Plasma testosterone levels during chronic heroin use and protracted astinence. A study of Hong Kong addicts

The effects of heroin use and subsequent prolonged abstinence on plasma testosterone levels were examined in 31 male heroin addicts. Heroin (alone and in combination with methadone) significantly suppressed plasma testosterone levels. However, drug-induced testosterone suppression does not appear to be permanent in adult addicts. Recovery of testosterone levels to normal occurred after about one month of heroin abstinence.