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 ( 3 , 8 , 19 ). 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 by the Hyogo College of Medicine suggests there isn’t enough evidence to support the claims that cold plunges could boost testosterone in men ( 6 ). However, they found that exercise may boost the luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone concentrations. Meanwhile, increased blood flow in cold plunges may make you think you have improved testosterone ( 7 ). Still, more research is necessary. (9)

Does Cold Plunging Age You?

A Norwegian review found that skinfold thickness could decrease in women partaking in cold plunges, but not in men ( 7 ). The thickness of your epidermis or outer layer of skin can protect you from environmental factors, wrinkles, and skin damage ( 13 ). In that sense, thinning skin and skinfolds could make you appear older.