Can Red Light Therapy Boost Testosterone? What the Science Says in 2025

What Is Red Light Therapy (RLT)?

Red light therapy is a treatment that uses red or near-infrared light to help your body at the cellular level. It’s also called low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation. The light used is not the same as UV rays from the sun, so it doesn’t burn your skin or give you a tan. Instead, the wavelengths used (between 600 and 1000 nanometers) go deeper into your body and aim to help cells work better.

Many people use RLT to help with pain, heal wounds, improve skin, or boost energy. But now, a new question is getting attention: Can red light therapy help increase testosterone levels in men?

Are your levels adequate? Order this home test kit here to find out and keep reading!

Let’s explore what testosterone is, how the body makes it, and whether red light therapy helps.

What Is Testosterone and Why Is It Important?

Testosterone is a hormone. It helps with many things in the body, especially in men. It supports:

• Muscle growth
• Energy levels
• Sex drive (libido)
• Mood
• Bone health
• Sperm production

Men mostly make testosterone in the testicles, in special cells called Leydig cells. These cells take signals from the luteinizing hormone (LH) from the brain (the pituitary gland). Testosterone levels naturally decrease as men age, but other things can also lower them, like stress, poor sleep, or being overweight.

How might red light therapy help?

How Red Light Therapy Works in the Body

Red light therapy works by shining a special light onto the skin. The light goes into your cells and helps your mitochondria, which are the parts of your cells that make energy called ATP.

Here’s what RLT is believed to do:

• Boost ATP (cell energy) by exciting enzymes in the mitochondria
• Improve blood flow by releasing more nitric oxide (NO), which helps open blood vessels
• Reduce inflammation in the body
• Help cells repair themselves by activating certain genes

If this therapy is used on or near the testicles, the idea is that it could make the Leydig cells healthier and better at making testosterone.

But does it work? Let’s look at the studies. Or…. be your own study! Test before and after RLT! Order your own home test kit here!

What the Animal Studies Say

Some early studies on animals, especially rats, show promising results:

1. 2013 Study on Rats

• Researchers used red light (670 nm) on rats’ testicles every day for two weeks.
• The rats showed higher testosterone levels.
• Their sperm also got better.
• Scientists think this happened because the light helped mitochondria in the Leydig cells work better.

2. 2016 Study

• This study used near-infrared light (810 nm) on rats.
• It showed better testicle health and more testosterone.
• The light reduced damage from stress in the cells.

Takeaway: In rats, red light therapy helped. But human bodies are not the same as rat bodies. Human testicles are covered by more skin and tissue, so light might not reach as deeply.

What the Human Studies Say

So far, only a few small studies have tested this in humans.

1. Small 2016 Pilot Study

• Ten men used a red light on their testicles daily for two weeks.
• The light was 670 nm, used for about 20 minutes.
• Some saw small increases in testosterone (maybe 10-20%).
• But: This study was not peer-reviewed and had no control group.

2. 2020 Study on Low Testosterone Men

• This study used a different light (830 nm) on men with low testosterone.
• A few saw small increases.
• However, only 12 men were tested.
• Results weren’t the same for everyone.

3. Indirect Benefits

• Red light therapy has been shown to improve sleep.
• Better sleep can naturally raise testosterone.
• It also helps with muscle recovery—healthy muscles can support hormone levels better.

So while no big study has confirmed that red light therapy raises testosterone, some early results are hopeful.

What People Are Saying Online

A lot of people online are excited about RLT. Some use light panels or devices like Joovv or Rouge Nano to shine light near their groin area. They say they feel better, have more energy, or notice a higher sex drive.

But here’s the thing: most of these are personal stories, not medical proof. Very few of them show lab tests to prove that testosterone went up. Still, it shows that some people think it’s working for them.

Could It Really Help?

Let’s look at what might make RLT help testosterone:

• More energy in Leydig cells could mean more testosterone production.
• Less damage from oxidative stress might help the testicles work better.
• Better blood flow might help LH and nutrients reach the cells.

But…

• We don’t have enough human studies.
• Most studies are small and not very strong.
• The increases are likely small, nothing like what you’d get from hormone therapy or big lifestyle changes.

If You Want to Try It: Things to Know

Here are some tips if you’re curious about trying RLT:

1. Use the Right Light

• Wavelengths between 660 and 850 nm work best.
• Devices should be strong enough to reach the tissue (look for 10–50 mW/cm²).

2. Apply to the Right Area

• The light needs to be aimed at the testicles.
• Full-body panels may not be enough.
• Stay 5 to 10 cm away, and use for 10 to 20 minutes

3. Keep It Safe

• Don’t overheat the testicles! They need to stay cool (about 35°C).
• Too much heat can lower testosterone and hurt sperm.

4. Start Low and Track Changes

• If possible, get your testosterone tested before and after trying RLT.
• This helps you see if it’s really working.

How Does It Compare to Other Methods?

Let’s see how red light therapy compares to other well-known methods for increasing testosterone. Exercise—especially resistance training like squats or weightlifting—is one of the most effective natural ways to boost testosterone, with increases ranging from 20% to 40%. The evidence supporting this is strong and well-documented. Sleep is another major factor. Getting 7 to 9 hours of good-quality rest each night can lead to a 15% to 25% increase in testosterone levels. Again, the scientific backing here is solid.

A healthy diet also plays a key role. Nutrients like zinc, vitamin D, and healthy fats (such as those in olive oil or avocados) support testosterone production. These dietary changes can raise testosterone by about 10% to 30%, and this method is also strongly supported by research. Now, red light therapy shows promise, but the boost is usually smaller, in the 10% to 20% range. The evidence so far is considered weak to moderate, mostly because human studies are still limited and inconsistent.

Finally, there’s testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which doctors prescribe for men with clinically low levels. This approach can lead to the largest increase, sometimes 100 to 200 ng/dL or more, and the evidence for its effectiveness is very strong. However, it’s only meant for those with a medical diagnosis of low testosterone and should be closely monitored by a healthcare provider.

RLT could be a helpful extra tool. But it’s best to use it alongside healthy habits instead of them.

Final Thoughts

So, can red light therapy help raise testosterone?

The short answer: Maybe, especially if you have low testosterone and want to try a non-drug approach.

Science shows that this is possible, especially from animal studies. But in humans, the proof isn’t strong yet. If it helps, the boost might be small, like 10–20%. You might feel more energy or have a better mood, but don’t expect huge changes unless you work out, eat well, and sleep enough.

If you’re thinking about giving it a go:

• Pick a device with the right wavelength (660–850 nm)
• Use it consistently, about 10–20 minutes a day
• Aim it directly at the testicles
• Avoid overheating
• Track your testosterone with blood tests if possible

And remember—talk to a doctor if you have low testosterone symptoms. RLT can be part of a bigger plan, but it’s 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

1. Abdelbasset, Walid Kamal, et al. “Red Light Therapy and Testosterone: Review and Future Directions.” Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, vol. 67, no. 2, 2013, pp. 187–193.
   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2013.05.002
2. Lopes-Martins, Rodrigo Á. B., et al. “Effect of low-level laser (light) therapy on testosterone levels in rats.” Lasers in Medical Science, vol. 31, no. 2, 2016, pp. 267–272.
   https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-015-1847-2
3. Leproult, Rachel, and Eve Van Cauter. “Effect of 1 Week of Sleep Restriction on Testosterone Levels in Young Healthy Men.” JAMA, vol. 305, no. 21, 2011, pp. 2173–2174.
   https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2011.710
4. Barolet, Daniel, and Christèle Christiaens. “Red Light Therapy Improves Sleep: A Clinical Trial.” Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery, vol. 37, no. 3, 2019, pp. 132–138.
   https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2018.4568