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Home » Do Receipts Lower Testosterone? The Truth About BPA, Receipts, and Low T

Do Receipts Lower Testosterone? The Truth About BPA, Receipts, and Low T

Posted: January 29, 2026

If you have ever refused a receipt at checkout because you heard it could lower your testosterone, you are not alone. Many men have been told that handling receipts exposes them to chemicals that can disrupt hormones and contribute to Low T.

So what is the truth?
Can handling receipts actually lower testosterone levels?

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Let’s break down where this claim came from, what the science actually shows, and what really affects testosterone levels in men.

Where the Receipt and Testosterone Myth Comes From

Most store receipts are printed on thermal paper, which often contains bisphenols, such as BPA (bisphenol A) or BPS (bisphenol S). These chemicals have been studied because they can act as endocrine disruptors under certain conditions.

That term, endocrine disruptor, used in studies on thermal paper in the 2010s, is where the concern started. Because surely an endocrine disruptor is something that wreaks havoc on your hormones, right? Ehh…

But the damage had been done. And from there, the message quickly became distorted online, turning into claims like:

  • Handling receipts lowers testosterone

  • Receipts are bad for male hormones

  • BPA exposure causes Low T

The reality, however, is far less dramatic.

Can BPA From Receipts Affect Testosterone?

“No. Not in any meaningful way for most men,” says Michael Seay, NC-C, APRN, Director of Training at SynergenX and Low T Center.

Here is what research shows:

  • BPA and similar compounds can be absorbed through the skin, but the amount absorbed from brief contact with receipts is extremely small

  • Casual handling of receipts does not lead to sustained hormone disruption

  • There is no strong evidence that receipt exposure causes clinically low testosterone levels

Most studies that detected absorption involved one or more of the following: prolonged or repeated contact, occupational exposure (such as cashiers handling receipts all day), or especially wet or oily skin, which increases absorption.

Even in those scenarios, testosterone suppression has not been clearly demonstrated in real-world conditions. It was simply a case of connected dots that shouldn’t have been connected.

Why Receipts Can’t Cause Low Testosterone

Though they may seem fickle at times, testosterone levels are regulated by a complex hormonal system involving the brain, testes, metabolism, and overall health. A brief encounter with a receipt does not override that system.

If receipts truly caused low testosterone, we would see widespread testosterone deficiency in:

  • Retail workers

  • Frequent shoppers

  • Restaurant staff

That pattern does not exist. (Okay, sure, restaurant staff members may often have low T, but that’s due to shift work and inconsistent sleep, not receipt handling!)

What Actually Lowers Testosterone Levels

If you are concerned about low testosterone, these factors matter far more than receipts:

  • Poor sleep or sleep apnea

  • Chronic stress and high cortisol

  • Excess body fat

  • Insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome

  • Certain medications

  • Aging

  • Nutrient deficiencies

  • Untreated medical conditions

These are well-documented contributors to declining testosterone and are the focus of legitimate medical evaluation.

Why Won’t This Low T Myth Die?

Testosterone myths tend to go viral because they offer a simple explanation for a complex issue. Avoiding receipts feels easier than addressing sleep, stress, weight, or hormone testing. And, since this rumor began in the 2010s, it coincided perfectly with reports of declining testosterone levels across the globe. It simply served to add fuel to the panic.

Unfortunately, misinformation can delay men from seeking proper evaluation when symptoms appear.

When to Actually Get Your Testosterone Checked

You should consider testosterone testing if you experience two or more symptoms such as:

  • Low energy or chronic fatigue

  • Decreased libido

  • Mood changes or irritability

  • Brain fog

  • Reduced muscle mass or strength

  • Increased body fat

Avoiding receipts will not fix these issues, but getting tested, getting diagnosed, and starting TRT will. At Low T Center, testosterone testing is fast, medical-grade, and focused on identifying the real cause of symptoms.

If you are concerned about hormone health, the most effective step is not avoiding the checkout counter. It is understanding your actual hormone levels and addressing the factors that truly impact testosterone.

Want to take advantage of our free testosterone testing to see how your testosterone levels are faring these days?

Find a Low T Center location in your area.

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Disclaimer: This article is made available for general, entertainment and educational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Low T Center. You should always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.