Effects of heroin on thyroid function, cortisol and testosterone level in addicts

Studies were carried out on 50 heroin addicts receiving heroin. Serum concentration of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)--to test thyroid function--as well as cortisol and testosterone were measured and compared with values of 25 normal males. Urine samples of addicts were tested for the presence of morphine. Heroin does not affect the serum level of T4 and TSH but a slight increase in triiodothyronine was observed. Heroin was found to exert a lowering/depleting effect on serum cortisol and testosterone level in more or less all the addicts irrespective of age, dose of heroin per day and period of drug intake.