Are There Any Dangers to Cold Plunge?

Yes, the hyperventilation and vasoconstriction of a cold plunge may spike blood pressure, cause heart damage, induce dangerous cold shock, and risk irregular heartbeats and breathing ( 11 ). The elderly or anyone with respiratory or heart disorders and hypertension must carefully approach cold plunge therapy or discuss this possibility with a healthcare provider.

Does Cold Plunge Boost Testosterone?

A small study on regular winter swimming in men found no significant change in testosterone levels after a season of cold water exposure, indicating that cold plunging does not consistently raise testosterone in healthy adults ( 17 ). While exercise itself can transiently elevate luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone ( 18 ), cold immersion does not appear to enhance this effect. Perceived hormonal “boosts” following cold plunges are more likely explained by acute circulatory and sympathetic responses rather than true endocrine changes.

Does Cold Plunging Age You?

A Norwegian review found that skinfold thickness could decrease in women partaking in cold plunges, but not in men ( 3 ). The thickness of your epidermis or outer layer of skin can protect you from environmental factors, wrinkles, and skin damage ( 19 ). In that sense, thinning skin and skinfolds could make you appear older.