Red Light Therapy Testosterone. Can it really boost hormones?

Testosterone plays a critical role in energy, strength, and overall well being, but many men (and women in some cases) struggle with declining levels that could be due to aging, stress, inflammation and potentially other modern lifestyle factors. Low testosterone can manifest in some many way but some of the well know ones are usually fatigue, mood swings, poor recovery, and eventual loss of motivation and drive. This makes it a  critical concern for those looking to optimize their vitality because what good is a life that is lived in such a sub optimal state. 

One emerging recovery and regeneration method that has recently gained traction in biohacking and performance circles is red light therapy (RLT). Biomedical research now suggests that red and near-infrared light exposure can have a positive impact on testosterone levels by stimulating the mitochondria in Leydig cells in the testes. The cells responsible for testosterone production.

Personally, I never initially sought out red light therapy specifically for the benefits it could bring to my  testosterone levels, but I have used it consistently for years as part of my recovery and performance optimization routine. Over several months, I began to notice shifts in energy, mood, and even libido. And as with anything that seems to have positive results, it lead me to investigate its hormonal effects. Given the potential benefits and the non-invasive nature of RLT, I wanted to test it as a natural recovery method that could be implemented without the risks that come with traditional hormone therapies.

So, does red light therapy really boost testosterone? Let’s break down and simplify the science, including real world experiences, and best practices for using it effectively.

Does Red Light Therapy Increase Your Testosterone?

Through research, it has been shown that redlight therapy could have a positive impact on testosterone production because it stimulates the mitochondria in our body's Leydig cells. Since mitochondria are known to be the power/energy house of our cells, we can deduce that ATP production is also increased. This fuels not only energy production, but cellular repair and hormone synthesis. Other effect seen are increased blood flow, which then increases the delivery of nutrients to the cells and waste removal. Lastly, reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are known to have a negative impact on hormone balance. 

While the research is promising, it’s important to approach it realistically. There can be outside factors that have an indirect impact on testosterone levels, so instead of relying on red light therapy as the end all be all recovery modality, it won’t replace basic lifestyle factors like sleep, diet, and exercise.

My personal experience with Red Light Therapy and Testosterone

I never started red light therapy with the goal of trying to increase my testosterone levels. However, As I focused on improving my recovery and cellular health, I started to notice some unexpected benefits. After several months of consistent red light therapy use, I started seeing:

• Increased energy throughout the day (instead of a quick morning spike and then crash in the afternoon / evening)

• A much stronger drive and motivation towards life (both in workouts, my personal life and in general life).

• Improved mood and resilience to stress. (Stress is almost impossible to completely eliminate, so by being resilient to it, it had less of an effect on me)

• Much higher libido, which correlated with my total and free testosterone blood test results showing an improvement over time.

What stood out most to me was how recovery and hormonal balance are deeply connected. Testosterone is not just about gaining muscle or boosting libido it plays a sometimes underrated role in mental clarity, drive, and overall sense of well being. 

Does Red Light Therapy Help Hormones?

Yes! See, beyond testosterone, red light therapy can have an influence on multiple hormones. A key one being cortisol. By regulating our cortisol levels and reducing chronic stress levels, testosterone can be indirectly increased.

Secondly, melatonin. Or as some like to call it: the sleep hormone. Through better recovery, sleep quality improves, which in turn allows the body to relax, enter a deeper parasympathetic state and have more resources for the production of testosterone.

One last benefit would be the indirect enhancement of growth hormone (GH) and DHEA levels. This is once again seen through increased cellular function and better recovery both of which support recovery and longevity. This also makes Red Light therapy potentially very helpful for athletes, aging men and women, professionals that deal with high stress levels or just anyone that is struggling with recovery. 

My Experience with RLT and Overall Hormonal Balance

Like most of us, I personally dealt with periods of burnout, physical and mental fatigue, or just feeling overall overwhelmed. Despite being in great shape and also dialing in my diet, there have been instances where my recovery wasn't just where it needed to be. Blood work soon proved my suspicion that i was sometimes on the lower end of the range (300ng/dL)

When I started taking my recovery seriously and incorporated red light therapy into my routine, I started treating sessions as a moment to completely unplug and let my body reset. I really stared to like doing things this way because it felt like passive recovery. Meaning, I wasn’t actively doing anything, yet I was still helping my body shift into a parasympathetic state (rest and repair mode). Over time, this improved my sleep (quality and quality), stress resilience, and overall sense of well being: As noted earlier, all crucial factors in maintaining healthy testosterone levels.

Which Light Boosts Testosterone?

Different wavelengths of light carry different intensities of energy and thus, can have different effects on the body:

• 660nm (Red Light): Typical works closer to the surface of the body, which makes it better for reducing inflammation in the skin 

• 850nm (Near-Infrared Light): This penetrates much deeper and starts to reach our muscles and tissues. For what we are discussing in the article, it penetrates deep enough to stimulate testicular function, which has an impact on testosterone production. 

Another factor that can have a negative effect on testosterone is excessive exposure to blue light. (from screens, LED lighting, and some artificial sources). Blue light can be over stimulating and disrupt our circadian rhythm, put our bodies in parasympathetic mode and eventually lead to poor sleep, stress levels that linger. This indirectly reduces testosterone production in the long run.  

My Experience with Light Exposure and Hormones

I never really experimented with reducing blue light exposure directly, but I always noticed that evening red light therapy sessions helped counteract the effects of artificial lighting that I was exposed to throughout the day (cellphone, Laptop screen, TV. etc.) . I began focusing on incorporating natural morning light into my routine and using blue light blocking glasses whenever I could.

The combination of being aware and doing something about it led to less agitation and edginess throughout the day . Also contributing to a sense of well being, feeling more relaxed and having higher energy levels the following days. I usually say that Red light therapy alone won’t magically increase testosterone, but it does create an environment where testosterone production thrives as our bodies shift into recovery mode.

What Is the Red Light Wavelength for Testosterone?

Research suggests that the 660nm–850nm range is best for testosterone benefits. In the 850nm range, the light penetrates deeper, directly having an influence on testicular function. In the 660nm range, we also get the benefits of cellular repair and reduced oxidative stress, all of which create a hormone friendly environment. For best results, full body panels are my favorite but targeted exposure also works.  

Session length can vary by individual and 3-5 sessions for 20-30 minutes is a sweet spot for many.

My Experience with Wavelengths and Results

After trying different red light devices, I found that full body exposure  (panel or device) provided the most noticeable benefits. This is likely because testosterone production is not only directly by the red light, but it is also  impacted by overall recovery and inflammation levels.

Personally i also chose to stack the red light therapy with over recovery methods. o stacked red light therapy with other recovery methods (infrared sauna, cold plunges, PEFM and sleep enhancements). All of these had a profound impact and lasting effects. However, realistically, it can take several weeks to see the full benefits. Consistency is key here but the benefits did stick around.  

Final Thoughts. Should You Use Red Light Therapy for Testosterone?

So, is red light therapy worth using for testosterone? Based on both scientific findings and my personal experience, my answer is yes, but only with realistic expectations.

Key Takeaways:

• Red light therapy is not a magic bullet, but it’s a powerful recovery and regeneration tool that supports stress reduction, and eventually, hormonal health. 

• The 850nm near-infrared light appears to be the most effective for testosterone-related benefits due to deeper penetration.  

• The key is consistency. 3 to 5 times per week for several weeks before expecting any lasting results.

• Stacking it with good lifestyle habits (strength training, cold therapy, sleep optimization) will produce the best results.

Personal Takeaway

If someone asked me today whether I recommend red light therapy for testosterone, I’d say yes, but as part of a broader strategy for recovery and optimization.

For me, it’s just so easy to use, requires minimal effort, and has no significant downsides that have made me want to question everything. This makes it one of the best passive recovery tools available. The biggest shift I noticed wasn’t only related to testosterone, but overall mood, motivation/drive, and resilience to stress. These are my own personal markers of high performance and vitality. 

Try red light therapy for yourself. Track your energy, track your mood, and track your performance. See how it works for you!

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Always consult your qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new health, wellness or recovery regimen.