms of stress in diverse settings, including workplaces and educational institutions.
Music has been shown to affect the levels of stress hormones in the brain. Researchers found that acoustic music can reduce the production of these hormones.
Furthermore, live music or even music producing, singing activities are known reduce stress which is important to help control cortisol levels.
Less stress means more testosterone
A 2021 study found that testosterone levels were significantly reduced in both genders when they were exposed to stress.
Music boosts performance
Music has been proven to improve the performance of athletes. A study published in 2012 by the Asian Journal of Sports Medicine found that music improves the physical performance of athletes and could be used as a legal aid.
Another piece of research focusing on resistance training found that when the participants listened to their preferred music it could help with aspects of motivation and performance.
Further research involving elite triathletes found that running economy improved, as did oxygen consumption and lactate levels were also better when music was introduced that synchronised with the athletes tempo.
Conclusion
Music undoubtedly has an effect on the way we perform, be this in an elite setting or recreational, spanning different types of exercise for both genders.
There is also evidence that the type of music can have an effect on our hormone levels. This being that 'unsophisticated' music such as rock is listened to by people with higher levels of testosterone, and may increase testosterone production. On the other hand, music such as jazz or classical styles are associated with less testosterone.
Music's effects on stress shouldn't be overlooked, either. It's ability to help reduce stress can also have a knock on effect with hormone production.
