Cross SectionalHumann = 942026
Cannabis consumption is associated with altered steroid metabolism in young men.
Plain-language summary
This study set out to explore whether cannabis use affects hormone levels in young men. It compared blood steroid levels between 47 cannabis users and 47 non-users, measuring 70 different steroids with advanced lab techniques. The study found that cannabis users had higher levels of key androgens like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, but no change in certain adrenal androgens. It also identified two progesterone metabolites that rose with cannabis use, one of which tracked with how much cannabis was consumed.
Key findings
- Cannabis use was linked to higher levels of androstenedione, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
- No significant change was seen in C11-oxy androgens (adrenal pathway markers).
- Two progesterone metabolites (11β-OHP4 and 5β-DHP4) were elevated in cannabis users, with 5β-DHP4 showing a dose-dependent rise.
How to analyze the study yourself
- Study type
- Cross-sectional studies can spot associations but cannot prove cannabis caused the hormone changes or rule out other differences between the groups.
- Population
- Young men (exact age range not specified), with cannabis users compared to non-users.
- Funding
- Not reported
- Watch for
- This study found that cannabis use was linked to higher testosterone and DHT (dihydrotestosterone, a more potent form of testosterone made from it in tissues like skin and the prostate) in young men, but did not affect adrenal androgens. If you are tracking your hormones, it may be worth noting that cannabis could shift your androgen levels.