Can Red Light Therapy (RLT) Boost Testosterone Levels? Here’s What We Know

Introduction: What’s All the Buzz About?

You’ve probably heard about red light therapy (RLT), which is used for smoother skin, pain relief, or even better sleep. But now, some folks are asking: Can RLT increase testosterone levels in men? This is a pretty important question, especially for anyone dealing with low energy, low sex drive, or just wanting to feel stronger and more balanced.

This guide breaks it down super simply—no science degree is needed. We’ll discuss testosterone, how your body makes it, how RLT works, and whether science says it can help boost your T levels. By the way, what are your T levels? Order a home test kit from Dutch here!

What is Testosterone and Why Does It Matter?

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone. It’s super important for things like:

• Building muscle
• Keeping your bones strong
• Helping with energy and mood
• Boosting sex drive and performance
• Supporting sperm production

Most of your testosterone is made in the testes, specifically in special cells called Leydig cells. To do their job, these cells need help from another hormone called LH (luteinizing hormone). The process also depends on:

• Healthy cells and good blood flow
• Mitochondria (the “power plants” in your cells)
• Balanced hormones and low stress

Your T levels can drop if anything gets in the way, like bad sleep, poor diet, aging, or stress. That’s where some people think red light therapy might help.

How Does Red Light Therapy (RLT) Work?

Red light therapy uses specific kinds of light, usually between 600 and 1000 nanometers (nm), to shine on the skin. It doesn’t burn or hurt, and it doesn’t use UV rays like tanning beds. It’s also called low-level light therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation.

Here’s what it does:

1. Boosts Mitochondria

RLT helps your cells make more ATP, like fuel for your body. More ATP means more energy for your cells to function better, including Leydig cells that produce testosterone.

2. Improves Blood Flow

It helps your body make more nitric oxide (NO), opening up blood vessels and allowing blood to move better. Good blood flow = better delivery of hormones and nutrients.

3. Reduces Inflammation and Stress

RLT can lower the bad stuff in your body, like oxidative stress and inflammation, which can mess with your hormone levels.

4. Supports Healing

It helps with cell repair and growth, possibly keeping your reproductive system in better shape.

What Does the Science Say?

Let’s discuss the evidence scientists have found when testing RLT and testosterone levels.

Animal Studies: Pretty Promising

Scientists have studied rats, and the results look good so far.

• In one 2013 study, rats were exposed to a red light (670 nm) on their testes for 30 minutes daily. Their testosterone levels increased, and their sperm health improved¹.
• Another 2016 study used near-infrared light (810 nm) and saw more testosterone and better testicular health².

Rats have thinner skin and smaller bodies than humans, so red light can more easily reach their testes. However, that doesn’t mean it works the same way for people.

Human Studies: Still Limited

There aren’t many human studies yet, but here’s what we know:

• A small pilot study in 2016 shined red light (670 nm) on 10 men’s testes for 20 minutes daily. Their testosterone levels went up a little (10–20%), but the study wasn’t published in a major science journal, and it didn’t include a control group.
• A 2020 study looked at red light therapy for men with low T. It used 830 nm light and saw small improvements in some men, but the sample size was tiny (just 12 men), and results were mixed³.

So while early signs are interesting, we still need larger, better-controlled studies. Be your own study and test your T levels before and after using RLT! Order your own home test kit here!

Indirect Evidence: Sleep and Muscle

RLT can help with things that support testosterone indirectly:

• Better Sleep: Red light can help you sleep better, and sleep is key for testosterone. A study from 2011 showed that just one week of poor sleep dropped men’s T levels by 15%⁴.
• Muscle Recovery: RLT is also used by athletes to recover faster after workouts. Better recovery means your body can focus on making hormones like testosterone.

Anecdotal Reports: What People Are Saying

Some biohackers and wellness influencers (like Ben Greenfield) swear by using red light on their testicles—literally. They say it boosts energy, sex drive, and mood. Typical setups use:

• Wavelengths between 660 and 850 nm
• Daily sessions of 5 to 20 minutes
• Devices held 5–10 cm from the skin

But here’s the catch: these are personal stories without solid lab results. They feel better, but that doesn’t always mean higher testosterone levels.

What’s the Verdict?

Let’s break this down clearly.

Does It Make Sense?

• Yes, in theory. If RLT helps your cells, improves blood flow, and lowers stress, it could support testosterone production, especially in the Leydig cells.

Does It Work for Humans?

• There’s some weak evidence that RLT might boost testosterone by 10–20%, but the science isn’t strong yet. Most of what we know comes from animals or very small human studies.

Is It Safe?

• Yes, generally. RLT is considered low-risk. Avoid overheating the testes—your body likes them to stay cooler (around 35°C), and too much heat could hurt sperm production.

Who Might Benefit Most?

• Men with low T (under 300 ng/dL). Is this you? Find Out Now!
• Men dealing with oxidative stress or poor circulation
• Guys, looking for non-drug ways to support hormone health

Who Shouldn’t Expect Much?

• Men with normal or high T levels
• Those expecting dramatic results, like testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)

Comparing RLT to Other T-Boosting Methods

Let’s look at how red light therapy compares to other natural (and medical) ways of boosting testosterone. Red light therapy (RLT) might increase testosterone by about 10–20%, but this number isn’t confirmed—there’s still a need for more high-quality human research to back it up. On the other hand, resistance training, like squats and other heavy lifts, can raise testosterone levels by 20–40% in the short term, especially right after workouts. Getting enough sleep, around 7 to 9 hours each night, doesn’t necessarily boost testosterone but prevents a drop. Missing sleep can lower your levels by up to 15%, making good sleep one of the easiest and most overlooked ways to support healthy T.

A healthy diet also plays a big role. Eating enough zinc, vitamin D, and healthy fats can support hormone production and raise testosterone by as much as 50 ng/dL, especially if deficient. Finally, there’s testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which includes doctor-prescribed gels, patches, or injections. This is the most powerful option, often boosting levels by 100–200 ng/dL or more—but it’s also a medical treatment with possible side effects and should only be used when truly needed.

In short, red light therapy shows some promise but is not nearly as proven or effective as sleep, lifting weights, eating well, or medical testosterone therapy.

If You Want to Try RLT…

Here are some tips to do it safely and smartly:

• Use a quality device that emits red or near-infrared light (660–850 nm)
• Do it daily for 10–20 minutes
• Keep the light close (5–10 cm from your skin)
• Aim for the testes, not just the legs or abdomen
• Stay cool—avoid overheating your scrotum
• Track your results with blood tests before and after

Final Thoughts

So, can red light therapy increase testosterone? Maybe, but we’re not sure yet. The science behind how it could work makes sense, and early results from animals (and some people) are promising. But we don’t have big, reliable studies to prove it.

If you’re dealing with low testosterone and want to try something gentle and non-invasive, RLT might be worth a shot, especially if you also improve your sleep, exercise, and nutrition. Just keep your expectations realistic. Think of it as a support tool, not a magic fix.

Health Disclaimer: It is recommended the reader of this site consult with a qualified healthcare provider of their choice when using any information obtained from this site, affiliate sites, and other online websites and blogs. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.

References

El-Toukhy, Mohamed, et al. “Low-Level Laser Therapy Enhances Testosterone Secretion and Testicular Function in Male Rats.” Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, vol. 67, no. 5, 2013, pp. 461–466.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2013.03.008

Choi, Jin Young, et al. “Effects of Photobiomodulation on Testicular Function in Male Rats.” Lasers in Medical Science, vol. 31, no. 9, 2016, pp. 1811–1817.