Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It binds to estrogen receptors and mimics some of the beneficial effects of estrogen on bone, while avoiding some of the risks associated with estrogen therapy like increased risk of uterine cancer.
Raloxifene does not directly increase testosterone levels. However, by modulating estrogen activity, it can influence testosterone levels indirectly in a few ways:
- Raloxifene may slightly increase total and free testosterone levels by suppressing sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). SHBG binds to testosterone, lowering bioavailable testosterone levels. By modestly lowering SHBG, raloxifene may increase usable testosterone.
- In postmenopausal women with low estrogen levels, raloxifene activates estrogen receptors which can lower LH and FSH levels. Since LH stimulates testosterone production, lower LH may result in a small reduction in testicular testosterone production.
- The impacts of raloxifene on testosterone levels are generally mild. Most studies show little to no significant change in total or free testosterone levels. Any increases or decreases tend to be minor.
So in summary:
- Raloxifene does not directly increase testosterone
- It may lead to small increases in total and free testosterone by lowering SHBG
- But it may also cause mild decreases in testicular testosterone output by lowering LH
- Overall effects on testosterone are typically neutral or minor
If you are concerned about low testosterone,
raloxifene is not an effective treatment. Options like testosterone replacement therapy or medications that directly stimulate testosterone production would be more appropriate.
If you are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone like low energy, reduced sex drive, or loss of muscle mass, speak to your doctor about testing your testosterone levels and treatment options. Symptoms of low testosterone can have other causes as well, so an accurate diagnosis is important.
At Renew Hormone Center, we specialize in testosterone and hormone testing and treatments tailored specifically for your needs. Our board-certified medical team uses cutting-edge diagnostic testing and precision therapies including:
- Testosterone replacement therapy
- Growth hormone optimization
- Thyroid hormone balancing
- And more
We create fully personalized care plans to help both men and women:
- Increase energy and vitality
- Improve body composition and fitness
- Enhance sex drive and performance
- Optimize wellbeing and quality of life
In summary, while raloxifene does not directly raise testosterone, it has complex effects on sex hormones:
- ~~May mildly increase total and free testosterone (by lowering SHBG)~~
- ~~May mildly decrease testicular testosterone production (by lowering LH)~~
- Overall impacts on testosterone levels are typically neutral or minor
So
raloxifene is not an effective testosterone-boosting medication. If low testosterone is a concern for you,
speak to a doctor about validated testosterone tests and treatment options that can accurately diagnose and address low levels.
