Written by Benjamin Lee - Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Consultant - January 02, 2023
Reishi, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, is an ancient mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine that has long been believed to have numerous health benefits. In recent years, research has begun exploring its effects on hormone levels and specifically, testosterone.
Testosterone: What It Is and Why It Matters
Testosterone is a hormone found in both men and women that plays an important role in reproductive health and development. It helps regulate sex-drive, fertility, muscle mass and bone density, fat distribution, red blood cell production and more. As such, maintaining healthy testosterone levels can be key for overall wellbeing.
Does Reishi Affect Testosterone Levels?
Studies suggest that reishi may help support healthy testosterone levels by promoting hormonal balance within the body. One study from 2018 looked at the effects of reishi on mice with low testosterone levels due to aging—an increasingly common issue among aging men and women alike—and found that reishi caused a significant increase in testosterone levels compared to placebo groups who received no reishi supplementation