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Effects of heroin on thyroid function, cortisol and testosterone level in addicts
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan.
Polish Journal of Pharmacology
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Heroin use slightly increases triiodothyronine but significantly lowers serum cortisol and testosterone levels in addicts. Thyroid function (T4, TSH) remains unaffected by heroin intake.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Opioid use, particularly heroin, is prevalent globally.
- Understanding the physiological impact of heroin on endocrine function is crucial for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of chronic heroin use on thyroid hormones (T3, T4, TSH), cortisol, and testosterone levels.
- To compare these hormonal levels in heroin addicts with a control group of normal males.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 50 heroin addicts and 25 normal males were analyzed.
- Measurements included triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), cortisol, and testosterone.
- Urine analysis confirmed the presence of morphine in addicts.
Main Results:
- Heroin did not significantly alter serum T4 or TSH levels.
- A slight increase in serum triiodothyronine (T3) was observed in heroin users.
- Serum cortisol and testosterone levels were significantly reduced in the majority of heroin addicts.
Conclusions:
- Chronic heroin administration impacts specific hormonal axes, notably reducing cortisol and testosterone.
- While thyroid function markers T4 and TSH are largely unaffected, a minor elevation in T3 suggests a complex endocrine response to heroin.
- These findings highlight the potential for hormonal imbalances in individuals with heroin use disorder.